Shear Genius! Hairdressing and Barbering Alumnae Showcases Skills to Current Students

Level 2 Barbering and Level 3 Hairdressing students at Loughborough College had the chance to take part in two close-up masterclasses last week as alumnae Alice Henley O’Sullivan and Tye-Jessica Crozier visited the Radmoor Salon for live demonstrations and special Q&As about their journeys to the barbershop and salon floors.

Alice, who earnt both her Level 2 and Level 3 Barbering qualifications with the College before graduating in 2022, is now a full-time barber working in a successful shop in Nottingham. Following a demonstration on fellow alumnus, Rhys Turner, Alice shared her journey from student to professional, highlighting the importance of learning the basic but fundamental skills of the trade, the role Loughborough College played in her career path, and the value of continuous learning from peers and mentors.

Hairdressing students were visited by former student Tye-Jessica who left the College in 2025 with both a Level 2 and Level 3 qualification in Women’s Hairdressing. Now working in a salon, and specialising in bridal hair, Tye-Jessica hosted an interactive hair-up demonstration workshop for students, and shared her own advice on getting into the industry.

Hairdressing and Barbering Lecturer at Loughborough College, Kerie Mooney, expressed her pride in Alice’s journey, sharing: “It’s been fantastic welcoming both Alice and Tye-Jessica back to the salon and to see their work in action. They both shared some invaluable advice with our students, and we couldn’t be prouder of either of them.”

Looking ahead at Alice’s future, Kerie also shared that teaching could be on the horizon, joking: “She also shared that her barbershop is considering opening an academy in Nottingham, and she is interested in teaching the next generation of barbers. She will soon be able to have my job!”

Alice and Tye-Jessica’s visits are the latest in a series of enrichment opportunities for Hairdressing, Barbering, and Beauty Therapy students at Loughborough College Group. Earlier this month, the department were also awarded an impressive grant from the Turing Scheme, which will support international educational visits to Bali and Spain. 

The Beauty Therapy departments at Loughborough and Stephenson College also recently earnt the prestigious Platinum College of Excellence certification from local employer Ragdale Hall Spa, further highlighting their commitment to preparing students for successful futures in the industry.