Future hairdresser given head-start with local salon

Coventry College has teamed up with a local professional salon to give a future hairdresser a head-start in the industry.

Cliptomania, based at Walsgrave Road in Coventry, agreed to support Natalja Sokolova, a Level 3 Hairdressing student at Coventry College, by giving her vital experience working alongside experienced professionals and meeting the demands of clients.

Natalja had limited professional experience due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and needed to develop her skills and knowledge to prepare herself for life after college. She is set to complete her year-long course this summer.

Coventry College placed Natalja at Cliptomania, and during her time there she has practised her skills and developed her communication with clients – learning how to talk to them and build a client- hairdresser relationship.

She is planning to go to university to study business after her level 3 course and then open up her own business afterwards.

Suzanne Highton, salon manager at Cliptomania, mentored Natalja and gave her an insight into practices and techniques used for various hair types and styles, which gave her the confidence to perform a range of tasks including blow-drying, washing, and putting hair into foils.

Suzanne said: “Mentoring Natalja has helped us to show her our experience and skills, and pass on our knowledge to help improve her confidence and give her a real-life working experience in a salon.

“We have seen Natalja from the start wanting to learn all about the trade, and some of the regular clients have taken to her too. She works hard and fits in well.

“Once she has completed her time with us, I would be happy to support another student from the college. I believe in giving young people the chance to start in the industry and take themselves further, if they show an interest and commitment to the work.”

Joanne Chamberlain, Natalja’s tutor at Coventry College, said: “It’s inspiring when students want to better themselves and take up work experience in addition to their courses, and we are always keen to help make that happen.

“It’s great to see that Natalja had a very successful placement with Cliptomania, learning a huge amount about professional hairdressing and enjoying working within a small team of experienced people.

“I’d like to thank them for taking her on board and look forward to working with them again in the future.”