Back to School at Combers

Creating the Next Generation of Hairdressers

We don't simply want apprentices to learn how Combers works today. We want to give them the foundations they need to become confident, knowledgeable Hair Professionals who can continue developing throughout their careers.

That means learning from experienced members of our team, receiving constructive feedback and gradually taking greater responsibility as their knowledge grows.

It also means understanding our Inside-Out philosophy from the beginning.

At Combers, we start with the person rather than the hairstyle. We listen, ask questions and understand what someone needs before deciding which technical approach will deliver the right result.

Teaching those values alongside technical skills helps ensure the next generation understands that exceptional hairdressing involves both craft and care.

Qualification Isn't the End of Education

One of the most important things we can teach an apprentice is that qualifying doesn't mean learning has finished.

In many ways, it has only just begun.

Our most experienced Hair Professionals continue investing in their own development because there will always be something else to understand, refine or explore.

We've seen that recently through Beckie Lyons and Cameron Willetts completing the Davines International Colour Genius Programme with distinction, alongside Cameron's invitation to assist Davines International Hair Art Director Tom Connell at an international education event in Parma.

We've also continued developing specialist skills across the team, including Svetlana's recent barbering education.

Now we're taking our knowledge in another important direction through further trichology training and education around hair and scalp health.

These aren't disconnected achievements. Together, they demonstrate a culture where learning continues at every stage of a career.

Taking Our Knowledge From Hair to Scalp Health

Our developing knowledge of trichology feels particularly relevant to the Combers philosophy because beautiful hair doesn't begin with the finished style.

It begins much deeper.

The condition of your scalp, your hair growth cycle, lifestyle, haircare routine and many other factors can influence how your hair looks and feels. Building our professional understanding of these areas allows us to have better conversations with guests and provide more informed salon care and homecare recommendations.

Importantly, salon based hair and scalp knowledge doesn't replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Instead, greater education helps Hair Professionals understand what sits within our professional remit and recognise when a guest may benefit from speaking to an appropriate healthcare or specialist professional.

It's another example of why continuous education matters. Sometimes becoming more knowledgeable doesn't simply teach you what to do. It teaches you when to recognise that something needs expertise beyond your own.

Davines Naturaltech and a More Considered Approach to Haircare

Our growing focus on hair and scalp health also complements our work with Davines Naturaltech.

Rather than treating every concern with the same shampoo or conditioner, a more considered approach begins by understanding what the hair and scalp actually need.

That might involve looking at dryness, sensitivity, excess oil, weakened hair or changes someone has noticed in the condition of their hair before recommending an appropriate salon or homecare routine.

As our knowledge develops, we'll be sharing much more about hair and scalp health and helping our guests understand how professional haircare can form part of a consistent routine.

Again, the principle remains simple: understand first, recommend second.

Celebrating Global Education Day at Combers

That brings us to Global Education Day on 21st September.

For us, education isn't only about the major courses, international opportunities or certificates that make their way onto the salon wall. It happens every day.

It happens when an experienced Hair Professional shares knowledge with an apprentice. It happens during a consultation when we explain why a particular colour may work better than another. It happens when somebody returns from training and shares what they've learnt with colleagues.

Most importantly, it happens when new knowledge changes the experience of the guest sitting in our chair.

That's what we'll really be celebrating on 21st September.