A former Bolton College hairdressing apprentice is proving that she’s a cut above the rest, opening her own salon – Sarah’s Hair – at the tender age of 23.

Sarah Ratcliffe has launched her hairdressing salon on 819 Chorley Old Road, after excelling in her studies and building a base of loyal clientele from the local area.

The new salon now employs seven stylists from the local area, including three current hairdressing apprentices from Bolton College.

Sarah said: “Hairdressing is my passion; I eat, sleep and breathe it! I got my first job at a salon when I was 17 and started my Level 2 apprenticeship on a day release at Bolton College. In March 2013, I completed my Level 3 and have taken the huge leap to set up my own salon.

“My ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation of hairdressers, and set up a training academy at my own salon to pass on key skills to my employees. I’m working hard to build a lasting relationship with Bolton College and its team of lecturers who have really helped me on my way.”

Ann Birtwistle, hairdressing lecturer at Bolton College, said: “We are extremely proud of Sarah. Since launching her salon, she has already secured endorsement from the Paul Mitchell hair care brand and is also looking to set up a mini training academy.

“At only 23-years-old her future couldn’t be brighter. Not only is she a role model for apprentices everywhere, she is a shining light in the hairdressing world – I’m sure we are going to be hearing lots more about her in the future.”

Sarah hit the news earlier in the year and became an internet sensation, after a photo of a hairdo she created – the firework bun – went viral.

After experimenting with the firework bun on a fellow student – which involves one long plait in a spiral style – Sarah uploaded a photograph to Facebook, where it has been shared by hundreds of people and received responses from all over the world. Since it was posted, the picture has received 120,000 ‘likes’ and more than 1,800 people have commented on it.

Bolton College’s comprehensive range of full and part-time hairdressing courses enables its students to acquire industry-leading skills through training that is specifically designed to help them become a professional hairdresser.

Learners are taught a wide range of modern and traditional hairdressing courses, which are available throughout the year, delivered from many of its sites in Bolton town centre and the broader borough.