Activities:

Before viewing
List ideas and pre-conceptions of what a hair colour technician does: the basic work; how varied the career is, etc. Write a skills checklist of what the necessary skills and talents are.

After viewing
Job description and interview questions for the job Based on the programme, write a job description for a new hair colour technician, from the point of view of salon boss Doug. Include a description of the work, expected duties (team manager?), expectations in terms of working hours, wages and any other aspects that struck you from the programme. Compare the pre- and post-viewing lists and discuss.

Now, write up a list of interview questions to ask a candidate, to see if they are the right person for this job. Role-play the interview.

Career chart for a trainee
From the programme, draw up a list of the people working in the salon and describe their different roles. Map a career chart for Inger, who started off in the programme as a trainee. Based on what is learned of Matt's career, where could she expect to be in a few years' time, and what different kinds of work might be open to her?

Self-awareness and career development
Discuss the various issues that faced Matt in the programme. What were his strengths and weaknesses? Ask students to role-play the parts of Matt and Doug - summarise Doug's various assessments of Matt, discuss if his praise and criticisms were justified. What messages would students have, as Doug, for Matt, in general and concerning his future?

Career exploration
Research and plan a scheme of training options for someone wanting to be a hair colour technician. Use the internet (see sites below and any others) and find out information about available training, financial help and nearby salons that may be registered for such training.

Artistic expression!
In the programme Matt has to research 1960s hairstyles for a photo shoot. Students can do their own research and put together sketches or photo-montages of various images for a particular 'look' - 60s, punk, 80s, goth, etc. - with specific notes about how the hair colour would relate to and augment the cut and style of the period.