Experiment in what happens when children take over
Lochside Primary School, Dumfries pupils today took over brown’s hairdressing salon where they gave shampoos and blow-dries to clients wanting to look great for Burns Night.
The Salon 1962 project is a collaboration between the Big Burns Supper festival and brown’s proprietor
Nelson was hugely impressed by the 10 year olds, saying: “They are inspirational. The way they have learned, worked and have been with the clients is just brilliant.”
Among those who enjoyed a wash and dry styling by the school pupils was their head teacher Ginette Henderson.
The pupils had learned a variety of skills for the day and managed everything from front of house meeting and greeting, to hair washing, drying, tonging and pinning – as well as the all important people skills that are a bedrock of a good salon.
Nelson said: “It brought back to me how important it is to have a bit of a childlike quality in your work – because that’s how you find out new things and ideas.”
Many of the customers were getting ready to go out and celebrate Burns Night so wanted to look especially good.
Caroline Henderson (no relation to Ginette, but the mother of two of Lochside Primary School’s teachers) was impressed with the children.
“I was given a lovely welcome and everything has been very pleasant,” she said.
The appointments cost £6.50 with all the money going to school funds.
According to Katie Dyet, brown’s assistant manager, the children were clearly benefiting from the experience.
“It’s broadening their skills and giving them extra confidence – when some of them first came in they were quite shy but the have really come out of their shells and started to take the initiative,” she said.
Among those taking part was William McAtear who is now thinking of going into the trade: “It’s something I figured out today that I might like. It seems a lot of fun and I’m a bit of a jokester so it would suit me.”
Graham Main, Big Burns Supper Artistic Director, said: “This has been an excellent collaboration and really goes to show what can be achieved when you give children opportunities.
“While it was all intended to be a lot of fun there was a very serious side to it – we have to do all we can to give young people the sort of experiences that will build their confidence and let them learn about the world around them.”
The brown’s salon is at 8, Whitesands, Dumfries.
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