Last year, Scotland’s largest and award-winning salon group, Rainbow Room International, embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime educational trip to Japan.
The trip itself was made possible by Laura Leigh Kerr, the director of Rainbow Room International’s Howard Street Academy, which recently celebrated a special milestone of 20 years in service, including producing some of the UK's top hairdressing talent and shaping the future of hairdressing. Under Laura Leigh’s leadership, the academy has introduced award-winning educational programs, international exchange opportunities, mental health training, and pioneering initiatives for neurodivergent and underrepresented students.
The exchange program last year was more than just a trip; it was a career-defining moment for the young people involved. Japan is renowned for its precision cutting techniques, innovation in hairdressing, and a deep-rooted appreciation for craftsmanship. The young stylists all had the opportunity to train alongside Japanese industry experts, observe cutting-edge techniques, and experience the unique culture that shapes the country's approach to hair and beauty.
For the young professionals, many of whom come from Glasgow, a city facing economic challenges that often limit access to international opportunities, the program served as a powerful reminder that talent and hard work can open doors to the world.
Following a rigorous application process, the trip itself was truly an incredible experience for the young stylists and transformed the way in which they viewed their craft, from meticulous training structures to enhanced client care.
As part of the select group of young stylists representing Scotland’s largest Salon group, Ava of Rainbow Room International, Ayr, and Lexi of Rainbow Room International, Great Western Road, reflect on the immersive Japan experience one year on and how this shaped their hairdressing, style, creativity and confidence.
Ava
“A year on, what really stands out to me the most is the attention to detail throughout the services and how calm Japanese salons were. That level of care was something I found really inspiring and wanted to bring back to the salon in Scotland, and made me really slow down, become more present and pay attention to every little detail, focusing on the quality in everything I do. Upon reflection, I have brought a much calmer approach to my interactions with clients. By slowing things down and taking more time during consultations, this creates a relaxing experience for clients to really enjoy.
“From a technical point of view, I’ve practised softer cutting techniques, such as working with the hair’s natural movement and working neatly to achieve a clean finish. With this approach, I’ve seen huge improvements in my work, and the trip also inspired me to create more natural-looking styles. I was particularly impressed by how many styles can be done with minimal product and simple techniques.
“For me, the biggest lesson I have learned is the importance of patience and precision in my journey as a stylist. It's made me more open to continuous learning and developing as many new skills as I can to use back at the salon. Experiencing Japan itself was just incredible; the atmosphere and commitment to their craft and service were so inspiring.”
Lexie
“I can still remember how excited I felt going to such a big city like Tokyo, and with the additional bonus of going with new friends and colleagues to do what we all love the most – hairdressing, really just made it extra special. Being in Japan really opened my eyes to different cultures, which was so interesting, and I came back with a fresh perspective full of inspiration.
“The Shiatsu head massage training was incredible and something I incorporated back into the salon in Scotland; it was so much calmer and treated like an extended ritual, never rushed.
“The styles really inspired me creatively, such as ‘kawaii”, which is a vibrant, colourful style that is very popular in Japan, and gave me lots of inspiration for more creative work in the salon, the types of styles that are very popular during festival season. I really enjoyed creating styles such as bubble braids, braided buns and getting the chance to get really creative with some really intricate styles.
“For me, the biggest lesson was how much detail and pride stylists take in their work, which I found really inspiring and just makes me so proud to be part of this industry. It really opened my eyes to hairdressing being more than just a service, and I have grown so much professionally and learned that the little details truly make all the difference.”