Unique Experiences in Hairdressing at EKC Sheppey College

By studying Hairdressing at EKC Sheppey College, you’ll gain experience in a range of creative and competitive environments.  

From fashion shows to industry expos, you’ll develop skills, refine techniques, and showcase your talents in professional settings. 

Here are some unique opportunities you’ll experience on our Hairdressing courses. 

Attending Industry Expos 

As a student, you’ll have the chance to attend industry events. These help you stay up to date with the latest trends, products, and techniques. 

They’re also a chance to learn from professionals and gain inspiration for your own work. 

At Salon International, one of the biggest industry expos, you’ll be surrounded by top stylists, exciting demonstrations, and the newest products on the market.  

You’ll pick up advanced techniques, network with professionals, and get a glimpse of where the industry is heading so that you can think about your future. 

Competing against other hair professionals in Kent, nationally, and internationally 

Skills competitions are a great way to challenge yourself, build confidence, and test your skills in a high-energy environment. They push you to work under pressure and give you the chance to gain recognition for your talent. 

A key example is the KFE4Skills competition, where students across East Kent Colleges Group, MidKent College and North Kent College come together to see who is crowned the best in Kent, with this year’s categories including Cut and Blow Dry, Bridal, and Fantasy. The 2025 heats were even held in our Salon on-campus. 

This competition is even endorsed by WorldSkills UK, meaning if you’re successful, you could go on to compete against the rest of the country. 

Working with clients in our own salon 

Gaining practical experience is one of the best ways to build confidence and develop your skills. Working with real clients allows you to practice your techniques while learning what to expect from your career. 

In the College’s very own Salon, you’ll work under the supervision of industry experts to offer a range of hair treatments.  

You’ll also improve your customer service, management, teamwork and leadership skills, ensuring that you’ll be prepared for the demands of a professional salon environment. 

Showcasing your looks in the community 

Taking part in events gives you the opportunity to showcase your work to the public and gain feedback, so that you can experiment with different looks. 

One memorable event was the Catwalk show, held at the Criterion Centre in Bluetown. Learners started the day in the College’s Salon, styling hair and makeup alongside professionals from local salons such as Ginger’s Hair and Beauty. 

This experience inspired learners to push their creative boundaries and see how their skills can make an impact beyond the salon. 

Exploring new styles and eras with workshops 

Getting creative with different styles and techniques is an important part of becoming a skilled hairdresser. By exploring new styles, you can develop new ideas and refine your attention to detail. 

One way to do this is with workshops that happen throughout the year, including focuses on braided hair.  You’ll learn how to create intricate hairstyles while taking inspiration from traditional designs, helping you build your technical skills.  

You can also be inspired throughout the ages with in-College contests, with ‘Eras’ being a popular brief. 

Whether you’re eager to compete in skills contests, learn from industry experts, or gain experience in our commercial salon, EKC Sheppey College will equip you with the skills for a successful career in Hairdressing. 

Explore our Hairdressing courses and apply today.