The butterfly’s effect on Sarah’s skills

A woman retraining for a career in hairdressing has proof that this is her time, with her work appearing in an industry magazine.  Sarah Ameed Ahmed’s hairstyle has appeared in industry title, Concept Hair magazine.

The hairstyle was a lace braid technique.  Sarah turned this into a butterfly structure with four wings along with tentacles.  She then accessorized this.

Concept Hair encourages students to tag them in their social media posts,  They choose four  of the most eye-catching to feature in the Loving your work section of their digital edition.

“The butterfly is my go-to style,” said Sarah.  “I’ve practiced it hundreds of times now.  I’ll probably keep practicing it.  It’s the best way to improve as a stylist.

“I’m over the moon, to have had my work in a magazine.  I can build on this so I get the career I’m working towards.”

44-year-old Sarah has progressed at Walsall College from Level 1, then Level 2 women’s hairdressing onto her Level 3  women’s hairdressing, specialising as a colour technician.

Hairdressing is the career path she always hoped to follow.  Instead, she carved out as successful career in sales, finance, technical support and customer service within the retail giant Dixon Group (PC World).

It was only after relocating with her family from London to Walsall and once her children joined school full-time that Sarah felt able to dedicate time to her true calling.

“My plan is to keep improving as much as I can,” continued Sarah.  “This is difficult under lockdown. We’re not training regularly in the college’s Graduate Salon or getting work experience in other local salons.

“Instead, I’ve been using all media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and you tube where a lot of a hair industry Educators are delivering great education during this lock down. This give me ideas and keep me motivated.”

Sarah comes from a family of entrepreneurs, so she would love to have her own business one day.  Before that, she would like more salon-based experience, so she can work with and learn from others.

Not only is she enjoying creating specific hairstyles, Sarah is also excited to be learning how to specialise as a hair colourist.  She says her college lecturers encouraged her with different colouring and styling ideas she wants to try.

“All my teachers – Paula, Vanessa, Chanel, Rachel, Laura and Helen have given their best support,” added Sarah.  “They’ve given me my own space and let me run with it, especially when I’ve felt anxious about doing something.

“They know that hairdressing isn’t just going to be a job for me.  It’s my passion.  I’m not afraid to tell people this.”