Tom Hayes MP Visits to Explore Sustainable Future for the Hair and Beauty Industry

The visit highlighted the College’s collaboration with Barnet and Belles, a Dorset-based organic hair, beauty and wellbeing salon specialising in locally sourced, organic and vegan-friendly products. Together, the partnership is introducing Organic Colour Systems products into the College’s salons; a sustainable haircare company and certified B Corporation committed to putting people and the planet before profit.

The initiative forms part of the Hair and Beauty department’s move into the College’s new facilities, with a focus on delivering organic, sustainable and high-quality salon experiences for students and clients alike. As part of the collaboration, Liz Dunne, owner of Barnet and Belle, will provide specialist training for both staff and students in the use of Organic Colour Systems products and techniques.

By introducing environmentally conscious products and industry partnerships into its salon environments, the College is further strengthening its commitment to sustainability while equipping students with valuable, industry-relevant skills. The project also aims to help learners differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive employment market.

Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East, said: “It’s great to be at the hair salon and to see the building of the new space for young people to learn important skills, but also, an opportunity for new sustainable products to be used in hairdressing treatments. I’m really excited to see where the College is going to go next and the role of sustainable products in achieving that.”

The Hair and Beauty salons will relocate to the College’s new £36 million Compass Building in September. The state-of-the-art Horizon Salons will feature five professional salons, including hair salons, beauty therapy clinics, specialist make-up and nail salons and a theatrical and media make up studio, alongside industry-standard equipment and products.

Open to members of the public, the salons will provide students with hands-on experience in real working environments, helping them develop the confidence, practical skills and professionalism needed to succeed in their careers.

Beate Graham, Lecturer for Hair and Beauty and Bournemouth and Poole College, said: “These are exciting times for the hairdressing industry in Bournemouth. Working with Organic Colour Systems and Barnet and Belle allows our students to develop sustainable salon practices whilst gaining experience with premium products that are increasingly in demand across the industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to stand out in the workplace and offer clients environmentally conscious, high-quality treatments.”