- 08 February 2026
- Apprentices & Success Stories &
At the age of just 23, former Kleek Hairdressing Apprentice Annabelle Arnold has already carved out an impressive career as a freelance colour specialist, with experiences spanning from UK salons to international stages. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Annabelle’s story highlights the power of apprenticeships, from starting her journey with Kleek Apprenticeships at 16 to working in Australia, assisting global colour icons, and sharing her skills live at Salon International.
Annabelle shares how her apprenticeship with Kleek helped shape her career, the highlights of travelling the world with her craft, and her advice for future apprentices ready to begin their own journey...
KLEEK: Let’s start at the beginning. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how your hairdressing journey began?
Annabelle: I’m 23 years old and work as a freelance colour specialist. I’ve always wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a hairdresser. At 16, I began my apprenticeship with Kleek. I’ve always been a very hands-on learner, and I wanted to work in a salon environment as soon as possible, so an apprenticeship felt like the perfect path for me. It allowed me to learn by doing, while building confidence and real-world skills from day one.
Photo Credit: Annabelle Arnold
KLEEK: Your career has taken you all over the world. Can you share some of the amazing places/opportunities your Kleek Hairdressing qualification has led you to?
Annabelle: Since qualifying with Kleek, I’ve had so many incredible opportunities in the hairdressing world. I’ve worked in both small and large salons, in the UK and Australia. I’ve educated for colour brands, and in 2022, I demonstrated live at Salon International, an event I’ve loved since I first went with Kleek back in 2018. I’ve also explored session styling, assisting on shoots and shows like London Fashion Week.
One highlight has been travelling internationally to assist colour legend Jaye Edwards on his masterclasses across Europe and the US. A standout moment was working with Jaye at the Behind the Chair show in Dallas in 2024, where I was surrounded by stylists I’ve admired on Instagram since the start of my career. It truly remains one of the most inspiring moments of my journey so far.
KLEEK: Out of all the roles you’ve done, from shows and shoots to working in salons and education, what’s the part you love the most?
Annabelle: I’m grateful to have seen many sides of the industry in a short time. Regardless of my role, I’m always drawn back to why I started hairdressing: making people feel good. Working one-on-one with clients in my home studio, sharing a coffee, and creating a colour that brightens their day is incredibly rewarding. Seeing their transformation and renewed confidence is the best part of my job.
Photo Credit: Annabelle Arnold assisting Jaye Edwards.
KLEEK: Thinking back, how did Kleek support you during your apprenticeship and help shape where you are now?
Annabelle: Kleek played such a big part in shaping my career during my apprenticeship. While I was working full-time in the salon and attending the academy one day a week, the educators were always there with guidance and encouragement – not just with my training, but also when I faced personal or work-related challenges. Their support went above and beyond. I have such amazing memories from that time, and I truly credit Kleek for giving me the foundation and confidence to be where I am today.
KLEEK: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in hairdressing, what would it be?
Annabelle: It would be to stay hungry to learn. Take every opportunity that comes your way and never turn down education, especially if it’s free. Networking is just as important as your skillset, because so many opportunities come from who you know, not just what you know. Be driven and passionate, because people are always willing to help those who truly want to succeed.
Get on Instagram early - share your work, track your progress, and use it as a tool to see how far you’ve come. Sometimes it’s only when you look back that you realise how much you’ve grown. Above all, never stop learning! There’s always more to discover in this industry.
Photo Credit: Annabelle Arnold's work.
KLEEK: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about starting their own Kleek Apprenticeship journey?
Annabelle: I absolutely encourage them to go for it! Starting a Kleek Apprenticeship is your entry into a creative and empowering industry. Hairdressing offers countless paths to take, from salon work to education, session styling, and even travelling the world! But it all begins with a strong foundation, and that’s exactly what a Kleek Apprenticeship gives you. You’re not just learning skills for life, you’re building confidence, creativity, and connections.
If Annabelle’s story has inspired you to start a career for life, what better time to do so than during National Apprenticeship Week 2026! Explore Kleek Apprenticeships career opportunities now.
Follow Anabelle on Instagram - @annabelles.hair
Photo Credit: Annabelle Arnold assisting Jaye Edwards.
