Assessment & Finals Ready (Pilot Workshop)$230
Your team, fully supported.
Your salon fully focused.
Expert hairdressing training support for you and your team.
Running a salon is demanding
Time is limited. Consistent, focused hairdressing training can be difficult to maintain alongside the day-to-day pace of the floor. That’s not a reflection of commitment - it’s simply the reality of a busy working environment.
SalonED exists to support you.
We provide flexible, hands-on hairdressing training in Auckland and support for apprentices, stylists, and salon teams - helping to build confidence, strengthen skills, and create more consistency where it matters most - in the salon.
Think of us as your training partner
We work alongside your business. Whether you need support for your team, flexible training that fits around your salon, or hands-on skill development, SalonED is designed to slot in simply and support the day-to-day work on your salon floor. If you’re looking for short or day-long hairdressing courses, our workshops offer a hands-on and practical approach to learning.
Workshops
Small group workshops (capped at 6 - 8) are held at Servilles Academy in Auckland. Hands-on and practical, with real time guidance, correction, and skill development in a focused and supportive environment.
1:1 training
Delivered in-salon and shaped around the learner. These training sessions can be booked as a standalone service or alongside a workshop, offering more focused, personalised support where it’s needed most.
Coaching
Coming soon to SalonED is our coaching service. This offers personalised support designed to guide learning, development, and progression within the salon environment. For more info on when this will be available, get in touch with us here.
Helen Cotton
Founder of SalonED Training & Educator
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Qualified hairdresser and tertiary educator with 30+ years of industry experience.
Helen has worked across all levels of the industry - from apprentice to salon owner, educator, and Training Director at Urban Kurl Studio. She has also held roles as Head Tutor at Manukau Institute of Technology and Tutor at Servilles Academy.
Recognised for her work in education, Helen was awarded Servilles Academy Educator of the Year (2020), named a finalist (2022, 2023) and runner-up (2024) in the Industry Awards Professional Educator of the Year.
Known for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments, Helen is passionate about improving training standards, ergonomics, team development, and long-term retention across the hairdressing industry.
Stefan Yu
Qualified Hairdresser & Educator.
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Qualified hairdresser and tertiary educator with approximately 15 years of industry experience across both salon and training environments.
Stefan is a salon owner and has worked as an educator at Manukau Institute of Technology, supporting learners at all stages of their training and development.
He specialises in technical skill development, refinement, and supporting progression from apprentice to confident stylist.
Known for his calm, approachable teaching style and strong attention to detail, Stefan supports apprentices, stylists, and salon teams in building confidence and capability on the salon floor.
Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Stefan brings an inclusive and accessible approach to education.
Brendon Aldridge
Qualified Hairdresser & Educator
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Qualified hairdresser and educator with over 30 years of industry experience across salon, leadership, and training environments.
Brendon has worked as a senior stylist and manager across multiple salons, including Rodney Wayne. He has also worked as an educator at Manukau Institute of Technology, at Winters Training School, and across several professional hair brands - supporting apprentices, stylists, and salon teams at all stages of their development.
He is highly regarded for his technical knowledge, practical approach, and deep industry insight, and is known for his grounded approach to training and mentoring.
Upcoming workshops
Spaces are limited to keep sessions small and focused. Browse what's coming up below and book your spot online in just a few clicks.
Frequently asked questions
Some of the questions Helen gets asked most. Don't see yours? Just get in touch.
Who is SalonED for?
Apprentices, stylists, and salon teams at any stage looking for practical, real-world support.
Is SalonED a training provider?
No - we are a boutique private tutoring and support service. We work alongside the industry to build confidence and skills on the salon floor.
Where does training take place?
Workshops are held at Servilles Academy in Auckland on selected Mondays. One-on-one training takes place in your salon.
How do I book?
Workshops can be booked online. For 1:1 or team training, send an enquiry via our contact form and we’ll be in touch to talk through what you need.
Can I book a 1:1 training session on its own?
Yes - 1:1 sessions can be booked on their own or alongside a workshop. To book a 1:1 or team training, send an enquiry via our contact form and we’ll be in touch to talk through what you need. Get in touch here.
Do you offer payment options?
Yes - full payment is required to secure your booking, and we offer flexible options including Afterpay, Credit and Debit Card options using Stripe, and Bank Transfer to make this easy.
What is the investment?
Workshop pricing is listed per session. 1:1 and team training is tailored to your needs and pricing will reflect this.
Will coaching be available?
Yes - coaching is coming soon to SalonED. For more info on when this will be available, get in touch with us here.
Do I need to bring equipment?
You’ll be advised in advance if anything is needed for your session so you know exactly what to bring.
Kolio Lamusitele
Urban Kurl Studio
Helen has been part of my journey in the hair industry since the very beginning. I first met her at Servilles, and even though I wasn't in her class, she took the time to support and guide me. When I officially started hairdressing, that never changed - she continued to help me through my assessments and was genuinely invested in my growth.
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We later worked together in the same salon, where she became my in-salon trainer. From that point on, she's been one of the biggest supporters in my corner.
Helen has a rare ability to make training engaging while tailoring each session to the individual. That personalised approach made a huge difference in my development - not just in my technical skills, but in my work ethic, professionalism, and personal growth.
Her support has played a significant role in my progression, including achieving milestones such as winning "Professional Hairdresser: Next Generation 2025" at the New Zealand Hair Awards.
I'm genuinely grateful for the impact she's had on my journey. I'm really excited that Helen has created SalonED - she just gets what the industry needs.
Kolio Lamusitele
Urban Kurl Studio
Winner - New Zealand Hair Awards Next Generation Professional Hairdresser 2025
Helen has been part of my journey in the hair industry since the very beginning. I first met her at Servilles, and even though I wasn't in her class, she took the time to support and guide me. When I officially started hairdressing, that never changed - she continued to help me through my assessments and was genuinely invested in my growth.
Read more...
We later worked together in the same salon, where she became my in-salon trainer. From that point on, she's been one of the biggest supporters in my corner.
Helen has a rare ability to make training engaging while tailoring each session to the individual. That personalised approach made a huge difference in my development - not just in my technical skills, but in my work ethic, professionalism, and personal growth.
Her support has played a significant role in my progression, including achieving milestones such as winning "Professional Hairdresser: Next Generation 2025" at the New Zealand Hair Awards.
I'm genuinely grateful for the impact she's had on my journey. I'm really excited that Helen has created SalonED - she just gets what the industry needs.
Zhani Thompson
Rodney Wayne - Albany
I was 25 years old when I met Helen. She was the first educator to recognise that I need a practical approach to truly absorb information and learn. She created an environment where I could move, engage, and fully understand what was being taught - making sure I felt confident going into every assessment and test.
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Helen has a natural ability to connect with each student and meet them where they are. I was so grateful to have her as my tutor for both Year 1 and Year 2 hairdressing, and I've continued to keep her updated throughout my apprenticeship.
She is an incredible person and educator, and I'm so glad to see her creating SalonED - it reflects exactly how she supports learners to succeed.
Carlos Taurau
Maloney's Barber Shop
Winner - HITO Northern Region Apprentice of the Year 2025
Helen was an incredible mentor, both in and outside the classroom - patient, kind, and supportive of every student's strengths and challenges. Without her guidance and positive influence, I don't believe I would be where I am today.
Carla Ta'Akimoeaka
Director, Urban Kurl Studio
Amazing support for my staff. Helen's knowledge of NZ unit standards, assessment criteria, and industry expectations is incredible. I was able to stay focused on my clients and running my business, knowing my stylists and apprentices were being supported properly. One of the best investments I've ever made.
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