Hairdressers brush up on techniques

The Hair Technique team is (from left) Sarah Saly, Emily Chant, Alysha Hayward, owner Allison Murray-Travers, Jo Russell and Courtney Allen.

The team at Whanganui's Hair Technique has a swag of new qualifications.

Owner Allison Murray-Travers says in the past 10 months she and three of her team have gained qualifications from the New Zealand Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO).

"As a team we are always looking for the opportunity to upskill; gaining a national qualification is a great way to do this," Murray-Travers said.

Murray-Travers, who has 44 years of hairdressing experience, has gained a level 5 national certificate in advanced cutting, the highest level in hairdressing qualifications.

Jo Russell has qualified as an industry assessor after 18 years in the industry.

"Carol Hayward and I have been the only industry assessors in Whanganui for the last 10 years so it's fantastic to have Jo attain this qualification," Murray-Travers said.

Emily Chant, a hairdresser for 13 years, has achieved a national certificate in barbering and Alysha Hayward has completed a national certificate in hairdressing.

"Barbering is growing rapidly as an industry," Murray-Travers said.

"Emily is a qualified hairdresser so this adds to her repertoire. Alysha's national certificate is the qualification that ends an apprenticeship, meaning the recipient is now qualified. I have two other staff members who are working towards attaining their national certificates."

Murray-Travers said her team was looking forward to the HITO graduation ceremony in Auckland in November.