Hair & Beauty students from Castleford College and Selby College took part in a bespoke training programme in Tokyo, Japan - gaining first-hand insights into East Asia’s beauty industry to enrich their learning.
Students and tutors travelled across the world to immerse themselves into Japan’s fascinating hairdressing and beauty industry. Over the course of two weeks, the students completed industry training sessions at Japanese salons to build on their pre-existing skills and broaden their portfolios.
The students visited Panasonic Beauty Salon, Hair Taya Salon and Tokyo College of Hair Design in Tokyo, where industry professionals showcased the various products and services Japanese salons offer. Students trained in a range of disciplines including hair care, hair colouring, hair counselling and Japanese-style makeup techniques.
Maddilyn, Hairdressing student from Selby College, said: “My favourite thing about the trip was visiting Japanese hair salons and practicing their traditional hair styles on each other.”
Students completing makeup training in Japanese salon.
Richard Burgess, Deputy Head of Curriculum for Hair & Beauty at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, who accompanied the students on the trip said: “Visiting Tokyo with our Hair and Beauty students was an incredible experience and one I’ll never forget. It gave them a chance to experience an amazing culture and, more importantly, to train with industry-standard equipment and products, learn about Asia-Pacific requirements and work with leading companies — something which really boosts their employability. They loved exploring the city, picking up new skills and seeing the Japanese industry up close. For me, the highlight was watching their confidence and passion grow throughout the trip.”
The students also explored Japan and its vast cultural landscape through tourist excursions and activities including visits to iconic locations such as Shibuya Sky Tower, teamLab art museum, Meiji Jingu shrine and even Japan’s Universal Studios theme park.
The two Colleges, which are part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, are home to their very own salons that are open to the general public; Elements at Castleford College and Aspire at Selby College, where students learn and practice on real clientele.
Hannah, Hairdressing student from Selby College, said: “My dream job is to start my own salon in the future and my College course is giving me the skills to achieve this. The social aspect of the course is great as I get along with my peers and tutors and enjoy working with clients. Visiting Japan has inspired me as the Japanese salon staff had a very professional and respectful work ethic and way of living.”
Applications to study Hair & Beauty at Castleford College and Selby College for the 2026/2027 academic year are now open online.
