The Power of Apprentices: Growing Your Salon and Nurturing the Next Generation

Every successful salon has one thing in common – great people. 

But finding and keeping talented staff is one of the biggest challenges salon owners face today. That’s why more employers are choosing to grow their own talent through apprenticeships. 

For many, it’s not just a recruitment choice. It’s a long-term investment in both their business and the future of the hair and beauty industry. 

At Faces Hair and Beauty in Colchester, apprentices play a vital role in the salon’s daily operations. Salon owner Allison Hudson sees the difference they make in enhancing the overall salon experience by supporting the entire team. 

She explains: “A good apprentice provides that extra something to the client’s salon experience and allows the stylist or technician to be even more productive.” 

This extra support enables senior staff to focus on delivering higher-value services, while apprentices help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Lauren Mathis, Salon Director at JM Hairdressing in Gravesend, emphasises the transformative impact apprenticeships have had on her business over the years. She views apprentices not just as learners but as future team members: 

“Apprentices are a valuable asset to a business because they… support the long-term growth of our salon. The success and sustainability of our business depend on the next generation of hairdressers. If we don’t actively train and support young people entering the industry, we risk losing the skills and creativity that keep our salon growing.'' 

 That investment clearly pays off. 

“Six of our apprentices are still with us. Our manager, who was an apprentice 20 years ago, has worked as a stylist and is now salon manager and a recent finalist at the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2026.' 

That kind of loyalty is hard to find through traditional recruitment. By training apprentices from the start, salon owners can build a team that understands their standards, clients and culture. 

Natasha from Natasha Hodges Hair in Tunbridge Wells explains how her team uses apprentices in a smart, commercial way to contribute to their salon’s growth: 

“One of the key benefits of having an apprentice is improved time management across the salon. With their support on tasks such as removing colour, toning, and assisting with smaller services, stylists can focus on other clients. This allows us to increase our capacity, see more clients, and ultimately grow the business in a financially beneficial way.” 

Susan Flintoff at Hair Secrets in Northallerton also offers added services: 

“We have a Blow-dry Club for unlimited blow-drys per month, and the blow-drys are delivered by our learners, allowing us more time on cutting and complex techniques.” 

Both examples illustrate how apprentices can support services, increase capacity and create additional revenue opportunities. 

Natasha Hodges sees apprentices as essential to salon success: 

“Our apprentices are at the heart of everything we do, and quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to operate without them. They play a vital role in supporting both our team and our clients, allowing us to deliver the high level of service and experience that every client deserves.” 

Jess, Salon Owner at The Station Hair & Beauty in Colchester  

“For us it’s a no-brainer having apprentices in the salon, it's how I came into the industry.  From working as a Saturday girl to securing an apprenticeship, and it was the best thing I ever did.  We couldn’t function as we do with the day-to-day running of our salon without them. “ 

For Karen Harvey at Keith Graham Hairdressing, it is not just about business performance but building the right environment and team.  

As she puts it: “They help make a complete salon and a happy one too.” 

For Nicola Hughes, owner of Saks Chester, the stakes are even higher.  

“Our industry's future depends on experienced professionals stepping up as mentors. The techniques, artistry, and business wisdom we've accumulated mean nothing if we don't pass them forward.” 

Apprenticeships represent a commitment to safeguarding the future of the industry. Without this mentorship, the industry risks losing invaluable expertise over time. Apprentices also bring fresh energy, new ideas, and a willingness to learn, while gaining the skills and confidence necessary for a long-term career. 

That’s the real power of apprenticeships. 

In a people-focused industry like hair and beauty, talent doesn’t just appear – it has to be nurtured. And the salons that invest in apprentices today are the ones that will thrive tomorrow.   

Because when you take on an apprentice, you’re not just training a junior. You’re shaping the future of your business – and the future of the industry itself. 

First published in Salon Magazine.