PROJECT AFRO GAIN INSIGHT INTO ALL THINGS LOCS AND BRAIDS

Project Afro spent the day at Wella World Studio in London with project leader Patricia Davis, Sharon Thompson International Marketing Manager for Design Essentials and guest mentors, Lloyd Thomas, Teldra Campbell, International Artistic Educator for Design Essentials & Lauren Parchment, Educator & Founder of MCR Braids. The morning portion of the session delved deep into the history of braids with Lauren, who taught the team how to do simple, but beautiful cornrows. In the afternoon, Teldra broke down different loc techniques and the differences between them, giving the team the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Her insights into the cultural, religious, and historical significance of LOCS added so much depth to the session.

Takisha Rial comments: “I had such an amazing day with Project Afro, taking part in the braiding and LOC training. Lauren was incredible, so patient and encouraging, and really helped us get the hang of the techniques. Her skill and talent are truly inspiring, and I honestly could’ve spent the whole day (and more!) learning from her. It was especially powerful for her to share some of the cultural and historical background of braiding, which made the experience even more meaningful. Teldra was also fantastic—she broke down different LOC techniques so clearly and helped us understand the differences between them. Her insights into the cultural, religious, and historical significance of LOCS added so much depth to the session. It was such a rich and inspiring experience overall.”

PROJECT AFRO Team Leader:  Patricia Davis
PROJECT AFRO Team:

•  Kelly Angel, HUB Cornwall
  •    Daniella Fowler, Headmasters Sutton
  •    Alexandra Wood, Toni&Guy, Sloane Square
  •    Jade Miles, Voila Hair Studios
  •    Takisha Rial, The Egg Salon
  •    Trevanna Watkis, HOUSEOFSISTERS
  •    Emma Mulvihill, The Scissor Psychologist

PROJECT EXTEND SPEND A DAY IN COLLABORATION WITH THEIR BRAND PARTNER GREAT LENGTHS

Project Extend spent their day at Loxbox HQ in Birmingham with Jerome Wilson, Education Manager & Melanie McDonald National Educator for Great Lengths. They were joined by Kerry-Ann Buckell, KB Hair Extensions, who won a place on the project after winning a competition that the Fellowship ran. Project Extend learnt about the origins of the brand and how the brand’s extensions are 100% human hair, which are ethically sourced and produced. The team recognised the importance of knowing what goes into the products that they use, whilst developing their immense appreciation for the brand. The team dove into the world of chemical free colour transformations, where they learnt about how customisable pre-bonded Keratin bonds can elevate their skills.

Max-Daniel Burnby comments:” We had the pleasure of being taught by Jerome Wilson and Melanie McDonald from Great Lengths. They covered the very interesting history of the brand all the way back to where it began in Italy in 1992. Great lengths is a B certified business which is a prestigious accolade only awarded to around 600 business’ worldwide – and the only extension company that has this certification. Meaning every part of the business; from the ethics of where the hair is sourced to where it ends up on its final journey with the little princess trust, has no effect on the environment or people it services. Great lengths use 100% human hair that treated with a plant based enzyme to remove the natural colour. A process that can take up to 3 months. This slow process ensures the integrity of the hair is maintained and thus creating a quality of hair unique to them.”

PROJECT Team Leader:     Michelle Griffin
PROJECT Team Support:  Marlene Lamont
PROJECT Team Mentees:
•    Olivia Kane, Elizabeth & Giovanni’s
•    Lydie Hollylee, Hair.by.Lyds
•    Amy Christie, The Gym, Aberdeen
•    Max-Daniel Burnby, Max Daniel Hair
•    Grace Lothian, Trevor Sorbie, Brighton

PROJECT SASSOON TEAM DAY FEATURING DISCONNECTION CUTTING

Project Sassoon spent their team day at the House of Sassoon with their Project Leaders Edward Darley & Zsolt Nagy, focusing on disconnection cutting. This is a technique used in the Sassoon ABC+ Cut course and other Sassoon Academy courses to create layered, textured looks with specific sections of hair cut at different lengths, without connecting. It involves cutting the hair in a way that different areas of the cut are not blended, creating a distinct geometry and visual interest.

Jacqui Hirst comments: “Day 3 of Project Sassoon! On another level and I am loving it!
Zsolt is genius at the why of cutting techniques, learning the disconnection the Sassoon way was brilliant! Edward’s colour placement method will be used in my studio from now on! Absolutely loved doing my model, her first colour so was an honour! And she’s messaged me saying she loves her new look! Obviously, having the best day with peers and mentors.”

PROJECT TEAM LEADERS:   EDWARD DARLEY & ZSOLT NAGY
PROJECT TEAM SUPPORT:  CHERYL POULTER
PROJECT TEAM MENTEES:
•    Ella Fisher, Ella Fisher Hair
•    Jacqui Hirst, Jax
•    Zoë Hodgkiss, Zoë Hodgkiss – Hair Artistry
•    Izzie Adams, Idlewild Hairdressing
•    Kate Shaw, Blue Tit Streatham
•    Lucy Melvin, Diamond Appearance
•    Jamie Leigh Bailey, Meraki Hair Salon
•    Caroline Jones, Meraki Hair Salon