Article date: 02/04/2009
Industry-led course aims to improve safety in hairdressing
An innovative new course aimed at improving hairdressers and beauty therapists’ in-salon knowledge of chemicals is launching at the University of Bedfordshire in April.
‘The Responsible Person’ Introductory Course for Hair and Beauty Professionals, the first of its kind, has been created by leading trichologist Brian Plunkett and the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub.
Following the 27 April launch is a reception for all course participants, journalists and experts from the hairdressing profession, providing an excellent networking opportunity.
This introductory session will look at the key aspects of occupational disease experienced by hairdressers. This is a huge challenge for an industry in which 70 per cent of professionals suffer from skin damage*.
The half-day course will also focus on how the industry can be made safer for salon staff and clients. It will include input from leading industry speakers on subjects including chemistry in hairdressing, the causes and effects of dermatitis, and hair science.
Rita Mascia, Business Development Manager at the Knowledge Hub, said: “It is hoped the course will enable every salon in the region to have at least one employee who can be knowledgeable about the use of chemicals contained in hairdressing products, and become a champion in their organisation for the well-being of their colleagues and clients.”
Brian Plunkett is a Bedfordshire-based trichologist and Managing Director of Trichocare Diagnostics, a business providing educational courses in hair science and technology.
He said: “Hairdressers work with chemicals every day. We want to provide the training and advice required to help them understand the science behind their jobs and set an industry standard.”
The Responsible Person Introductory Course for Hair and Beauty Professionals is open to all industry people from hairdressing students to salon staff and managers. It takes place on Monday 27 April from 1.30pm to 5.45pm, at the CETL in Luton’s Park Square campus. The course fee is £125 (including VAT) per person.
*Statistic supplied by the Government’s Health and Safety Executive. For more information visit www.hse.gov.uk/hairdressing
For further information or bookings visit www.beds.ac.uk/knowledgehub/calendar/inforesponsibleperson