Alan d Hairdressing Education

There came a time when I had to face the unavoidable fact: I needed a haircut. I dropped in a few local hairdressing places and inquired after the cost of a simple trim, nothing fancy, no shampoo, conditioner or hair drying services, please. Mostly I was quoted a price over £15, often over £20. I don’t mean to sound like a skinflint, and for a good haircut I don’t mind shelling out the money, but the exchange rate from US dollars to GBP means that a quick trim was looking pricey.
The I found Alan D School of Hairdressing. Here’s the deal — you ring them up using the number on their web page and ask for a student haircut. You’ll be given a few time slots during the week, pick one, and make an appointment. Turn up on time to their studio just off Oxford Circus and let them know what you’re there for. You’ll be asked to sign a contact saying that you can’t sue even if a terrible accident involving your hair and a pair off scissors happens, and then you hand over £3 (yes that’s all!).
You’ll be led down stairs, handed over to a student hairdresser who with a teacher will consider what you want done, make some decisions, and then you’re off to a shampooing/​conditioning/​haircuting/​blowdrying treatment.
A word of caution: the students are not always experts and they have little investment in the result of your haircut, so while it’s a good bargain, be cautious. The teachers are sometimes stretched thin and are not always watchful. A trim is fine but if you want to try something bold, look elsewhere. (Or be prepared just in case an accident happens).

I went today to have my hair cut and coloured at Alan D School of Hairdressing…
and I would like to say how wonderful it was! I arrived and was told i couldnt get the colour without a test patch which was totally fine so i have booked in again next week to get the colour done… but i had the cut done today which yes did take an hour but included a shampoo, condition, cut, dry and style for free! so well worth the time.
The hairdresser i had was actually fully qualified just coming back for a finishing course, did the cut and had to wait for the teacher to inspect everything which is really where the time is taken up as they have to check everyone, but then did a full blow dry and styling with the guidance of the teacher for ideas to give clients etc and homecare so i learnt a few things too!
then proceeded with a test patch and booked in for next week… and very much so looking forward to it! It isnt the most flashiest of salons as its a school, but everyone is very friendly and you dont get offered tea or magazines but totally worth it if trying to save a few pounds!
thanks

Oh my goodness, I cannot quite belive the fantastic experience I had today. I booked in for a cut and colour and was expecting to come out maybe looking perhaps a bit off what I was hoping for but they by far exceeded my expectations. You have to be prepared for a no frills environment but the price you pay by far makes up for the slightly shabby interior. I had my hair bleached, a toning colour put on and then a restyle hair cut all for £20. Yes £20 measly pounds. OK it took 2.5hours but that’s about how long it normally takes, you don’t get offered a drink so maybe take your own if that worries you but I swear to God I’ve got the best haircut I’ve had for a very very long time.
My other top tip is tip. There’s no way to know its acceptable other than by trying but considering they saved me about £60 it was worth tipping more than average. Will update my profile pic with my new white blonde crop asap.