Toni and Guy academy advice

[Gypsygal]

Hi there
I am thinking seriously in retraining in hair and doing it at Toni and Guy in London. Has anyone done this themselves and can offer any advice? Also how did you pay for it? What is the payment plan?
also do you think it’s mad to start this at 41. My former industry has been decimated by Covid

 

[AcidPerm]

Lots of people retrain in hairdressing as mature students. My college course was aimed at mature students over 25yrs and there were several of us in our 40’s and two Ladies in their fifties. It is physically demanding as you’re on your feet for hours at a time and you can suffer back issues from bending in strange positions for long periods when doing things like foiling.

I can’t comment on Toni & Guy as I haven’t tried their training but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Sassoon Academy training. I only attended their post qualifying short courses but they were well worth the investment. One of my fellow students had trained with T&G via a salon and wasn’t very flattering about it, but that might be salon dependent so another branch might be better managed.

If you go via the college route beware that some teaching staff will suggest that students can expect to gain employment in a salon after level 2, but that’s unrealistic unless you can put in lots of practice in a salon whilst studying. Level 2 only covers the basics and you need to learn advanced cutting skills and all about colour correction if you’re going to run your own column. Very few client come in with virgin uncoloured hair!

Generally expect to study to at least level 3 or equivalent so you need to factor in both time and money.

 

[Gypsygal]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. I think you’re right about Sassoon. Do you know what the hours are for the 30 week course? Is it full time ?

 

[Lola k]

Another route would be taking a job at a salon. You would be able to apply tints and semis and cover reception. You’d also probably be able to blow dry. While your working there you could be involved with their weekly training sessions for those who are doing an NVQ.You could do your level 3 while working there. You’re already qualified so you just need to get back into what client expectations are these days and update your skills. You can do colour Correction courses via Zoom. Personally I think you would get more out of being in a salon than you would on a full time coarse. Why not apply for part time reception posts and tell them you’d also like to train. You’d be an asset as they could pull you from reception when they need an extra pair on hands on the salon floor and you’d be getting paid. I’m a salon owner and would love someone with skills who wanted to update. I’ve also worked for big names teaching at academy’s many years ago and I don’t really believe they get you salon ready. You can’t beat working in a salon. Good luck xx

 

[Gypsygal]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. I think you’re right about Sassoon. Do you know what the hours are for the 30 week course? Is it full time ?

Another route would be taking a job at a salon. You would be able to apply tints and semis and cover reception. You’d also probably be able to blow dry. While your working there you could be involved with their weekly training sessions for those who are doing an NVQ.You could do your level 3 while working there. You’re already qualified so you just need to get back into what client expectations are these days and update your skills. You can do colour Correction courses via Zoom. Personally I think you would get more out of being in a salon than you would on a full time coarse. Why not apply for part time reception posts and tell them you’d also like to train. You’d be an asset as they could pull you from reception when they need an extra pair on hands on the salon floor and you’d be getting paid. I’m a salon owner and would love someone with skills who wanted to update. I’ve also worked for big names teaching at academy’s many years ago and I don’t really believe they get you salon ready. You can’t beat working in a salon. Good luck xx

thank you! I have applied for several apprenticeships but they are looking for school leavers. I’ve worked on reception and assisted twice in two different salons but at the time I was just covering and due to my other commitments wasn’t able to make the full commitment to training. Maybe I should do that again. Many thanks xx