Sid Sottung Academy Edinburgh

Great free haircuts with the nicest staff!

Very High Quality Hairdressing academy. Sid really is very knowledgeable, professional and detailed. Thank you for cutting Matthew's hair.

This review is from my perspective as someone who was alerted to the offer of a free haircut should he be male and be willing to be a model, at a particular time of day.I texted, exchanged basic details and confirmed the location, then went! Two others were in the same boat when I was there.They took my bag to one side where it remained untouched until I retrieved it upon leaving.The decision was made for me to be the first human client of one of the great-hairdressers-to-be under Sid's training. Fun!First, my hair was washed by the hairdresser-in-training and a person I assume to be Sid's assistant. They were incredibly transparent with me about what they were doing, confirming that I was okay with their actions, and very friendly about it.I'd never had my hair washed professionally, and it was a fun experience.In the comfortable hairdressing chair, we discussed, with my pictures for reference, what we were going for. This would be referred to throughout.The learning-hairdresser whose subject I was was great to talk to. Most of this is certainly on him, but it feels like Sid and his staff promote a very positive and open environment, which greatly impacted on my experience.My hairdresser was, understandably, very cautious, and took his time. Whenever he reached a point of uncertainty, he would get Sid's attention, and would be enthusiastically guided in the right way.Often, this would simply be validation and encouragement; other times, Sid would either demonstrate a new technique or simply help in the proper application of it.Sid would also periodically check in, in case the hairdresser wasn't quite committed to bringing up an issue -- but with the very respectful, friendly, and understanding environment he promotes, this didn't seem like a true concern.In conversation with the hairdresser and Sid, I learnt a surprising amount about the philosophy around such hairdressing, including some about the history of approaches, the difficulties faced with different techniques and their adoption, and means of expediting the process without compromising on quality, which become feasible with good practice and with confidence.This was the nicest haircut experience I've had, despite being nearly three hours long. Going into it, I didn't know it would take this long, but everything was done very carefully and deliberately.While it was the hairdresser's first time with real hair, I didn't feel as though I was at risk of more than very minor mistakes, due to Sid's great oversight.Furthermore, it's a haircut that will look good for three to six months, I have gained a lot of appreciation for the craft, it was really nice to receive that sort of care and attention (and advice about my own hair), and it was free, only at the cost of a few hours and walking there and back.The hairdresser was encouraged to ask to take a couple of pictures of me to capture his work, and I was very happy for this -- I now appreciate the art hairdressing can be when done with care, and I came under the premise of being a model.Overall, a very good experience for free -- though, if you're coming for free as a model, be ready to be there for a while. With the enthusiasm there, you may find that you don't get bored.Thanks, Sid and team!

Amazing location and studio with world class training. I Couldn’t recommend any were better. Sid himself is an expect at what he does and has created the prefect place to grow as a hairdresser. Explaining the science and art of cutting hair.

Gave my partner an amazing close shave - high standards!