Award-winning hairdresser Lee Stafford brought plenty of energy, inspiration and industry insight to NKC Dartford College as he delivered a live masterclass for Level 2 Hairdressing students.
Lee visited the College on 1 October as part of its partnership with Lee Stafford Education, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from an established name in the hairdressing industry.
During the session, Lee demonstrated his ‘Twisted Tong’ technique while encouraging students to get involved, ask questions and share their thoughts. With questions coming from across the room, the masterclass was as much about conversation and career advice as it was about developing practical skills.
Reflecting on the session, Lee said the enthusiasm from students made it a particularly memorable visit.
“The sessions today at NKC Dartford College were epic, really. The energy in the room was fantastic. The students asked hundreds of questions. I literally had half the room with their hand up asking questions.
“It was just a brilliant session and hopefully, through all the chats we've had, they can learn through some of the wealth of my mistakes and successes that I've had in the industry over 45 years.”
More than a masterclass
For Lee, the purpose of the visit was not simply to demonstrate a hairdressing technique. With students at the beginning of their careers, he wanted to give them a realistic insight into what it takes to build a successful career and the different directions they could take within the industry.
He continued, “The whole aim of today really was not so much to show them the hair recipe, it was more just to be able to be with them at the beginning of their career, to just clue them up on what it takes and the avenues they can take as well and really set them up for success.”
That focus on ambition and professional development is at the heart of the College’s partnership with Lee Stafford Education.
Lee Stafford Education is a not-for-profit foundation working with colleges across the UK, including North Kent Colleges Group colleges at NKC Dartford College, NKC Gravesend College and NKC Tonbridge College. Lee established the organisation 13 years ago to raise standards in further education hairdressing and give more young people access to high-quality, industry-led training.
Through the partnership, college trainers are supported to deliver 26 hairdressing recipes covering the Level 2 and Level 3 government curriculum. The recipes combine classic hairdressing principles and foundational techniques with modern, commercial approaches that are accessible for learners.
Lee and his team also work directly with college tutors and return regularly to work with students, helping to bring professional experience and industry expectations into the classroom.
Inspiring students to think bigger
For the hairdressing team at NKC Dartford College, having an industry professional such as Lee work directly with students is an important part of helping them understand what they could achieve.
Lucie Laws, a Hairdressing lecturer at the College, said the session gave students an opportunity to see first-hand how far dedication and hard work can take someone.
“The students were just so inspired by all of the things that Lee was showing them and the stories that he was telling. That was one of the things that I think was really beneficial for the students, to see the live education.
“I think it's really inspirational where Lee began and where he is now – it shows the students what they can achieve if they work hard.”
She also highlighted how closely Lee’s message aligns with the approach students experience in the classroom.
“Everything Lee was saying about the dedication, the passion, it's really what we teach at the here and what we say all the time, following the recipes and being the best they can.
For students, the session provided both practical learning and an insight into life beyond the classroom.
One Level 2 Hairdressing student Josephine Prela said:
“Today I've learnt how to perfect a Twisted Tong and it was very educational and I loved it. Having Lee Stafford come into our college prepares me for how your actual life is going to be, how big you might be, or just in general what kind of stylist you want to be.”
Bringing the industry into the classroom
The masterclass is one of the opportunities available to students through the Lee Stafford Education partnership, giving learners the chance to develop their practical skills while hearing directly from someone who has built a long and successful career in hairdressing.
Earlier this year, Frankie Clark, a North Kent Colleges Group student, was named Lee Stafford Education Student of the Year 2026. Frankie has since progressed to Level 3 Hairdressing, with opportunities to work alongside industry professionals helping to build confidence and prepare for a career in the hair industry.
Lee Stafford Education was named Educator of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards in March 2026 and is also shortlisted for the Creative HEAD Most Wanted Educator of the Year award this October.
For students at NKC Dartford College, experiences like Lee’s masterclass help connect their studies with the realities of the professional hair industry; building skills, confidence and ambition as they take their first steps towards their future careers.
Find out more about Hairdressing courses at NKC Dartford College and discover where a career in the hair industry could lead.