Kem Unisex Salon visits College to share top barbering tips

Walsall College’s Hairdressing and Barbering students received a professional masterclass from a local barber, whose experience includes cutting the hair of the USA Olympic team ahead of the London games.

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Kem Johnson showed Level 2 students some of the techniques used to create the latest hair trends, from clipping to scissor cutting to razor over comb.

The Birmingham-barber, who runs Kem Unisex Salon in Hamstead Village, Great Barr, also spoke to students about why he decided to pursue a career in the barbering industry.

He also spoke about how he set up his business with help from the Prince’s Trust, and also answered student questions on a number of topics, including cutting techniques, marketing and how to impress a prospective employer.

Kem has had an incredible career so far, including cutting the hair of footballers Ashley Williams and Omar Bogle, as well as the members of the USA 2012 Olympic team.

Nichola Arrowsmith, Barbering tutor at Walsall College, said: “We aim to give our students as much exposure as possible to the industry, providing them with the skills and knowledge that will help them build a foundation in the career they want to enter.

Inviting Kem to hold a masterclass was a way of showing our students where they could go after completing their qualification. But we also used the opportunity to show them they would need more than a qualification – a career in barbering requires top-quality skills that can be achieved through practice and dedication.

Kem is a great example of someone who has used the skills and knowledge to set up his own business and expand his client network. We hope to work with him again in the future for more masterclasses.”

Walsall College offers Hairdressing and Barbering courses to school leavers and adults looking to start a career in the sector.

For more information about enrolling on a course at Walsall College, please call 01922 657000. Or come along to our Open Day on Thursday 22nd November, between 4pm – 8pm. Pre-register now!