DCG Success Stories

Right from being given a toy hairdryer and dressing up tunic at age five, former hair student Leah Hurren has had a passion for hairdressing.

Leah, who got a distinction in her level 2 hair apprenticeship via Derby College Group, trained with Sassy Hair in Allestree, who have described her as one of their best ever apprentices.

And, she has recently started a new career in hair which entails assisting her new employer, Bay Studios, to give both online and in person education classes around the UK.

Leah has joined Tia Lambourn, another former DCG hair apprentice, whose successful Spondon-based business has a number of celebrity clients and an international Instagram following.

Leah said: “I had an apprenticeship all lined up for when I left school but I couldn’t take it as Covid struck.

“I decided instead to take the Full-time Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing with Derby College. That, along with my Saturday girl salon experience gave me the basics I needed and made it easier to switch to the apprenticeship with Sassy Hair later.

“I was completely happy with my Derby College experience and recommend the apprenticeship as it gave me great in-salon experience.”

“I learned such a lot including how to build good client relationships.”

Leah loved her time with Sassy Hair but found the opportunity to travel and help Tia teach skills such as colouring and balayage – a free hand way of applying highlights – too exciting to turn down.

She said: “I love what I do and seeing in the client’s face just how happy I’ve made them. It’s lovely to be able to make people feel more confident.

“With Tia’s guidance, I’m working towards self-employment so I can have my own chair in a salon one day.”