The Richard Ward Finishing School
In order to become one of Richard’s team of talented experts who can look after your hair needs at home, stylists, colourists and barbers must have either undertaken our in-house training programme or successfully completed our Finishing School to ensure we can deliver our ethos: ‘exceptional as standard’. The Finishing School programme is available for any trained professional who has a minimum of NVQ Level 2 or 3 certification (or equivalent) or 5 years on-the-salon floor experience so we can deliver the same expertise in your postcode that we are renowned for in-salon.
Our Academy is based in its natural home environment at the country’s original super-salon, situated in the heart of London’s Chelsea. In this outstanding location, the Richard Ward Finishing School offers its delegates an unrivalled, tailored educational experience, as well as a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes at the largest, busiest and highest-grossing independent salon in the UK. The salon provides not only a perfect training environment but also affords a rare chance to see one of the UK’s most successful hair and beauty brands in action.
Specialists in their field, the RW education team aim to deliver our strapline of ‘exceptional as standard’. Our educators don’t just talk the talk – they’re part of a dynamic 100-strong team leading the way in hair, colour, barbering, beauty and spa innovations, looking after the salon’s 1100 per week clientele. All of our education team are uncommonly home grown talents and leaders in their areas of expertise, exclusively working day to day on the salon floor and fully immersed within salon life, giving them a relatability and unique understanding of how to best implement our education programme in real-time.
The Richard Ward Finishing School Programme
6 weeks duration: 10am – 5pm, consecutive Mondays and Tuesdays
£595
This is the ultimate programme of education to perfect the already qualified hairdresser. Over 6 weeks, delegates will complete 2 days per week in the salon, one day of practical/theory education and one day shadowing our experts on the floor to hone not only their technical skills but their customer service delivery.
Delegates will first be trade tested by our experts to ascertain exactly what areas we need to focus on up-skilling, because the RW experience is more than just great hair, a great cut, colour or finish. Whether you’re a relatively new stylist or a seasoned professional, we will give you the tools to deliver not just great services, but an in-depth and artful consultation and bespoke analysis.
Once we’ve established their bespoke, unique programme of education, delegates are required to attend for 6 consecutive weeks on Mondays and Tuesdays, undertaking a combination of theory and practical training as well as combining shadowing their mentors on the salon floor. Once certified, delegates are accredited and can then deliver our Richard Ward at Home services in their local area.
Our Educators
Gavin Hoare – Salon Manager Gavin is renowned for his customer service expertise and understanding of exceptional client care. He lectures and travels all over the world educating other salons on the company’s Ultimate Client Experience, defining and strategising the premium salon UXP and analysing what good really does look like in terms of delivering consistency and over an above on every hair and beauty experience.
Mario Charalambous – Technical Director Mario is renowned in the industry for his unrivalled, encyclopedic colour knowledge. His long career and vast experience have led to his reputation as one of the leading colourists of his generation. Mario lectures and educates on an international level and he continues to inspire and inform on how to deliver an unrivalled salon colour experience. Mario works with Deputy Technical Director Adam Russell and Technical Training Manager Bethany Alexander to deliver our technical education.
Nando Lopes – Education Director Nando is quite simply (in Richard’s opinion) one of the most gifted hairdressers of his generation. His role as lead mentor and educator of the RW Apprentice team has led to an unprecedented 75% of the salon’s senior team having been inspired and motivated to learn from his unique skill-set, and his talents have undoubtedly led the salon to be synonymous with the flawless finish of couture hair. Nando will trade test all potential RW Finishing School candidates to assess best how we can further develop their cutting skills.
Cristiano Basciu – Artistic Director Crissy is without question the celebrity and fashionista’s go-to stylist of choice. His reputation for cutting edge session work precedes him, and he single-handedly ensures the RW Art Team are always at the forefront of glamorous, catwalk hair, working extensively with the media and a stable of innovative UK fashion houses and designers. Style Director Tommy Cracknell works with Crissy to deliver our styling education.
Fiona Chandler-Day – Salon Director Fiona is renowned as being one of the most experienced and talented hairdressers of her generation when it comes to all things chignon. The Queen of the Up-Do, Fiona’s trademark attention to intricate detail has ensured that her specialist skills in bridal and evening hair continue to be much in demand, as well as inspiring the next generation of hairdressers in her traditional and exceptional talents.
To enrol in our finishing school, please email [email protected]
For private bookings or to enquire about booking education within your own salon / working space, please email [email protected].
Terms & Conditions:
- For bookings of 6 or more, receive 2 complimentary places on the same course and date.
- The full balance is payable upon booking. Your booking is not complete or confirmed without payment.
- No refunds will be issued for any cancellations made within 7 days of the course date.
- Depending on the course you are booking, a light lunch will be provided on the day – please provide any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your course start time for registration.
