EDITOR’S LETTER

School’s out for summer… but is school ever really “in” when it comes to sharing with pupils the brilliant opportunities that apprenticeships can offer? The overwhelming feedback from the apprentices we spoke with as part of our On The Floor special was that this vocational option was never discussed or encouraged in the classroom, with the push being overtly towards A-levels or college. And those who did start off at college doing hair? All felt the need to hunt out an apprenticeship to get the real skills – find out more from page 50. Those apprentices all spoke of the love they have for working with clients, and that power of the stylist/guest relationship is outlined by model and activist Rain Dove in our exploration of Trevor Sorbie’s new campaign, You – Hair Has No Gender, (page 38). “The hair experience is supposed to be a place where, for just a moment, you have control over your life and you’re seen as an individual, and not an idea,” says Rain, star of the campaign. The hope is that if salons see that if a 45-year-old iconic brand like Trevor Sorbie can change, then others can too. Have a read and consider what you’re doing to ensure everyone – guest or stylist – feels welcome in your space.

Amanda Nottage Editorial director