Celebrity Hairdressing Icon Andrew Barton Inspires Stylists at East Sussex College
East Sussex College welcomed award-winning celebrity hairdressing icon Andrew Barton for a full-day Look & Learn Masterclass at Eastbourne campus’ Kings Salon.
The event gave local stylists, salon owners, educators, and college learners an exclusive opportunity to learn from one of the most influential figures in the hairdressing industry. Attendees were treated to a full day of commercial techniques, creative insight, trend-led inspiration, and classic cuts, all delivered by Andrew in an engaging, hands-on format.
From precision cutting tips to styling secrets seen on red carpets, participants left with fresh ideas and practical skills to bring back to their salons. As Andrew explained, “Standards are everything. I was taught never to accept ‘OK’ as a standard. ‘OK’ means forgettable. Whether it’s a haircut, a blow-dry, or any service, our job is to create something better, something remarkable.”
The masterclass also offered valuable networking opportunities, with attendees able to connect with peers, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in today’s hairdressing industry.
Many participants commented on the energy and expertise Andrew brought to the session, describing it as both motivating and informative.
Andrew reflected on the importance of training and hands-on learning, saying, “Hands-on training is vital. Apprentices shouldn’t just sweep up or watch from the sidelines - they should be involved, engaged, and learning in real time. I explain everything I do and why, so they understand, participate, and grow.”
The event was part of East Sussex College’s ongoing commitment to providing industry-led learning experiences that bridge the gap between education and the professional world.
Andrew also spoke about the wider industry and the future of hairdressing, noting, “The future of hairdressing is incredibly exciting. New techniques, trends, and technologies, including digital platforms and AI, are already shaping how salons operate. But no matter how much technology advances, the one thing that cannot be replaced is human contact. When a client sits in your chair, they’re looking for advice and expertise from a professional.”
Anya, Level 3 Hairdressing student, said, “Hearing how Andrew came from nothing and was told he couldn’t be a hairdresser was really inspiring. The biggest takeaway for me was believing in yourself and not letting anyone else decide what you can do. Short haircuts can feel intimidating, so learning directly from someone with so much experience really boosted my confidence. He didn’t judge our work – he gave us tips that actually helped us improve. The main thing I’ll take away is confidence and not settling for ‘OK’ as a standard.”
Another Level 3 Hairdressing student, Sapphire, said, “Andrew’s message about not accepting ‘OK’ as a standard really stood out to me and made me value my work more. Seeing how he cuts instinctively, rather than sticking to one rigid method, was eye-opening. He also spoke about treating clients with kindness and understanding, which is something I want to carry forward to make sure everyone leaves feeling confident and happy.”
Stylists left the masterclass equipped with new techniques, inspiration, and confidence to elevate their work and continue developing their careers. Andrew summed up his hopes for the students, saying, “I hope everyone here today leaves feeling inspired, ambitious, and confident in their potential. I hope they take something meaningful away - that they won’t walk away thinking this was just ‘OK’.”
For future opportunities to learn from industry leaders at East Sussex College, keep an eye on our events page and social media channels for upcoming masterclasses and workshops.