COS’ LETTER

An open letter to the hairdressing industry from Cos Sakkas, British Hairdresser of the Year

Our industry has always thrived on passion, creativity, and connection – and that will never change. We are not just stylists; we are artists, mentors, and innovators. But right now, we face a growing challenge that threatens the very future of our profession: the future of hairdressing.

Last year, I spoke to you about apprenticeships, and I’m bringing the conversation back. The challenges we face are real, but when we look closely, we also see endless opportunities. We stand at a crossroads, with the power to reshape how we present our profession to young people and, just as importantly, to their supporting parents.

It’s time to amplify the message about what hairdressing truly offers. We all know it’s an incredible career, but why don’t young people see it? They are currently hearing a lot in the news surrounding the budget and the possibility of apprenticeships not even existing in the near future, so we need to raise our voices louder. Hairdressing is a world-class career, one that can take you anywhere. I’ve travelled the globe, worked on shows in Paris and Tokyo, educated in countries I once only dreamed of visiting, and shared stages with the best in the business. Hairdressing gave me this life, and it can do the same for the next generation. But we need to make sure parents know this too.

Vocational careers have long been undervalued, yet the skills we teach -confidence, communication, discipline, and business acumen - empower the next generation in every area of life. They deserve careers that offer both security and the chance to follow their passions, not fear of job loss or limited opportunities.

However, to truly inspire the future, we must also learn from the past. The way we train and motivate apprentices needs a fresh perspective. The traditional three-year apprenticeship, though thorough, may not align with the fast-paced world young people live in today. Their peers are qualifying and earning quickly; the social mediadriven world brings new expectations daily. Is it time for a more dynamic, flexible education system that celebrates progress where our apprentices can also be income generating? We need to rethink how we teach and inspire, offering not just a career behind the chair, but a multitude of pathways - into education and session styling.

Let’s unite to change the narrative, reignite the pride in what we do, and ensure every young person recognises hairdressing for what it truly is: a powerful, inspiring, and limitless career.