Lauren Robinson's long-held ambition was to become a hairdresser. In her mid-20s, she's learning the skills as a mature student at UHI Shetland and hasn't looked back.
As a hairdresser, you’re pretty much guaranteed to always be in demand. Hair keeps growing, trends keep changing and there’s always someone ready to refresh their look.
And with the growing number of hairdressing businesses popping up across Shetland, opportunities to shine in this vibrant industry are expanding.
Lauren Robinson, a social care worker, embarked on a transformative journey through an SVQ2 course in hairdressing, proving that it's never too late to pursue a passion. While continuing her primary career part-time, she found this course to be a gateway to explore a long-held dream of becoming a hairdresser, a desire she has harboured since she was 16 years old.
The introduction of the hairdressing course in Shetland could not have come at a better time for Lauren. It allowed her to pursue her passion without having to uproot her life.
I think I would keep it as a side hustle for now, but who knows what might happen in the future. I really like my job, and I really like hairdressing.
She says: "When I was 18, I had to start work straight away, so I wasn't really in a financial place to be able to take on an apprenticeship or anything like that.
"Then I started doing hair extensions at the end of 2020, and it just kind of snowballed from there. I was offered an apprenticeship a couple of years ago, but it didn't work out because of my age, which was a shame."
Lauren previously found her age to be a barrier to her hairdressing dream. She says: "Being a mature student away from Shetland is not ideal. I'm 26 and I have a house and a car and a job and a life. I would have loved to be in an apprenticeship. But with the cost of living, I couldn't afford to live off £500 a month – there was just no way I could’ve done that."
Financial considerations aside, moving away was never a very attractive option for Lauren. "I was considering going away to study hairdressing," she admits. "But then that would’ve been a lot of upheaval, having to leave my job and take a break and stuff like that. I've got my home and my life here. I didn’t really want to go to Aberdeen, although if that had been the only option, I would have considered it.
"It was kind of coming to the point where I thought that this [hairdressing] was like a far-off dream that would never happen."
When Lauren learned about the first year of the hairdressing course at UHI Shetland, she thought it was ‘perfect timing’. Managing the demands of the hairdressing course along with a part-time job was challenging but achievable thanks to the supportive environment at her workplace and the design of the course.
"A lot of the course components such as ICT and communications, I'd already done […], so I am managing to work 20 hours alongside doing this as well." The flexibility provided by her employer has played a crucial role in this balance, allowing Lauren to integrate her studies with her professional life.
The structure of the hairdressing course provides a comprehensive blend of theoretical and practical elements, which Lauren has found both interesting and challenging. "There's more theory than what you would think. I was surprised by the amount of theory," she admits.
Lauren has found the practical components of the course to be particularly rewarding, offering hands-on experience from early in the course.
Course lecturer Wilma Anderson, an experienced hairdresser, has been instrumental in guiding Lauren and her peers through their studies. Lauren says, "I couldn’t imagine doing this course without Wilma […] she’s been amazing. I take my hat off to her."
Wilma's ability to stay current with industry trends has been particularly beneficial. "You would think if somebody's been a hairdresser that long, they would be quite old fashioned, but I don't think she is … she's actually really up to date on current trends and stuff like that," Lauren says.
Lauren views hairdressing as a valuable skill and earning opportunity that complements her career in social care. This dual approach allows her to enjoy the best of both worlds – continuing her passion for social work while indulging in the creative satisfaction hairdressing offers.
"I think I would keep it as a side hustle for now, but who knows what might happen in the future. I really like my job, and I really like hairdressing. There’s not an either/or situation. I love doing both," she says.
The camaraderie among the students in her class has enhanced Lauren's educational experience, making the journey enjoyable and socially enriching. "It's such a nice class. The girls have been amazing," she shared fondly, recalling how her classmates organized a surprise birthday celebration for her, with Chinese takeaway, balloons and cake.
Lauren's experience highlights the potential for personal growth and professional expansion in a supportive, community-oriented educational environment.
With the right support and opportunities, pursuing your passion is always within reach, regardless of age or career stage.
Are you interested in hairdressing as a career? Visit the UHI Shetland website to discover more about the courses.