POLOKWANE – The students of the Complete School of Hairdressing at salon Deo Volente may have just the solution for you, should you be in such a situation. According to Nicol Austen, a senior hairdresser at the salon, they know exactly how much just a simple haircut and blow dry can mean to someone as it has the ability to lift anyone’s mood. “We have various charity campaigns throughout the year in an attempt to give something back to the community,” Nicol said.
They are currently offering free haircuts for everyone on Mondays from 8:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays from 8:00 to 13:00. “Our experienced students will be providing this free service under professional watch and the public is welcome to make an appointment for a free cut and blow dry.”
One of the students, Mandi Potgieter, explained she has always had a passion for hair, and that she is also a nail technician. “Since I can remember, I have always had a passion for people and hairdressing is the perfect combination of creating something beautiful while at the same time enhancing someone’s mood by making them feel beautiful. I think that is definitely the best part of being a hairdresser, the look of satisfaction clients give you after you’ve done their hair.”
Venuschke Snyman, another student at the Complete School of Hairdressing, is of the same opinion and explained doing other people’s hair has been something she always did, even during her school days. “I love doing different looks and it is definitely a creative outlet which I am extremely passionate about. One definitely needs to have a passion for doing hair in order to make a success in the industry. Some people are of the opinion that hairdressers are self-taught and that it doesn’t take much effort to become a hairdresser, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I am currently in my second year of study and next year would be my practical year so it takes a minimum of three years to become a qualified hairdresser.”
Nicol added when she was still a student herself she had to overcome her fears and gain self-confidence.
“You simply cannot doubt yourself because clients can see it and then they start to doubt your ability as a hairdresser. You need to make a name for yourself and the only way you can do that is to ensure your end result is exactly what the client wanted.”
Erika Bantjies, the lecturer at the Complete School of Hairdressing and owner of salon Deo Volente, has 24 years’ experience in the business. According to Nicol she is the best teacher ever and has taught her things that one isn’t able to learn in books, but only through experience.
“She always taught me to ‘fake it till you make’ it and that has stuck with me since then because that is simply what you have to do. She is the best teacher in the industry and I would, without a doubt, encourage prospective students to do their studies at her school here at Deo Volente.”
