With a career that spans decades of creative innovation and global influence, Richard Ashforth now leads Sassoon’s creative vision as International Creative Director, shaping the brand’s direction across education, imagery and global presentation. His refined aesthetic, conceptual clarity and deep technical knowledge have earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in modern hairdressing.
Richard’s work across editorial, stage and salon platforms is known for its minimal yet impactful approach, always grounded in suitability, structure and innovation. In this bespoke series of educational experiences, Richard invites stylists to explore, refine and elevate their work through a program of immersive learning, creative dialogue and hands-on artistry.
Working in harmony with Mark Hayes, Senior Creative Director of Vidal Sassoon and a revered mentor to generations of stylists, Richard brings a renewed energy and progressive lens to the craft, while remaining rooted in the precision and philosophy that define the Sassoon legacy.
“Hair is about listening, observing, refining. The more aware you become, the more confidently you can create.”
RICHARD ASHFORTH
Vidal Sassoon International Creative Director
Salon Trends with Richard Ashforth
SEASONAL DIRECTION | COMMERCIAL APPLICATION | CREATIVE ADAPTATION
Learn the latest seasonal trends and salon looks to update your repertoire and increase your commercial potential. Richard personally guides you through current and emerging directions in fashion, offering a dynamic blend of demonstration and hands-on work.
Focus
Understand key seasonal trends and how to translate them into salon-relevant work, and study contemporary cutting and finishing techniques through live demonstration and guided sessions.
• Explore the relationship between fashion, street culture and hair trends.
• Strengthen your eye for suitability, proportion and style relevance.
• Develop your ability to adapt trends for diverse client needs and commercial use.
• Optional: Explore the interplay of cut and colour in a fashion-forward context.
Level
Learners should have a solid grasp of client care and basic cutting and finishing skills (Level 2 NVQ or state cosmetology license).
Key Information
Duration & Dates 3 Days 7 July 2025
Tuition £2,013 Exc VAT
Location House of Sassoon 16-17 Greek St, London W1D 4DR
Cutting Hair with Richard Ashforth
SHAPE | PRECISION | INDIVIDUALITY
Experience an exciting 3-day journey exploring shape, form, and suitability in haircutting. Richard shares his technical approach in a highly focused learning environment designed to deepen confidence and elevate craftsmanship.
Focus
• Explore the foundational principles of Sassoon-inspired shape creation.
• Refine your understanding of proportion, balance and suitability in haircutting.
• Develop disciplined sectioning and cutting techniques for control and clarity.
• Learn to adapt classic methods to contemporary client needs.
• Engage in guided, hands-on sessions focused on precision and craftsmanship.
• Gain insight into Richard’s personal approach to haircutting and artistic process.
Level
Learners should have a solid grasp of client care and basic cutting and finishing skills (Level 2 NVQ or state cosmetology license).
Key Information
Duration & Dates 3 Days 1 September 2025
Tuition £2,013 Exc VAT
Location House of Sassoon 16-17 Greek St, London W1D 4DR
Photographic / Editorial with Richard Ashforth & Zsolt Nagy
IMAGE CREATION | EDITORIAL PROCESS | SALON-TO-SESSION VERSATILITY
Step into the world of editorial styling and explore the backstage secrets of creating great, camera-ready hair. This 3-day journey combines practical styling with the process of image-making—culminating in the creation of your own editorial photograph.
Focus
• Study the principles of camera-ready hair for editorial and social media.
• Understand the editorial process from concept to execution.
• Gain backstage insights into product use, preparation and styling techniques.
• Work in a guided studio setting to explore hair movement, texture and light.
• Participate in the styling and creation of your own editorial image.
• Receive a professionally photographed image for personal or salon use.
Level
Learners will be expected to possess current knowledge of client care, as well as basic cutting and finishing ability (level 2 NVQ or country equivalent). To fully appreciate the content of this course, Sassoon recommends approximately five plus years’ experience as a qualified hair professional.
Key Information
Duration & Dates 3 Days 8 December 2025
Tuition
£2,844 Exc VAT
Location House of Sassoon 16-17 Greek St, London W1D 4DR
Image Masters with Richard Ashforth & Mark Hayes
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT | VISUAL IDENTITY | PHOTOGRAPHIC EXECUTION
Create your own photographic image in this exclusive, high-level creative session. Led by Richard Ashforth and Mark Hayes, Sassoon Senior International Creative Director, this course is designed for experienced professionals ready to challenge their visual thinking and elevate their creative output.
Focus
• Immerse yourself in the full creative process from inspiration to image.
• Learn to craft a hair concept aligned with aesthetic and intent.
• Explore the language of shape, texture and finish in editorial styling.
• Gain insight into the collaborative nature of photographic work.
• Participate in intensive hands-on workshops with personalised mentoring.
• Create and capture your own hair image, photograph for portfolio & social use.
Level
Learners will be expected to possess current knowledge of client care, as well as basic cutting and finishing ability (level 2 NVQ or country equivalent). To fully appreciate the content of this course, Sassoon recommends approximately five plus years’ experience as a qualified hair professional.
Key Information
Duration & Dates 3 Days 3 November 2025
Tuition
£2,844 Exc VAT
Location House of Sassoon 16-17 Greek St, London W1D 4DR
