Home of hairdressing to commemorate golden anniversary since inception

BENDIGO TAFE is spruicing itself up to celebrate fifty fabulous years of hairdressing education, in partnership with Be.Bendigo, at a red carpet soiree next Friday 17 October.

The event is being held to honour the multiple generations of stylists who’ve trained, worked in the field or built businesses in the region over the past half century and highlight the creativity, craftsmanship and community that have shaped the local industry since the TAFE hairdressing program began in 1975.

As the story goes, it was initially established thanks to strong industry support, led by legendary local industry figure Domenic Coia (president of the Master Ladies Hairdressing Association at the time), to allow regional students an alternative to travelling to train in Melbourne.

Since then, thousands of apprentices have participated, with many going on to own salons and employ the next generation.

The night’s organiser Julie Curnow, department manager professional and service at Bendigo Kangan Institute, ran the Hair and Beauty Department for many years and spent decades working in local salons beforehand.

She said the program’s legacy goes far beyond in-house training.

“There’s a lot of other things that apprentices need to learn to be on the salon floor,” she said.

“It’s about connection with the client, communication skills, (establishing) a relationship with them quickly so you can work out what they need, what they want, and what’s going to work with their hair in a short amount of time.

“Sometimes clients will see you more than they see their own families and you go through all of the ups and downs in life with them.

“Many clients drive past three or four salons to get to their hairdresser because it’s more about the person that they can connect with and who understands them.

“That’s the difference, that’s what makes their hairdresser their hairdresser.

“Many people go years and years with the one hairdresser and they’ll follow them from salon to salon, town to town.

“Even people who’ve moved to Melbourne drive back on a weekend to get their hair done – that’s really common.

“So, it’s more than just selling shampoo over the counter.”

Ms Curnow said the occasion, sponsored by L’Oréal and Matrix, is not just for hairdressers, ex-hairdressers or hairdressing apprentices.

“It’s for all of those people who love going to the salon, love hanging out with hairdressers, and really love a good party,” she said.

“We’re going to have a couple of alumni come back and speak about their experiences, we’re going to have a tribute to the 70s, 80s, 90s and the future with some industry people doing hair shows, the bar will be open, and we’ll also have some photo opportunities.

“This will be a great night – you’ll be sorry if you weren’t there.”

Celebrate Hairdressing – Honouring 50 years of Creative Style at Bendigo TAFE takes place next Friday, 17 October from 7pm to 10.30pm at the Bendigo TAFE Restaurant in Hargreaves Street.

Tickets are available via Humanitix. Dress to impress.