Yesterday (Sun4thOct) Lee Stafford encouraged the trainee to believe in their accompanied hair dressing skills, hoping to bring confidence to the team.First up, renowned psychologist Judi James was drafted in to give the team a master class in ‘The three C’s – confidence, charisma and control’, with the hope of instilling faith in both themselves and their clients. Lee asked three clients who applied online to act like difficult customers to find out if the trainees had taken Judi’s tips on board. Before the three clients entered the academy, Lee gave them a brief on how to be particularly awkward clients. Unbeknownst to the chosen three trainees, Lee was watching their every move from the comfort of his office.After initially taking psychologist Judi’s words to heart and radiating confidence with his first client, Aled seemed to be in a good position to pass Lee’s assessment with flying colours. ‘Are you up for a challenge?’ said tricky customer Tracey, keen to give him just that. Several critical comments later, a terrified Aled was forced to ask Assistant Manager Steve Strange for advice on how to deal with ‘rude’ clients. ‘Are you telling me you don’t feel confident?’ sneered Tracey to Aled, after Steve had revealed that she had made him nervous. ‘I feel confident in bullshi**ing’ Aled replied, in a fluster. The haircut over with, he took refuge in the staff room and began to cry as Brandon entered the room ‘She was horrible’ wept Aled ‘Come on mate’ said Brandon comforting him with a hug. Will Aled regain his confidence for his next client?Carley was panicking when starting a cut on one ‘awkward client’, Nicky, when she revealed that she was too a hairdresser, ‘you should do the lines horizontally’ Nicky demanded, going against what Carley had been taught. Eager to please her customer, Carley adhered to her instructions and appeared inexperienced and lacking confidence. Nicky didn’t calm her chosen trainee when she says to Carley bossily, ‘You might want to ask advice from someone more senior’. Before going to seek help from manager Lee and finally finishing the haircut, Carley admitted ‘I feel like crying’.Although not under evaluation herself, Ninia seemed to be lacking in confidence today. Following her flouting of uniform rules during the past couple of days, Lee gave orders to his No.2 Steve, to reprimand her and explain the consequences of her rule breaking. ‘I’m prepared for the consequences’ confirmed Ninia, going on to divulge that doesn’t feel like a valued member of the team. Despite reassurance from Steve, Ninia leaves his office feeling disheartened and shouts ‘F*ck off Lee Stafford’ once in the safety of the staff room. Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter star actor Mathew Lewis visited yesterday with Warwick, for a manicure. ‘Hold on whilst I just get my potions…did you see what I did there?’ Warwick said, quick to make a joke out of their mutual connection.Miss East Africa – UK also graced The Academy wearing her winning sash. Expert Errol showed Warwick how to use vibrant coloured weaves to give Maureen a diva-ish look.
Assistant Manager Steve Strange finally returned to The Academy after a gig and his illness last week. Speedily trying smooth over last week’s arguments between the two of them Lee greets him with open arms ‘I’ve missed you….give us a hug’. Let’s hope that their Bonnie and Clyde partnership long continues…..