At Crazy Color, we love working closely with colleges, apprentices and our amazing community who are starting out in the industry. Like any craft, mastering the skills needed to create jaw-dropping transformations takes time, dedication and hands-on experience. The amazing thing about hairdressing is that the learning is completely flexible and varied training is super important, so apprenticeships are really key to progression in the industry.
Our industry thrives on fresh talent, innovation, and creativity. While classroom learning is invaluable, there’s no substitute for real-world experience. Apprenticeships provide all of our aspiring colourists and stylists with the skills, confidence, and industry knowledge they need to grow and develop in their career. They bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring the next generation of colour experts and cutting specialists are ready to make waves with their own creations in the industry.
Our Crazy Color Pro, Connor Stansfield told us about his experience:
“Why did you want to become a hair colourist?
I’ve been fascinated by hair for as long as I can remember. As a young boy, my family would always gift me mannequin heads for birthdays and Christmas, and I would spend hours experimenting with colour—whether natural, pastel, or bold and vivid. I pushed those mannequin heads to their limits, testing out techniques until the hair was practically falling off! Even back then, I was captivated by the way hair colour could completely transform someone in just a few hours. The possibilities in hairdressing are endless, and that’s what excites me the most.
My Hairdressing Apprenticeship Journey
By the time I was 16, I had built up a steady stream of clients, from family members and school friends to complete strangers in my local town. Tuesday training nights became a mini salon experience, with people eager for a change at a small cost to cover products. Word of mouth spread quickly, and before I knew it, I had a queue of people trusting me with their hair—even at such a young age!
How did you get experience while being an apprentice?
My apprenticeship holds a special place in my heart because it was a time of immense learning and hands-on creativity. I’ve never been overly academic, so getting through the theory side as efficiently as possible was a priority for me—I just wanted to get stuck into the practical work! But looking back, if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: Take the time to explore the theory side too. There’s so much valuable knowledge that can truly elevate your work, and understanding the “why” behind what you’re doing makes a massive difference.
What is a core memory you have while being an apprentice?
One unforgettable moment was the first time a client burst into happy tears after seeing their hair transformation. That reaction, the pure joy and confidence boost, solidified my love for hairdressing. On the flip side, I also remember a time when I completely overprocessed someone’s hair—it was a disaster, but I learned a crucial lesson about the importance of timing and product knowledge. These moments, both good and bad, helped shape me into the colourist I am today.”
We asked our Ambassador team: If you could give your younger self any tips or words of wisdom, what would they be?
They all pretty much said the same thing: the hairdressing industry is full of incredible opportunities, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there. Passion, persistence and an eagerness to learn will take you further than you ever imagined! Never be afraid to ask questions, experiment with new techniques and make mistakes – they are essential to learning and developing your skillset. Ryan Hampson says: “Move around to find where you fit in, I worked in multiple salons before I found a place I felt comfortable and accepted!” and we completely agree, you need to find your tribe!
Why Apprenticeships Are Essential
- Hands-On Learning – There’s only so much you can learn from without being behind the chair. Being in a salon environment allows apprentices to see firsthand how to interact with clients, mix colour, and perfect techniques under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
- Amping up your Confidence – Nothing boosts confidence like hands-on experience. Whether it’s executing a flawless colour melt or nailing a vivid pink transformation, practice makes perfect. Apprenticeships give trainees the space to experiment and learn from their mistakes in a supportive environment.
- Staying Inspired – Hairdressing is an ever-evolving industry. By working alongside experienced stylists, you learn the latest techniques, styles and trends especially when it comes to bold and brilliant colour transformations (our specialty!). And this doesn’t just go for apprentices, the salon is always a hub of ideas and collaboration so it’s always inspiring new creativity from everyone!
- Earning While Learning – One of the biggest perks? Apprentices get to earn while they learn! Who doesn’t love that idea, getting lots of valuable skills and financial independence at the same time.
- Building your own Column – As you grow, you will be encouraged to take on clients of your own and during your time as an apprentice you can build great relationships with clients who will often be there long after you have completed that phase of your career!
- A Direct Route to Employment – Many salons prefer to hire apprentices who have trained with them. It’s a win-win: businesses gain loyal, well-trained stylists, and apprentices secure employment in a familiar and supportive setting.
The Future of Hairdressing Depends on Apprenticeships
The demand for skilled hair professionals isn’t slowing down, and neither is the need for apprenticeships. Investing in training the next generation ensures the industry remains vibrant, competitive, innovative and always creating magic BTC! Whether it’s mastering the art of the perfect fade or creating a custom colour melt, apprenticeships are an excellent foundation for your creative career.
At Crazy Color, we celebrate creativity and individuality. That’s why we are such avid supporters of apprenticeships, they provide the foundation for stylists to grow, experiment, and push boundaries. So, to all aspiring hair artists out there: find a mentor, take the plunge and start your journey. The world needs more fearless, colour-loving stylists!