We’ve often heard incredible stories from hairdressers working with Schwarzkopf for the Shaping Futures charity programme. This is an initiative that empowers young adults by providing life-changing, hands-on training to disadvantaged young people. Working consistently, this is a really impressive expression of the altruism of hairdressing. Helping lift people out of hopeless circumstances to shape their future.
The latest report comes from Suzie McGill, Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International and Schwarzkopf Ambassador. She recently spent an unforgettable two weeks in the Philippines
Shaping futures: Philippines trip
Shaping Futures supports underprivileged young adults aged 16 to 25. As part of her ambassador role with Schwarzkopf, Suzie was invited to the Philippines alongside a group of hairdressers for a two-week stay. They worked in rotation with other educators as part of a six-week programme designed to teach young people the basic skills of hairdressing.
Hosted at the SOS Village in Lipa City (where young people from institutes across the Philippines are supported by Shaping Futures) Suzie became fully immerse in the experience. Here she gained an insight into the lives of the young people. She saw first-hand how supported and cared for they are. Many have experienced significant hardship and while staying at the SOS Village, they are provided with weekly counselling sessions alongside wellbeing days every Saturday.
They live together as a family unit, with multiple children cared for by one mother figure, while older boys and girls help support the younger children. The village also offers a range of activities, including volleyball and basketball courts, as well as outdoor spaces where the children climb trees to pick fruit.
Education delivered
Over Suzie’s two-week period in the Philippines, she was joined by Kevin Kahan, owner of Kevin Kahan Salon. Together, they helped provide the young adults with practical training and confidence, opening doors to real career opportunities within the hair industry. Their aim was not only to inspire creativity, but also to provide a pathway towards independence and long-term success.
Suzie and Kevin taught the fundamentals of colour, basic cutting skills and an introduction to the world of hairdressing. Then came styling techniques and preparing the youngsters for a show in Lipa City.
The event showcased everything the students had learned over the six-week Shaping Futures programme. Suzie and the team also spent time helping the young people prepare for interviews to secure jobs within the hairdressing industry.
Suzie tells us: “It has been one of the best experiences of my life so far, meeting these young, extremely talented hairdressers and sharing our skills and knowledge with them. A special thank you to Armando Carluccio, who works for Schwarzkopf and is a Shaping Futures Ambassador. He has been involved with the programme for the past four years and spends six weeks at a time in the Philippines. He is truly an inspiration. The young people absolutely love him, and his dedication to education is incredible.”
Can you help?
Below is Suzie’s McGill’s Just Giving link where you can donate to help give these young people greater opportunities in life and for themselves:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/suziemcgillphilippines2026
The money raised will go directly towards purchasing essential equipment and tools, ensuring that these aspiring hairdressers have the resources they need to continue learning, practicing and growing even after training has been completed.
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