Lee Stafford’s in a masterclass of his own at NKC

The Lee Stafford Academy at North Kent College, invited local salons to their Gravesend campus for a hair masterclass hosted by celebrity hairdresser Lee Stafford.

After a drinks reception that was provided by the Hospitality and Catering students, Lee took to the stage along with two of North Kent College’s hairdressing staff; Emma Parkinson and Marie Appleby. Three lucky students volunteered to be their models and help demonstrate three of his training ‘recipes’. It enabled the salon owners to see contemporary ways of hairdressing, as well as showing the benefits of taking on an apprentice or graduate from North Kent College. A tour of the facilities completed the evening.

Launching this September 2017, the academy will deliver a range of training and coaching that has been developed by Lee himself. Students will receive training in up to 21 fundamental skills and techniques which they will learn to what Lee calls ‘Michelin standard’. Once accomplished in these, students are encouraged to use their creativity.

Lucy Horlock and Jo Kingston co-owners of Emma’s said “I thought it was brilliant and a such a new way of teaching.  From watching this evening, we will be getting another apprentice from the College, that is for certain. We have always had apprentices from the College and cannot speak highly enough of them. The new way of teaching that Lee Stafford is introducing is really impressive, it is such a different take on hairdressing. It is so modern and fresh and the results look fantastic. We really enjoyed the evening and look forward to the next masterclass event.”

Jodie Backhouse, who had her hair styled and cut by Lee was excited to be on stage saying, “It was an absolutely amazing experience to be on the stage with Lee. I adore my haircut, he is just brilliant and the academy at North Kent College will be incredible.  I cannot wait to learn the 22 recipes the academy has to offer. It was great to meet so many employers this evening at our event and to showcase the talent the College offers. The Lee Stafford Academy is such an opportunity to learn from the best of the best and I certainly will be grabbing it with both hands!”

Lee comments “Working with the team at North Kent was amazing, they are kind, great fun and styled some great hair on stage as well.”

Rhiannon Hughes, Deputy Principal North Kent College said “As a non-hairdresser I found it fascinating to watch first-hand and understand the maths, science and art behind the visually stunning hair designs. It just goes to show what our learners will produce on the back of our own high quality staff delivering Lee’s techniques and methods.”