Rainbow Room International brings Japanese innovation to the Ayr salon
Ayr salon director Riccardo Corvi and apprentice Ava Lester returned from the experience with a deeper appreciation for precision, calm, and purpose in hairdressing.
After an inspiring educational trip to Japan, Scotland's largest salon group, the award-winning Rainbow Room International, is now implementing key insights gained from the experience into their salon environment.
The trip was made possible by Laura Leigh Kerr, the Director of Howard Street Academy, and the 2024 Educator of the Year for the prestigious Fellowship for British Hairdressing. She played a crucial role in securing the successful bid that allowed the group to embark on the unique, once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Far East..
The opportunity followed a rigorous application process funded by the Turing Scheme, which ultimately approved the trip.
The experience was not only an opportunity for the eight young apprentices selected to participate, but it also proved transformative for everyone involved.
The meticulous techniques, respectful client rituals, and deep appreciation for the hairdressing profession in Japan left a lasting impression.
For Riccardo Corvi, salon director of Rainbow Room International Ayr, and apprentice Ava Lester, the educational trip to Japan was a profound reminder that true excellence in hairdressing lies in technique, focus, and the courage to create with intention.
Travelling as part of the select group representing Scotland's leading salon group, Riccardo and Ava were immersed in Japan's unique salon culture, where discipline, calm, and craft go hand in hand.
Riccardo said: "What we experienced wasn't just skill, it was precision with purpose. Everything we saw, from cutting to styling, was about control, discipline and deep respect for the process. That mindset has already elevated how we're approaching our work back in Ayr."
Ava, one of the eight apprentices chosen for the opportunity, was particularly struck by the serenity of the salons.
She said: "It was so chilled and quiet. You felt relaxed as soon as you stepped in, like you were in a completely different world."
But beyond the atmosphere, it was the technique that left a lasting impact.
Ava described a hair-up demonstration that used just a single pin to create a perfectly formed French roll, no heat, barely any product, only backcombing and technique.
She said: "It was so precise and so effortless. It showed me how much you can achieve when you strip it all back and focus on the craft."
Riccardo agreed that this minimalist, deeply considered approach is something his team in Ayr is now embracing more than ever.
He added: "Less product, less rushing, more thought, more purpose. The team has returned with a sharper eye, a steadier hand, and a real appreciation for the power of precision."
Inspired by Japanese calm, clarity, and technical mastery, both Riccardo and Ava are championing a return to thoughtful creativity, where each section, snip and styling move is done with care, clarity and confidence.
Riccardo said: "Japan reminded us that hairdressing is an art form, one that deserves time, focus, and a genuine love of the craft.
"And that's exactly the energy we're bringing back to Ayr."
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