A celebrity hairdresser came to a new college campus in Colindale to open its cutting edge new hair and beauty facilities.

Barnet and Southgate College’s new site was deemed a centre of excellence by hair care company Wella, providing training for hairdressing, specialist make-up, beauty, spa and nail technologies.

Patrick Cameron, who runs his own training school in London and is a regular presenter at the most prestigious hairdressing events across the world, visited the campus for its official opening on Thursday (September 8).

He said: “Good training is the key to the success of our industry in the future and this accreditation shows the great respect Wella has for the new facilities and the work Barnet and Southgate College does.

“Barnet and Southgate College is the best place to give students a good start in their hairdressing career and the support available is immense.

“Education is crucial for young hairdressers, as I see a lot of great hairdressers throughout the country who don’t continue with their training or keep up with new trends, products and tools, which is essential.”

The new campus, in Bristol Avenue, features courses in hairdressing, barbering, beauty, spa management, brickwork, carpentry and joinery, plastering, wall and floor tiling and plumbing.

17-year-old Izabelle Russell, who is studying the Level 2 diploma in hairdressing, said: “I can’t believe I actually met Patrick Cameron and also helped him with some of his hair demonstrations. He’s such an inspiration to me.

“The new salon is so glamourous and professional. I can’t wait to train and work here as it will be such great experience for me. My friends and family have already been asking me how they can book in.”

There are only 34 colleges nationally that hold Wella’s accreditation and Barnet and Southgate College is the first in London.