The evolution of hairdressing training

Where is hairdressing training at today? Are the skills our apprentices learning relevant to client demand? Are we losing proficiency in fundamental techniques? Why are many of the new generation of hairdressers afraid of cutting? What has happened to hairdressing training and education over the years and how has it evolved? 

Today our guest is Anne Lederman, wife of the late Frank Burgermeestre, a renowned Melbourne hairdresser and former Australian Hairdresser of the Year, who was revered for his beautiful work and passion for education. 

Anne was a client of Frank's at high school and decided on a hairdressing career, completing a four year apprenticeship under his mentorship and sharing his passion for education. In the early 1980s Frank and Anne opened their first salon. They started weekly training of their staff as a way to establish a consistent service standard. The next 36 years working with and learning from Frank gave Anne the skills and expertise to train hundreds of hairdressers, both within their salons and the employees of other salons. 

Anne furthered her education, training at Vidal Sassoon in London and Mod's Hair in Paris. Today she continues to work as a business owner, salon hairdresser and trainer whilst formalising Frank Burgemeestre's cutting techniques to be sold as a training resource. Many of her clients have been with her since she was 17. 

Join the conversation as we chat to Anne about hairdressing training - then and now - and how we can proactively move forward to accelerate and improve our industry skills with education.