Marking two decades of developing hairdressing talent through professional education.
Published:Located alongside Rainbow Room International’s Training Academy, the salon has established a strong reputation for education, helping to develop the next generation of Scottish hairdressing talent. At the heart of its success is Salon Director and Head of Education Laura Leigh Kerr, whose passion for training has helped shape the academy’s development since its opening in 2003.
Leigh’s own journey with Rainbow Room International (RRI) began in 1996, when she undertook work experience and quickly became captivated by the salon environment.
Training was already central to the company’s culture, with experienced stylists regularly giving up their evenings and weekends to share techniques with trainees. Inspired by this collaborative approach, Leigh went on to train as a teacher at the Buchanan Street salon before opening the Training Academy.
“It gives me so much joy to pass on my knowledge to a new generation of stylists. I absolutely love to see their progress and watch everything click into place for them when their training kicks in,”
– Leigh.
The Training Academy offers a broad programme of professional courses, covering barbering, classic and creative dressing, curl and texture techniques, and precision cutting. This range enables trainees to develop a comprehensive technical skill set while building the confidence needed to progress in the industry.
Education also extends beyond the classroom. The salon provides qualifications for its own assessors, while Schwarzkopf uses the academy as its Scottish Education Hub.
Leigh’s contribution to professional development has been recognised nationally, having won Educator of the Year three times at the British Hairdressing Business Awards.
The academy continues to evolve its offering, introducing new classes and experiences designed to support trainees’ wider development. These include wellbeing days, holistic activities and painting days, reflecting an approach to education that recognises the importance of creativity and personal growth alongside technical ability.
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Recognising the demands of working in a client-facing industry, Rainbow Room International has also placed mental health education at the centre of its approach.
Hairdressers often find themselves listening to clients discuss personal and sometimes difficult experiences. Without the right support and understanding, these conversations can affect stylists’ own wellbeing.
To address this, Leigh and her team have delivered mental health training across RRI salons, helping staff learn how to approach difficult conversations and manage challenging situations.
Equality, diversity and cultural awareness are also integral to the academy’s working practices. The team recognises that trainees may have different needs, including requirements relating to their cultural backgrounds, and adapts processes where necessary to ensure individuals feel supported.
This commitment to inclusion helps create an environment where trainees can develop their skills, build confidence and contribute to a diverse team.
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International education has provided another important dimension to the academy’s approach to training.
Rainbow Room Howard Street has organised exchange programmes in Sweden and Lanciano, giving participants the opportunity to experience different approaches to hairdressing and professional development.
In 2025, Leigh helped organise a trip to Tokyo, where a group had the opportunity to learn about Japanese hairdressing techniques and customer service.
The experience reinforced RRI’s philosophy of Kaizen, a Japanese concept centred on continuous improvement. By exposing trainees to different cultures, techniques and ways of working, the programme encouraged them to broaden their perspectives and consider how new ideas could influence their own professional practice.
“Providing opportunities like this is what RRI is all about. I love to see something spark within the trainees, lighting a fire within them and building their confidence. I felt so much pride watching the way everyone developed throughout the experience,”
– Leigh.
As Rainbow Room Howard Street marks its 20-year milestone, its continued focus on education remains central to its identity.
From expanding its course offering and supporting mental health awareness to embracing cultural diversity and creating international learning opportunities, the academy demonstrates how professional development can extend well beyond mastering technical skills.
For Leigh, the greatest measure of success is seeing trainees develop their abilities, discover new possibilities and grow in confidence.
With a commitment to continuous improvement and a team dedicated to nurturing future talent, Rainbow Room Howard Street continues to invest in the people who will shape the future of the hairdressing industry.
For more information please visit Rainbow Room International.
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