Aspiring hair and beauty students at an East Lancashire college were inspired by “hairdressing royalty” after a recent visit.

Andrew Barton, who has spent 30 years in the industry, has been handed titles including British Hairdresser of the Year and British Hair Icon.

He brought his expertise to Accrington and Rossendale College and offered a valuable learning experience, including a demonstration, a Q&A session, and candid stories from his career as a celebrity stylist.

Well regarded for his passion and dedication to mentoring young talent, Andrew demonstrated a variety of advanced hairdressing techniques, styling tips and discussed key industry trends.

Andrew said: “It’s always exciting to connect with the next generation of hair professionals.

"Seeing their enthusiasm and drive is really rewarding and inspiring to me.

“I hope that by sharing my experiences, from celebrity styling to everyday salon work, they’ll see that there are no limits to what they can achieve in this industry with hard work and passion. It’s the best job in the world.” 

During his Q&A students asked questions about his professional career, from his beginnings to becoming a highly respected figure in hairdressing and having his work in global magazines.

Lenita Knight, curriculum lead in Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics at Nelson and Colne College Group, said: “Andrew’s visit is invaluable to our students, not only for the skills and insights he shared but for the motivation he brings.  

“He’s a true inspiration, showing them firsthand that hard work and ambition can lead to incredible opportunities.

"Our goal is to provide students with these transformative experiences so they can enter the workforce with confidence.” 

Sharing tips on building a personal brand, understanding client needs, and staying adaptable in a constantly evolving industry, students saw an insight into the dedication needed to succeed.

Erin Leyland, a Level 3 Hair Professional student, said: “Meeting Andrew Barton was a great experience. His story really motivated me to keep pushing myself.

“Watching him work and hearing his advice has shown me that there’s no limit to what we can achieve if we’re passionate and dedicated.” 

His visit was part of the college’s commitment to providing students with valuable, real-world learning experiences that prepare them for the workforce.

Lisa O'Loughlin chief executive and principal, said: “Empowering our students with the skills, confidence, and inspiration they need to succeed, in whatever field of work they choose, is really important to us and what we strive to achieve. 

 “By working closely with businesses and industry experts like Andrew Barton, we ensure our students gain real-world insights and practical knowledge that make them truly work-ready.

“These experiences are invaluable in helping them see what’s possible and aim higher in their careers.”