- 08 June 2026
Meet Millie: The Four London Apprentice Building Her Hairdressing Career One Cut at a Time
From mastering layered haircuts to building confidence in one of London's leading salons, Millie shares what life is really like as a Kleek hairdressing apprentice at Four London in Mayfair, and why perseverance has been the key to her success.
Now thriving in one of the capital's most respected salons, Millie opens up about her experience in the industry so far, the trends she's seeing on the salon floor and the advice she'd give to anyone considering a career in hairdressing...
Photo: Millie, Four London
Apprentice Q&A: Life as a Hairdresser at Four London
What made you want to get into hairdressing?
I’ve always been passionate about the beauty industry and loved the idea of building a career where I could eventually work for myself. From a young age, I was always experimenting with hair and practising on friends and family, so it naturally became something I was really drawn to. Hairdressing has always been a creative outlet for me, and turning that passion into a career felt like the perfect path.
Are there any hair trends you have seen a lot at your salon?
Recently, we’ve seen a big rise in more unique and edgy styles, especially cuts like mullets and pixie cuts. I love seeing clients become more confident with bold looks, and I’m particularly interested in developing my skills further in shorter haircutting techniques because I really enjoy that creative side of hairdressing.
What advice would you give to other young people looking to get into the hair industry?
My biggest piece of advice would be to never give up. It sounds cliché, but it’s genuinely true. I’ve been doing hair for over three years now, and throughout that time I’ve experienced a lot of highs and lows. There were moments where I felt discouraged and questioned whether I should continue, but having a strong support system around me encouraged me to keep pushing forward and believe in myself. I’m so grateful that I did, because all the hard work has been worth it.
Photo: Layered haircut by Millie.
How does it feel working in such a high-end salon in London?
At first, it felt incredibly intimidating because it was my first salon, and I didn’t really know what to expect. However, now that I’m here, I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. I feel extremely proud of myself and grateful to be part of such a respected salon. The standards are very high, which was challenging at the beginning because I sometimes felt like I didn’t fit the criteria. Over time, though, I learned how to adapt, grow in confidence, and rise to those expectations, and that experience has really helped me thrive.
My dad always used to say, "You’d rather be at the lowest level in the best salon in the world than at the highest level in the worst salon," and that mindset has always stayed with me.
How does your Kleek Educator support you through your apprenticeship?
When I first joined Kleek, I don’t think I fully understood how important the opportunity was, and I probably didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. My Educator, Isha, really supported and encouraged me to push myself and reach my full potential. She believed in me even when I lacked confidence in myself, and her guidance motivated me to become more focused and driven. Since taking her advice on board, I’ve grown so much both personally and professionally, and I’ve really started to thrive.
Tell us about who your dream client would be and what your favourite service is to carry out.
My dream client would probably be Olivia Dean because she’s one of my favourite artists, and I love working with curly hair. I think it would be amazing to create looks that complement her natural texture and personal style. My favourite service to carry out would definitely be a layered haircut. I love the precision and creativity involved in cutting layers, and there’s something really satisfying about finishing the look with a beautiful blow-dry that brings the whole style together.
Photo: Millie, Four London Apprentice.
Why Hairdressing Apprenticeships Matter
Millie's story highlights something we see time and time again across Kleek Apprenticeships: confidence grows through experience.
A hairdressing apprenticeship is about much more than learning how to cut, colour and style hair. It's about developing professional skills, building relationships with clients, learning from experienced stylists and gaining the confidence to succeed in a competitive industry.
Working in a high-end salon like Four London gives apprentices hands-on experience with real clients while learning industry-leading techniques and standards. It's an opportunity to earn while you learn, gain recognised qualifications and build a long-term career in hairdressing.
For Millie, the experience hasn't always been easy, but every challenge has helped her grow into a stronger, more confident stylist.
Photo: Mullet haircut by Millie.
How to Start a Career in Hairdressing
At Kleek Apprenticeships, we work with leading salons across England to help aspiring hairdressers gain industry-recognised qualifications, learn from experienced professionals and build successful careers in hair and beauty.
Millie's journey is proof that every successful stylist starts somewhere. With the right attitude, a willingness to learn, it's possible to build a rewarding career doing something you love.
Register here to start your apprenticeship journey with Kleek.