Esme’s hairdressing journey began in May 2021, when she joined her salon as a part-time receptionist. From the very beginning, she became fascinated by the world of hair and quickly realised it was the career she wanted to pursue. By September 2021, Esme had taken the next step and enrolled on her Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship at college.
Even before starting college, Esme was already shampooing clients and understood how important this stage of the service is. For her, it wasn’t just about hair looking good, but about helping clients feel relaxed, confident and leave the salon feeling their very best. This client-focused approach has remained central to her work throughout her apprenticeship.
Esme was quickly drawn to perfecting her blow-dry techniques, recognising how important a strong finish is to every hair service. She then discovered a real passion for colour, enjoying the creative side of hairdressing and the opportunity to personalise each service using different techniques and formulas.
Working in a smaller salon environment allowed Esme to gain hands-on experience quickly and become a key part of the team. As her client base grew, so did her confidence. Cutting was initially a challenge, but with the support of her salon boss and college tutors, Esme mastered the basics and continued to develop her skills using additional resources such as social media and professional brand education. She particularly enjoys thinning techniques, especially when working with thick or short hair.
After completing her Level 2 apprenticeship with a distinction, Esme knew she wanted to progress onto Level 3. While confident in her abilities, she understands that hairdressing is a constantly evolving craft and loves that there is always something new to learn.
Since starting Level 3, Esme’s confidence in cutting has grown significantly. With encouragement from her tutors, Louise and Kelly, she has been pushed to try new styles and techniques, with a particular focus on shorter haircuts to ensure she feels confident in all aspects of cutting before completing college.
Now nearing the end of her Level 3 apprenticeship, Esme is preparing for her End Point Assessment (EPA). She currently runs a full column at the salon and is excited about progressing into full-time work, allowing her more time to focus on her loyal clients and continue developing professionally within the industry.
Find out more about Esme’s apprenticeship course: HERE
