A NEW college salon has shown industry professionals it is a cut above the rest.

The Transform Salon and Spa, at Newcastle College, welcomed hairdressers and beauty therapists to the launch of the commercial salons on its Knutton Lane campus, where the public can receive treatments from students at reduced prices.

The highlight of yesterday's 80s-themed event was a beauty and fashion show, called Nu Wave, featuring hair designs by current and former hairdressing students.

The salons have been running since the state-of-the-art £60m campus opened in January.

Trainees offer a range of hair, beauty and holistic therapy treatments while being supervised by college tutors.

About 400 students on full and part-time courses, as well as hairdressing apprenticeships, use the facilities.

Jane Brentnall, curriculum manager for hair, beauty and holistic therapies, said: "The commercial salon has all the facilities you would expect to find on the high street. It is about making students work-ready.

"We have a mix of work-based learners such as salon owners who want to gain formal qualifications to further their careers, NVQ students, apprentices who are training in salons and coming to us one day a week and part-time students wanting a change of career.

"We want professionals to come and see what we have here. It is a chance for students to talk to professionals and for them to see the skills the students are developing.

She added: "The old campus facilities were getting tired. We have been blown over by the response to the new salons from staff, students and the public."

There are two training salons for hairdressing and two for beauty, commercial salons for hairdressing and beauty and a holistic therapies salon offering treatments such as massage, reflexology and aromatherapy, with a sauna and steam room.

The college also offers foundation degrees in complementary therapies and, from September, small business (salon) management in partnership with Staffordshire University.

College principal Karen Dobson said: "The commercial salons are not just about gaining the skills but also professionalism and confidence building customer relationships.

"Hopefully industry professionals will see the talent we have here and perhaps look to the college for apprentices."

Salon owner Joseph Anthony, of the Joseph Anthony salon in Stoke, said: "I am very impressed. It is important to have students working in a professional atmosphere to prepare them for a working salon."

Who was your favourite 80s popstar known for their outrageous hairdo? Boy George? Morrissey? Toyah Wilcox? Vote in the poll below