"Is social media changing in-person and online education?"

Three educators discuss how social media is affecting the future of education

CAROLYN NEWMAN, INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR AND COLOUR EXPERT

“Social media creates wonderful industry communities as well as showcases creativity to a wide audience. But we do have to remember that social media can be one dimensional and only gives us one perspective. One of the great positives of social media is that it can provide short snapshots of education and is a useful tool to promote an educator and the education that is available. But I believe the main reason we love our industry is the in-person connection we have with our clients, and it is equally important we have that for ourselves with our learning by connecting with other hairdressers and barbers. It is so vital to connect one-on-one and network and that's best done on in-person course. On a physical course, you get the opportunity to practice skills with guidance and support from your trainer – compared to online or on social media. Now it is the new normal to be able to tap into various education channels that suit your schedule, and I think there is a place for social, virtual and in-person education, but you need to utilise all three for it to have the best benefit to you and your business.”

JO ROBERTSON, WONDERFUL BRANDS EDUCATION DIRECTOR

“I don't feel that social media is diminishing education, I feel that the way we are learning is changing. Years ago, the amount of education content that was available was pretty low but that has changed and now we are able to learn in bite-size chunks through social media. The disruptive and engaging content that is designed for a social-first audience grabs our attention and allows us to have the option to learn more if we feel it interests us, or if we have gaps in our knowledge. Having an online community feels like a safe place to gain knowledge and build relationships. Short and long form online education also has a place in the industry, but as an education provider we just need to make sure we're offering what excites emerging stylists. Nothing can take away hands-on learning, this has always and will always be the best way to learn. Saying all of this, I also feel that it can be dangerous to only learn through social media, it needs to be balanced because sometimes education on social media is only an opinion.”

MICHELLE SUMMERS DAVIES, MD HAIR, PEMBROKESHIRE

“There’s been a real shift in education in the last few years and now there’s more digital and virtual training available than ever before. While this had been gradually emerging and growing, the pandemic sped things along and now we are seeing a lot of training via social media – and not always by established hairdressers. Social media is great for sharing quick snippets and teasers, but it’s not the best place for deep learning. Social media can spark interest and provide quick information, but it doesn’t have the depth and interaction needed for serious learning. I teach face-to-face education and also use online platforms from leading, established professional brands which offer a much more comprehensive way to learn. For me, in-person and structured online education are still the best platforms for really understanding and developing skills. So, while social media is useful for grabbing your attention and giving you short-form education, it can’t replace proper teaching methods that ensures thorough understanding and real engagement.”