Celebrating Success: Our Award-Winning Hair School Shines at the SHABA Awards

We are beyond proud to announce that our James Dun Hair School has been crowned Best Training School at the SHABA Awards! This is a huge milestone for us, and it’s a moment that reflects the passion, creativity, and dedication that have driven us for over two decades. A huge well done to Nikki our Education Leader for picking up this award.

And the good news doesn’t stop there — a massive Taylor for winning Best Influencer at the same awards. To have both our school and our team recognised on such a prestigious stage is truly an honour, and we couldn’t be more delighted.

Aberdeen’s Premier Hair School

For more than 20 years, we’ve been shaping the future of hairdressing in the North East. Our Hair School is proudly based on the second floor of James Dun’s Salon, in the beautifully restored former Academy School building. It’s a space that blends history with modern functionality, giving our students an inspiring environment where they can learn, grow, and create.

But it’s more than just a classroom. Our school is an energetic hub where creativity thrives, where students are surrounded by a real salon atmosphere, and where they can see first hand what it means to work in this exciting industry.

A Legacy of Apprenticeship

Training, mentoring, and supporting apprentices isn’t just something we do — it’s at the very heart of who we are. For the past 26 years, we’ve been committed to bringing fresh talent into the industry, and in that time, we’ve worked with over 300 apprentices.

Watching their journeys has been nothing short of inspiring. Many have gone on to open their own salons, build thriving careers, and even travel the world doing what they love. That’s the beauty of hairdressing — it’s not just a job, it’s a career without limits.

At our most recent apprentice open day, more than 30 candidates came along, all eager to learn and be part of this vibrant profession. It was a wonderful reminder of the passion and potential that exists in the next generation of stylists — and of how important it is to keep apprenticeship opportunities alive.

We’re proud to be one of the few salons in the region still dedicated to taking on and training apprentices. Nothing compares to hands-on, in-salon learning. It’s where skills are truly built, confidence grows, and creativity flourishes.

Opening Doors with Our Fast Track Program

We also wanted to make hairdressing a career option that’s open to everyone. For too long, opportunities in the industry were mainly accessible to apprentices aged 16–18. That’s why we created our Fast Track Program — a 16-week diploma course designed to help students of all ages become qualified hairdressers quickly, affordably, and professionally.

So far, we’ve taken more than 12 students through the course, and it’s been incredible to watch their skills and confidence grow in such a short space of time. Many have already gone on to launch exciting new careers in hairdressing — proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

Why Hairdressing is a Career Like No Other

We believe a pair of scissors can take you anywhere. Hairdressing isn’t just about cutting and colouring — it’s about connection, creativity, and confidence. It’s about making people feel amazing every single day, whether you’re working on the salon floor, backstage at fashion shows, or running your own business.

At our school, we don’t just teach technical skills. We help our students develop resilience, purpose, and the self-belief they need to thrive in an industry that’s constantly evolving. We’re not just shaping stylists — we’re shaping futures.

A Night to Remember

Winning Best Education Centre at the SHABA Awards is a reflection of everything we stand for: quality training, a supportive environment, and a genuine love for our craft. It’s recognition not just for us, but for every student and apprentice who has walked through our doors, worked hard, and carried the torch of creativity into their careers.

And of course, we couldn’t be more thrilled for Nikki and Taylor, their awards highlights the incredible talent and inspiration within our team.

Looking Ahead

This award is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a motivation to keep pushing forward. Our commitment remains the same: to nurture the next generation of hairdressers, to champion apprenticeships, to expand opportunities through our Fast Track Program, and to keep raising the bar for hairdressing education in the North East.

Here’s to our amazing team, our brilliant students, and the exciting future ahead. The best is yet to come — and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.