Expert barber demonstrates how to be a cut above

Barbering students received lessons from an expert during a class at Bradford College.

Mohamed Raje, Master Barber and Owner at The Studio in Duckworth Lane, Bradford, demonstrated techniques for shaving to the Level 2 and Level 3 Barbering students. He has also offered students the opportunity to take part in work placements, gaining vital experience of their chosen art.

The tools to succeed

Mohamed showed the class how to prepare the tools for shaving and male grooming, ensuring hygiene, health and safety throughout the process. He said: “I love coming here and demonstrating techniques to the students. It gives me a chance to reach out into the community, especially young people. They’re the future.”

He began his barbering career at the age of 13, practising on friends and family. He established The Studio in 1993 and has run it successfully since, also developing a highly skilled team in-house.

Mohamed advised the students to gain experience by, for example, getting a Saturday job with a barber, learning and mastering the skill. He added: “Try doing your friends’ and family’s hair. There are many barber shops so offer your services to them. Ask how you can help them.

“Your dreams can happen if you put the work in”

“Your dream can happen through hairdressing and barbering provided you put the work in. The future is yours.”

Hair and barbering lecturer Rachel Simpson said: “Mohamed is a regular visitor to Bradford College. During our first year of offering Level 3 barbering we had lockdown, which meant we weren’t able to offer as much practical training. But Mohamed can now help us to demonstrate these techniques and has come in to give a master class.

“Because he’s working in the industry, this is an inspirational talk for them.”

Vital support

As well as showing students how to succeed in the industry, Mohamed has also supported them in important assessments.

He was there when five Level 3 Barbering students undertook a technical exam. Rachel explained: “To pass their course they have to take a practical assessment. For the exam, we need to have somebody who is from the industry watching the assessment alongside people from the college and helping to make the final assessment decision.”

Alongside Rachel and Level 2 course lead Carol Hooper, Mohamed observed the students and helped to determine the grades of each. Rachel added: “He will continue to support us in the future. He gives these young people motivation to succeed in the industry.”

Barbering at Bradford College

The Level 2 Diploma in Barbering Studies is aimed at learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed men’s hairdresser.

Based on the barbering National Occupational Standards (NOS), this qualification is recognised by the UK’s leading barbering association and hairdressing professional body as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career as a junior men’s hairdresser.

The Level 3 diploma in Barbering is a qualification specifically designed to develop practical skills to an advanced level. This is done through a variety of techniques in areas including health and safety, consultation, cutting men’s hair and grooming facial hair.

The qualification also aims to develop skills to enable people to perform their own salon services and support others.

Search Barbering courses at www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk