From 2 to 4 April, European Crafts Days are an opportunity to discover little-known know-how, sources of employment opportunities for young people looking for training.
The atmosphere this morning in the workshop of the Hélène Boucher secondary school in Toulouse, dedicated to the wig-making sector, is industrious. In this classroom, which looks like an artist’s dressing room, with walls and large mirrors dressed in red, 18-year-old Sarah, in her first year of vocational school leaving, makes strands of her hair on a knitting loom. “We call them weaves, they are used both for extensions and for making wigs. I make the knots from the real hair we got,” explains the young woman.
A stone’s throw away, Rebecca, 19, crochets blonde hair in groups of four or five into a wig, while on the other side of the counter, Elodie concentrates on creating a gorgeous faux moustache. “I use strands of hair that have been previously boiled in water to achieve this forced curl. These hairs are then implanted one by one onto a transparent tulle pattern,” explains the red-haired student.
Finally, in front of her, facing the mirror, Emilie (20) combs a synthetic hair wig using a steam diffuser. A trained hairstylist, the 19-year-old Breton is keen to explore “all the decorating possibilities this educational sector offers”.
Two training courses in France
These four students work in the hairdressing sector, which was founded ten years ago by Yasmine Belmeliani. “In 2013, with the support of the rectorate in Toulouse, we managed to open this section, which is the second in France after Paris. There are only two public trainings in France, and therefore free,” explains Yasmine Belmeliani, also a clerk. for the Asso Mart’O A0, (association for the training of arts and crafts in Occitanie), which also associates ironworkers, turners, upholsterers, etc.
At Hélène Boucher High School, students learn to make hairpieces and wigs for the entertainment and entertainment sector as well as health and beauty, which have become fashionable again thanks to singers Rihanna, Tina Turner… and historical films (Marie Antoinette, Bridgerton…). They are even very fashionable among ordinary mortals.
Damaged during covid, the wig and hairdressing industry is making a comeback. “My students can once again go on internships to cabarets, theaters, circuses or even hair institutes,” rejoices Yasmine Belmeliani. And he added: “70 to 80% of students who complete the training are immediately employed.
All the more reason to discover these artistic professions during the European Days that will be held at the Gisèle Halimi and Joséphine Baker secondary schools in Toulouse from April 2 to 4.
“On Your Fingertips”
Tuesday April 2nd from 1:30pm to 5:00pm, Wednesday 3rd from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Thursday 4th from 9:00am to 4:00pm at Gisèle Halimi and Joséphine Baker secondary schools, 85 avenue Jean Baylet, in Toulouse, as part of the European Craft Days, Asso Mart’O A0 invites secondary and high school students and their families to discover prestigious, often unknown professions whose training takes place near them. This year’s theme is “At your Fingertips”. The public will be able to try various activities and learn the ancestral gestures that are part of our heritage.