A recent article highlights key trends and techniques favoured by hairdressing apprentices in 2026, offering a glimpse into the industry's future. Mustafa Mihaylov from Daniel's Salon prefers clients who integrate hair with fashion and make-up, valuing precise sectioning and the 'brickwork' technique for seamless highlights. He also champions the backwash experience, incorporating extensive head and nape massages.
Libby Slyman of ARKIVE by Adam Reed focuses on creating bright, lived-in blondes, favouring one-length haircuts executed with a comb for sharp, clean lines. She finds short haircuts particularly challenging and creatively stimulating. Blossom Donakey at Dot Hair Liverpool admires the balayage technique using backcombed foils for clean blends and enjoys cutting long layers with a flicky blow-dry, seeing it as fashion-led and editorial.
Bethany Rose Constable from The Gallery seeks clients focused on the service's energy rather than price, and enjoys scissor-over-comb techniques and one-length cuts. Amelia Benford at Mark Leeson Salons admires Molly Mae as a dream client and uses the salon's exclusive V-ombre technique for seamless colour blending. She also favours fine highlights with a soft root tap.
While apprentices are honing their technical skills, consultation remains a significant challenge for Mustafa, as is mastering hairline highlighting. Libby struggles with salon timings and multitasking, while Blossom finds hair-ups initially overwhelming. Bethany admits to experiencing self-doubt when comparing her developing skills to others. Amelia is currently working on improving her confidence with gents' cuts.
