To close Season 2, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Paul Mills, Assessment and Quality Manager at Skills England, for a vital conversation about hairdressing education, qualifications, standards and the future of the industry.

Drawing on decades of experience as a hairdresser, barber, lecturer, qualification developer and quality-assurance professional, Paul explains the systems that sit behind training and assessment. They discuss National Occupational Standards, apprenticeships, end-point assessment, competition work, quality assurance and why teaching skill is different from simply having it.

The conversation also addresses the need for stronger theory, better understanding of hair and scalp health, and more confidence in working across different hair needs. The episode closes with the introduction of Avlon ACE — Avlon Curl Expert — a certification designed to deepen knowledge around curls, coils, hair properties, scalp health and practical professional understanding.

Key Topics Covered

• Paul Mills’ journey from hairdresser and barber to Skills England
• National Occupational Standards and what they mean in hairdressing
• Education across different hair needs and professional confidence
• Why qualifications, curricula and funding matter
• Competition work as a way to develop standards and resilience
• Training the trainer and understanding quality assurance
• What makes an apprenticeship effective
• Independent assessment and the role of end-point assessment
• Why the industry needs more theory, hair knowledge and scalp awareness
• Hairdressing, trichology and the changing needs of clients
• Introducing Avlon ACE — Avlon Curl Expert certification

Stay Connected

Follow the hosts:
Louis Driver: @louisdoeshair
Jacqui McIntosh: @jacqui.mcintosh

Follow Avlon:
Avlon: @avlon
Avlon UK: @avlonuk

Production Credits

Producers: Louis Driver & Jacqui McIntosh
Recorded at: Storyhouse Studios — @storyhouse_studios

The Detangled Podcast is part of Avlon Europe. Discover more at:https://avloneurope.co.uk/