<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Barbering</a> Careers Excellence Hub (CEH) signed a new partnership with <strong>White&amp;Co</strong> hair salon in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for students to work with industry professionals, learn new techniques and gain real-world experience through workshops.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>White&amp;Co </strong>founder, Rachel White, is an award-winning L'Oréal Colour blonde specialist and the owner of White&amp;Co hair salon in Bristol, known for its luxury colour services and for being a blonde and balayage expert. Rachel has several years of professional experience in the industry, gaining qualifications and awards before finally opening her own luxury salon, White&amp;Co, in 2025.</p><p>Prior to the partnership, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… 3 Hairdressing</a> students took part in a photoshoot session where our students were given a brief, having to put half of the model’s hair up and use their own homemade ornamentation within their designs. They came up with inspiration and created mood boards of their ideas before executing them on their models, showcasing a range of techniques and designs that they had learnt.</p><p>Students created headdresses using customised hairbands, felt flowers, and cushions with gems and a veil. These innovative creations gave our students the chance to build skills and techniques in a different form of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, giving them flexibility and creativity when styling their model’s hair. This was a great way for students to explore new pathways and learn different techniques from industry professionals.&nbsp;</p><p>Following this, students then took part in a photoshoot of their styles, using professional lighting settings and Rachel’s guidance to create a real-world photoshoot for the students to experience and learn from. This experience was a fantastic opportunity for&nbsp;</p><p>Rachel White, owner of Whitecoat hair salon in Bristol, said:</p><p>“This collaboration with Weston College means a lot to me as my own career in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; began with college training. Being able to support students at such a formative stage feels very personal and rewarding, and allows me to share real industry experience while giving back to the pathway that shaped my career.”</p><p>“My advice to aspiring hairdressing students would be to try everything!&nbsp; When I first started my career, I didn’t enjoy colouring at all and thought I would go on to become a session stylist. Although I still love styling hair, I’m now a colour specialist and all my success within the industry has come from a path I never expected to take. You just don't know unless you try, that thing you’re scared of might just be your making!”</p><p>“Thank you to Weston College for giving me the opportunity to be part of such an exciting project. I’m looking forward to what’s to come and to working closely with the students.”</p><p>A huge thank you to Rachel for delivering an insightful workshop and becoming an industry partner to help shape the future generation of hairdressers!</p><p>This partnership forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Barbering</a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; students visited the <strong>Warner Bros. Studio Tour London</strong> to take part in a masterclass titled <em>The Art of Movie Make-up </em>where students got to see the time, craft and skills behind <strong>the Making of Harry Potter</strong>, followed by a behind-the-scenes studio tour. This experience gave students a unique insight into the creation of one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. &nbsp;</p><p>During the masterclass, students explored the powerful impact that hair and makeup have on a character’s physical appearance. They learned how distinctive features help define and identify characters, such as Harry Potter’s iconic scar and glasses, Voldemort’s nose, and Draco Malfoy’s slicked-back, platinum-blonde hair. These visual elements extend beyond the films themselves and have become instantly recognisable symbols of the franchise. &nbsp;</p><p>Students were then guided through the step-by-step process used by professional makeup artists to create characters for film. This begins with carefully reading the full script and analysing character descriptions to determine the appropriate hair and makeup required to bring the director’s vision to life. This foundational stage is essential, allowing each character’s look to be developed and refined through multiple stages of collaboration and feedback. &nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the session, students also learned a range of fascinating facts about the Harry Potter films and the design choices behind each character. They gained insight into the challenges makeup artists face in maintaining consistency and continuity, particularly across long-running film franchises where actors change and grow over time. &nbsp;</p><p>To apply their learning, students took part in a creative activity in which they designed their own character. They selected a name, gender, species, and defining characteristics, using personality traits as a guide for their character’s visual appearance. This task highlighted how hair and makeup can help communicate a character’s background, journey, and role within a story. &nbsp;</p><p>To conclude the visit, students viewed authentic prosthetics and wigs used in the Harry Potter films, bringing to life the transformative impact that hair and makeup can have on screen. &nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the trip provided students with a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, learn directly from industry professionals, and develop a deeper understanding of the vital role hair and makeup play in shaping a character’s personality and backstory. This is particularly important in book-to-film adaptations, where meeting audience expectations is crucial to maintaining authenticity and enjoyment. &nbsp;</p><p>The experience also allowed students to network with industry professionals, ask questions, and gain insight into potential career pathways after college. They learned about routes into hair and makeup for TV and film, and gained an honest understanding of both the rewards and challenges of working in a high-pressure industry that plays a key role in the success of modern cinematography. &nbsp;</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for our students, benefitting not only their professional development but also their personal growth. It helped build their confidence, creativity, and determination to achieve the careers they aspire to. By giving students the chance to explore a range of pathways within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; sector, we are broadening their prospects and helping them gain a clearer understanding of the careers they could pursue after completing their course. As a college, we are committed to ensuring they feel fully prepared and supported as they take their next step.” &nbsp;</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in SUBJECT! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last term, our Level 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; students took part in a hair matting enrichment session, where they created artistic designs using specialist hair matting techniques to further develop their skills and gain a deeper understanding of the versatility of hair.&nbsp;</p><p>To produce designs using hair matting techniques, hair is first cut into small pieces and carefully laid onto a mat. It is then sprayed with hairspray and dried in place, creating a fabric-like material made entirely from hair. This material can be moulded and cut into a variety of shapes to form a wide range of creative items. During the session, students produced handbags, extravagant headdresses and other artistic designs that showcased their newly developed skills.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Hair matted handbag&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ddaabe4-708b-432a-a463-e2ad2649e2a2" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>Participating in the hair matting workshop provided students with a valuable opportunity to enhance both their technical ability and professional confidence. The session encouraged creativity and experimentation beyond traditional salon styles, enabling students to refine their control, precision and understanding of texture, structure and effective product use.&nbsp;</p><p>The activity also helped prepare students for future careers in hairdressing by developing their independence, adaptability and resilience throughout the creative process. These essential skills are vital in the hairdressing industry, where professionals must respond to diverse client needs and evolving industry trends. Engaging in non-standard activities such as this challenges learners’ patience, encourages innovation and supports them in standing out within the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>Hannah Prior, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Barbering</u></a> Lecturer at Weston College, added, “Workshops like this are a great way for students to step away from traditional hairdressing techniques and gain a greater appreciation of just how versatile hairdressing can be. Whether students aspire to work in a salon or pursue a more artistic and creative pathway, this task prepares them for a range of career opportunities and broadens their future prospects.”&nbsp;</p><p>A big well done to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; students for their hard work and creativity in producing such innovative designs throughout this project.&nbsp;</p><p>This hands-on workshop forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Barbering</u></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong>&nbsp;</p>