UNITE Hair and Salon Services have launched the Runway Ready education programme. This two-day course aims to equip hairdressers with the specific technical skills required for London Fashion Week. Led by UK Creative Director Narad Kutowaroo, the sessions take place on 7–8 September 2026 at The Factory in Dalston, London.
The Business Case for Backstage Training
Priced at £700, the programme includes a professional styling kit valued at over £500. Beyond the tools, the primary incentive for attendees is the guaranteed placement on the UNITE Hair styling team for London Fashion Week. This creates a clear bridge between classroom education and high-profile industry work, offering a tangible return on investment for stylists aiming to pivot into session work.
For salon owners, the value of this course lies in its focus on speed, team collaboration, and adaptability across hair textures. Backstage environments function quite differently from the traditional salon floor. While salon work prioritises long-term client relationships and consistent results, runway work demands rapid execution under intense time constraints. Stylists who master these high-pressure workflows often bring enhanced efficiency back to their daily salon bookings.
Evaluating the Investment
The £700 fee covers tuition only, with attendees responsible for all travel and accommodation costs. Potential participants should view this expense as an entry fee into the session styling niche rather than a standard CPD exercise. The direct route to a fashion week team placement provides a rare form of industry access that is difficult to secure through traditional networking.
Salon owners should consider whether such specialist training fits their business strategy. Investing in a team member’s fashion week experience can elevate a salon's profile and demonstrate a commitment to high-end styling standards. However, the true benefit emerges only if the skills acquired—such as rapid styling techniques and kit management—are effectively integrated into the salon’s service menu or internal training sessions. This programme offers a direct path into session styling for those prepared to commit the capital and time.
