We have an astonishing, and frankly alarming, drop in the number of apprenticeships being taken up for hairdressing. Wherever you are in the UK, the numbers signing up, and completing, are falling rapidly. The cost of having an apprentice is one factor often cited for this drop in figures. Equally, we can see the impact of the move towards self-employment and working alone or in collaborative spaces, along with the demise of the employed-salon model.
The way apprenticeships are supported by the Government will differ across the UK with Scotland having a noticeable variation from England for example. We need more simplification and help, better understanding of the cost of hiring apprentices, and the time it takes to qualify. But one thing is certain: The value of offering an apprenticeship scheme, and the value an apprentice potentially brings to your business is similar nationwide. And this is for both co-working salons and employed or hybrid models.
Here’s the story from KIKU Salon in Inverness where owners Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo champion apprenticeships wholeheartedly. We hope you find it inspiring and relatable :
KIKU Apprentices
Since the inception of KIKU Salon, co-owners, Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo have understood the value of apprentices. For them, not only do apprentices build the future of their business; they build the future of hairdressing. The pair remind us, that we all have start to somewhere. Whether that be through training at college or undertaking an apprenticeship at a local salon – when learning the fundamentals of hairdressing, we all need a supportive environment where we can hone our craft.
Whilst there is a debate about which path is more beneficial; many industry professionals stand by the apprenticeship which offer a hands-on approach to learning. When learning in a salon environment the trainee is given the opportunity to immerse themselves in not only the practical skills, but also the general goings-on within the salon. Paul Ralph, co-founder of KIKU Salon says: “Apprentices bring a completely different energy to the salon. They bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. They also become an important part of the team, supporting the more experienced stylists while gaining valuable knowledge and skills from them. And as they learn from us, they also keep us thinking about how and why we do things.”
Salon co-owner Hiro Kudo says: “We train in-salon and we’re quite strict about how we structure our education. We break hairdressing down into individual units and then into smaller sections – for example blow-drying, long hair cutting, bobs, short hair cutting, tinting and highlighting. At the end of each section, the apprentice must give a presentation demonstrating what they’ve learnt, both in their knowledge and practical skills.”
Once these apprentices have completed all the units, they have a final test that brings together a variation of everything they’ve learnt. Hiro continues: “We know it’s challenging, but there’s a reason for that. When they’re ready to work on the salon floor, we want them to have the confidence and technical ability to look after our clients properly. We don’t believe in simply throwing someone in at the deep end and hoping for the best.”
Case studies
Olivia joined KIKU Salon in March 2026, as she felt that doing an apprenticeship would allow her to experience the day to day running of a salon. When reflecting on her journey so far, Olivia tells us: “Working in the salon is incredibly motivating as I can assist and learn from Paul, Hiro and Nicola – a team of stylists with a very diverse skill set. I also get to see how they interact with clients first hand which has provided invaluable experience!”
KIKU Salon has another apprentice; Reiley joined in February 2026. When talking about his reasoning for choosing an apprenticeship over college, Reiley mentioned that he preferred learning on one-on-on instead of a class of students – making a choice which he admits was “obvious”. It’s not just hands-on, technical skills which apprentices can benefit from, it also helps them to home in on their personal skills. Reilley says “I’ve developed my consultation skills, so I can fully understand what a client is looking for. This has been especially helpful when it comes to assessing the hair for growth patterns, hair texture, hair type, hairy density, and setting realistic expectations for both me and the client so we both leave happy!”
Motivation
Undertaking an apprenticeship can be daunting, but Olivia advises: “Be confident in yourself and make your interest to get into the industry be known by approaching salons about apprenticeship and work opportunities! When you’re starting your apprenticeship expect the unexpected! No two days are the same in the salon – and the same goes for the clients!”
For KIKU, an apprenticeship is also about passing skills from one generation of hairdressers to the next. Paul Ralph gives us the final word: “The skills we teach have come from everything we’ve learnt from other hairdressers, educators and our own professional development over the years. We pass that knowledge on to our apprentices, and hopefully one day they’ll pass what they’ve learnt on to somebody else. That’s how strong skills and a real understanding of the craft continue through the industry.”
To find out more about taking on an apprentice, and discovering if there are grants, or incentives in your area, there are several good resources:
FIND WHO OFFERS APPRENTICESHIPS: HERE
NHBF – industry body has advice and information HERE
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