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/

What does it take to build a career that lasts — while continuing to evolve?

Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Errol Douglas MBE for a candid conversation about legacy, technical excellence, mentorship and the art of hairdressing.

Errol reflects on building an international career, establishing his Knightsbridge salon and mentoring generations of stylists. He shares why he sees himself as a visual artist rather than being defined by one category of hair, why a broad understanding of hair is essential, and why relationships remain at the heart of the profession.

They also explore Errol’s awards journey: the creative ambition behind his collections, the resilience required to keep entering, evolving and putting work forward, and the personal meaning of being recognised on an international stage. Errol reflects on receiving his MBE for his contribution to education, charity and mentoring — and why that moment, shared with his family, remains one of the most significant of his career.

From creative direction and salon standards to client confidentiality and staying ahead of what is next, this episode is an honest conversation about building a meaningful career — grounded in skill, curiosity, professionalism and passion.

Key Topics Covered

• Errol Douglas MBE’s career, Knightsbridge salon and international work
• Technical excellence and understanding hair across different needs
• Why Errol identifies as a visual artist
• Building a salon team and mentoring the next generation
• The importance of being present and hands-on as a leader
• Creativity, collections and staying ahead of trends
• Errol’s awards journey and international recognition
• Resilience, reinvention and continuing to put your work forward
• Receiving an MBE and the recognition of education, charity work and mentoring
• The personal and family significance of the investiture
• The personal meaning behind achievement and recognition
• Working with purpose across salon, stage, editorial and education
• Client relationships, confidentiality and professional standards
• Protecting the reputation of hairdressing in the social-media age
• Curiosity, research and never stopping learning
• Legacy, passion and building a career with purpose

Stay Connected

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

Follow Errol Douglas MBE:
@erroldouglashair

@erroldouglasldn

@erroldouglas.club

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/

Avlon Inspire Club was created to give back to the salons that continue to support the brand.

In this episode of The Detangled Podcast by Avlon, Louis Driver and Jacqui McIntosh are joined by Ladelle Fauvette, Avlon Inspire Club Manager, and Nana Mills from Yana Hair Sanctuary to explore the purpose behind the Club: inspiring and educating salon professionals through meaningful, ongoing support.

They discuss how Inspire Club has grown into a space where salons can access education, ask questions, connect with other professionals and develop their business with confidence. From specialist sessions and practical product knowledge to Salon Spotlight, networking and client education, the conversation centres on helping salons feel seen, supported and equipped to keep moving forward.

More than a membership, Inspire Club is about investing in the people behind the chair — sharing knowledge, creating opportunity and helping salons deliver even more for their clients.

Key Topics Covered

• Why Avlon Inspire Club was created
• Giving back to the salons that support Avlon
• Inspiring and educating salon professionals beyond product knowledge
• Creating a supportive space for questions, learning and growth
• The role of continued education in building salon confidence
• Inspire Talk sessions, including mixology, scalpology and menopause education
• Salon Spotlight and giving salons greater visibility
• Building connection and networking opportunities across the salon community
• How Nana Mills and Yana Hair Sanctuary use Inspire Club learning with clients
• Scalp care, bespoke treatments and client education
• Supporting salons at different stages and sizes through the membership structure
• Creating opportunity, sharing knowledge and raising standards together

Stay Connected

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

Follow the guests:
@yanahairsanctuary
@ladellefauvette

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/