3 Reasons why we need to prioritise training our hair apprentices.

Taking on an apprentice is the first step — but the real difference comes from how you train them inside the salon. While training providers or colleges cover some training, it’s in the salon where apprentices truly develop into confident, capable stylists. For salon owners, prioritising in-salon training isn’t just good for the apprentice — it’s vital for your business.

1.Bridging the gap between head blocks and real clients

Your apprentices may learn the techniques at college, but nothing replaces working on a real client in a salon environment. In-salon training allows apprentices to apply what they’ve learned in a practical environment, building confidence and competence with real clients under your supervision.

2. Long-Term Loyalty and Retention

If your Apprentice feels genuinely invested in through in-salon training they are far more likely to stay with your salon. They see themselves as part of the team from day one, which builds loyalty and reduces turnover later on.

3. Setting the standard for quality

Every salon has its own standards, culture, and way of working. By committing to structured in-salon training, you’re ensuring your apprentice learns the skills and service approach that reflect your salon’s reputation. This helps maintain consistency in quality across your team.

Why we need to rethink how we train hair apprentices

Too often, apprenticeships are treated as a helping hand for the salon — not as the structured, educational journey they should be.

Folding towels, sweeping floors, and watching from the sidelines might be part of the day…

But they’re not a training programme.

I’ve worked with so many apprentices who feel overlooked — lacking clear guidance, proper structure, and consistent feedback.

And I’ve worked with passionate salon owners who want to support their team but don’t know where to start with building a plan.

So here’s the truth

If we want confident, competent stylists, we need to treat training as a priority — not an afterthought.

✅ Weekly training time

✅ Individual learning plans

✅ Real-time feedback

✅ Opportunities to grow confidence on the floor

It’s not about perfection — it’s about intentional education. Apprenticeship is the foundation of our industry. Let’s treat it like one.

Are we doing enough to support our next generation of stylists?

I’d love to hear how you structure your training sessions — or what you wish you’d had when you were starting out.