Personalise my view
As a first-year apprentice at Giggles Hair Salon, Charlotte's already making waves in the industry, thanks to hands-on experience and the expert training she receives at TAFE Queensland.
“I’ve always been drawn to creative fields,” Charlotte said.
“I loved art as a kid and knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry. My hairdresser was a big inspiration — I’ve always just wanted to do hair.”
Charlotte’s enthusiasm is matched by her rapid progress. Despite being only seven months into her apprenticeship, she’s already preparing to move into her second year.
“Giggles really prioritises training,” she explained.
“Even though I’m still a junior in the salon, I get to do toning, basin work, drying — all the behind-the-scenes jobs that keep the day running smoothly. It’s very hands-on.”
As a first-year apprentice, Charlotte gains practical experience at Giggles Hair Salon guided by her teacher, Lisa.
That hands-on approach continues at TAFE Queensland, where Charlotte trains weekly.
“From the minute I started, I was doing head block work and catching up on anything I missed in my previous training,” she said.
“Now I’m doing three to four clients a day at TAFE. In the afternoons, I do book work or more head block practice. It’s been really good.”
Charlotte credits TAFE Queensland’s facilities and teachers for helping her thrive.
“The equipment is exciting — we get to use professional colour and tools that my salon doesn’t have, like hot rollers and big hair dryers,” she continued.
“I love doing big blowouts, so it’s pretty fun.”
Her teachers have also made a lasting impact.
“Lisa is my main teacher and she’s amazing. Even if I make a mistake, she hypes me up and makes me feel good,” Charlotte said.
“Amanda joins in on our classes too — they both genuinely care about us. They ask about our weekends, how work’s going – they support us in and out of TAFE Queensland.”
That support extends to flexible study options, allowing Charlotte to balance her training with her salon work.
“On Tuesdays, I go to TAFE from 9am, then start at the salon at 1pm,” she said.
“If the salon’s quiet, I can go in on Wednesdays for extra learning. It fits in really well.”
Charlotte’s employer, Kristy, has also played a key role in her development.
“Kristy taught me how to wash hair the Giggles way, how to blow dry, straighten, and curl — all to salon standards,” Charlotte said.
“My blow-dries have gone from zero to 10. I think I’m one of the best in the game now!”
Applying her TAFE training in the salon has helped Charlotte build confidence and skill.
“Lisa pushes you if she thinks you’re ready,” she said. “You learn so much by doing things straight away — whether it’s on a client or a head block.”
Looking ahead, Charlotte has big plans.
“I’ll probably finish my apprenticeship early and then start learning extensions and more blonding techniques,” she said.
“One day, when I’m confident enough, maybe in my 30s, I’d love to own my own salon.”
For anyone considering hairdressing, Charlotte has some advice.
“You have to really want to do it,” she said.
“People don’t realise how much their hair means to them — you need to have love for it. It can be tolling, so wear good shoes!”
Thanks to TAFE Queensland, Charlotte is already business ready — from personal presentation to health and safety, and even the financial side of running a salon.
“Even if you’re working in a salon, you’re kind of running your own business. You’ve got your own clientele, your own thing going on.”
Charlotte is just one example of how TAFE Queensland helps students turn their dreams into reality.