Six beauty therapy students from Hartlepool College of Further Education travelled to New York to visit the leading skin care company Dermalogica’s Concept Space and world renowned hair product company Wella International.

The lucky students along with lecturers, Tracey Jukes and Lesley Perkins travelled to New York with the purpose of visiting the Dermalogica Concept Space, and Wella International to learn more about the international standards of beauty therapy that are recognized across the world.

Dermalogica began in 1986 in California with their vision, a product line free of common irritants and ingredients that could cause breakouts that would improve skin health, and were only available from qualified skin therapy professionals trained at The International Dermal Institute. Then, as now, all Dermalogica products are manufactured in the USA, they have never taken part in animal testing, and Dermalogica is sold only where professional consultation and professional treatments are performed by professional skin therapists. In just over 20 years, Dermalogica has become the number one choice of skin care professionals worldwide, prescribed more often than any other product available.  Dermologica products are available for sale at Hartlepool College and the students use their products in all of their beauty therapy treatments.

Hartlepool College is a Wella Centre of Excellence and Wella is dedicated to investing in the future of young hairdressers and with that in mind has devised our programme of World Studio Trips to excite and inspire college students. Sometimes getting away from your usual surroundings is all that is needed to fire your imagination and provide you with new inspiration.  Tracey Jukes, Lecturer at Hartlepool College commented that, “It was amazing for our students to see the latest technologies being used.  This type of trip is an alternative form of education and has motivated the students and reinvigorated the lecturers at the same time. To succeed in this competitive and constantly changing environment, outstanding quality and continual development play a major role and the links we have with Wella has a major part to play in the employability of our students.”

At both companies the students had a tour of the premises, had product demonstrations and had the opportunity to have a question and answer session with the skincare therapists. Additionally at Wella, they observed a creative colouring and cutting demonstration using the latest products and techniques.

During the students free time the group visited the Ground Zero, The Empire State Building and took a trip on the Staten Island Ferry.  Beauty Therapy lecturer Tracey Jukes said “The trip was enjoyed by all who took part. The visit to Dermalogica enriched what is taught within their programme and the students agreed it was useful to see what they have been taught put into practice”.

Beauty Therapy student Naomi Westmoreland commented on behalf of all the students, “It was a brilliant experience to actually visit Dermalogica and Wella as we use the products every day. Before the trip some of us didn’t know each other, but now we’re all good friends.  We’d love to go again next year!”