College classes given international style

Trainee hairdressers and beauticians studying at MidKent College learned how to create classic cornrows and striking henna tattoos before the half-term break.
 
Visiting stylist and expert in Afro-Caribbean hair design, Regina Moore, offered students some hands-on experience of braiding, creating cornrows and sewing-in hair extensions at the first of two voluntary workshops run at the college's Medway Campus last month.

"Regina was great," said holistic therapies lecturer and college equality and diversity champion, Mandie Lal. "She put the students at ease and ensured that each got to try out their new skills on staff and student volunteers."

A second workshop saw students getting to grips with the ancient art of henna tattooing. "Although bridal henna originates from the Mediterranean," said Mandie, "today it is commonly used throughout many regions of northern Africa and eastern Asia and can form an important part of Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Arab and Muslim weddings.”

The day-long workshop provided students with some hands-on experience of using natural henna and was organised with the help of level one beauty student Afshan Bashir. “Afshan does weekend work as a bridal henna artist,” said lecturer Mandie. “She helped to run the workshop and provided the students with some handy hints and ideas. I was amazed with the quality of the designs some of the students produced. They were just incredible."

Henna tattoos are applied to the skin using a delicate cone that acts much like a pen. If cared for correctly, they can last a number of weeks. "The students had such a great time creating their designs, we've now arranged for them to run a henna tattoo stall at the college in the run-up to International Women's Day," continued Mandie. "As well as raising money for the college’s Haiti Relief Fund, the stall will provide yet more students and staff with access to this great creative tradition. Henna is often linked with Indian culture, but there’s absolutely no reason why it can’t be enjoyed by those of all backgrounds and religions." 

It is hoped that both workshops will shortly be made available to students at the college's Maidstone Campus. "This is definitely something we will be repeating on a regular basis!" said Mandie.