Trainee barbers style it out in a masterclass with Kenchi Blade

Student hair stylists at Loughborough College aim to be a cut above the rest after learning from one of the world’s top producers of authentic handcrafted Japanese blades.

Ken Bose, Kenchi Blade expert, led a presentation and demonstrated how to hold and maximise the traditional craftsmanship of the blades, scissors and combs to achieve a desired cut and finish.

The workshop honed in on Health and Safety tips which ensured our Level 3 Barbering students understood the right procedures when cutting hair to keep them and their clients safe.

Nula Hames, Kenchi Blade expert and barber, informed students about the importance of having the right equipment to carry out services and how the upkeep of sharpening and balancing blades increases in the longevity and performance of the product.

Karen Driscoll, a College hair and beauty lecturer, said: “It was great to have a global business come in and speak to the students about the industry and its demands.

“The students benefitted greatly and collectively said that they enjoyed learning the important of scissor maintenance and not using hairdressing equipment for anything other than cutting hair.”

Students benefitted hugely from this workshop with Demi Drew saying: “Ken and Nula were really helpful and genuine. It was clear to see that they were more interested in educating us that making sales of their products.”

Abby Wright said: “I learned a skill that I will keep with me throughout my career - to measure the scissor blade against the size of my hand to ensure that I am using the correct and most comfortable equipment to suit me.”

At the end of the workshop, students were able to have a go and purchase the products from Kenchi Blade.