Two art directors from TONI&GUY - one of the world's most famous salon chains and hair care companies - have been in Shetland this week (Sunday 5th and Monday 6th October) training experienced and aspiring hairdressers in the latest fashion styles and techniques.

A total of 14 Shetland-based stylists gathered at Hair Affaire and Hair 2000 in Lerwick to take part in the TONI&GUY 'Cutting & Finishing/Total Image' two-day introductory course run by trainers, Katherine Sweeny and Nikki Condie from Dublin.

Local hairdresser, Deborah Peterson - who works for Hair Affaire - said the training was excellent.  Commenting on the TONI&GUY course, she said: "It was really good with lots of practical advice.  I have been a hairdresser for two years and you are always learning on this type of job. 

"However, this week's training from two of the top stylists in the country has been tremendous and I look forward to applying some of the new techniques that I have learned."

The event was organised by Shetland Islands Council's (SIC) Train Shetland with funding support worth £3,299 from Shetland Enterprise's Developing Skills team.

Janice Leask from SIC Train Shetland said: "The event took quite a bit of organising and I am very grateful for the advice and help from Wilma Garriock and the salons, Hair Affaire and Hair 2000, who offered their premises for the training.

"It was great to see the excitement and enthusiasm from the hairdressers who all came away with new ideas and a real buzz from the course.  Katherine and Nikki were delighted with the response and are keen to return next year."

The TONI&GUY philosophy is "about sharing ideas and giving information that is of practical use and also inspiring."  The multi-national company also believes "that only through continual education can the individual hairdresser progress his or her work.  Training is the key to personal development and motivation."

Commenting on TONI&GUY's visit to Shetland, Mark Georgeson, development manager at Shetland Enterprise, said: "What a tremendous coup for Shetland, attracting experts from one of the world's most respected salon and hair care companies to offer advice and training to our local hairdressers.

"As the local development agency we agree with TONI&GUY's philosophy that ongoing training is very important to help people develop their full potential whatever profession they are involved in."