Hair care brands shape hair – and futures

Henkel Beauty Care, Schwarzkopf, Lé Looks and Ladine are lending a hand and working together to get the new generation of hair stylists shaped up for their futures in the industry.

The Shaping Futures initiative was officially launched worldwide in 2010, but began in 2008 when Japanese Schwarzkopf stylists took a trip to Cambodia.

The main goal of the trip was to address the gap in the market and fill the need for hair stylists in the area. By identifying the need in Cambodia, the Japanese professionals were then able to teach the people some basic skills that would allow them to enter and pursue careers in the hair industry.

The vision of the professionals is to give those from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to pursue careers in an industry that isn’t accessible in their areas.

Since the international launch of the initiative, the campaign has become active in 25 countries around the world, having made a difference in the lives of more than 1 000 young, aspiring hair stylists.

The initiative, also introduced in South Africa during the 2010 worldwide launch, kicked off its 2015 season late at the end of July.

Interviews were held in the first half of the year, after which 30 participants were chosen to take part in the course. The participants will be trained by 18 professionals this year – 15 of whom are local stylists and three are international. The students will be trained in the historical Corner Building at the Lé Looks Academy.

Executive assistant at Lé Looks, KC Chakela explained, “Lé Looks comes in as a place that can create sustainability after the programme ends.

“Last year, after the training ended, we were able to take in seven of the students, five of which are still with us, one year later.”

Once training has concluded on 28 August, the trainees will be given certificates and encouraged to further their careers in the hair industry.

Details: www.lelooks.co.za