A quiet shift is taking place inside a classroom in Mumbai. There are no bright lights or loud announcements. What you will find are twenty young adults standing beside salon chairs, scissors in hand, trying to steady their grip. Some have taken long buses to get here; others have left jobs that paid too little. But all of them share one goal: a future that feels secure.
Shaping Futures 2025, an initiative by Schwarzkopf Professional in partnership with Yuva Parivartan, is giving that hope some much-needed definition and structure. The initiative offers free hairdressing education to underprivileged youths, placing skill before background and potential before privilege.
TRAINING THAT BUILDS CONFIDENCE
The month-long programme was led by international and local experts. Tara Rose, Julia Schwittai, Emma Williamson, and Roswitha Ott took participants through cutting, colour, salon management, and basic etiquette.
Each session was simple but firm. Punctuality, clean tools, and focus is what mattered most. Many participants had never been part of a structured classroom before. The routine was new. Still, they adjusted. Some formed study groups; others practised late into the evening.
The final module was taught by Arjan Bevers, Global Colour Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional, who volunteered his time to guide them through precision haircutting. His presence carried weight. Yet his approach was patient. He corrected grip, repeated demonstrations, and reminded them that skill takes practice and that progress is built through small steps.
Kaisimon Goerlitz, Global Senior CSR and Sustainability Manager at Henkel Consumer Brands, said, “This programme is the living expression of Schwarzkopf Professional’s brand purpose: lifting self-potential through hair, colour and style. The programme translates this purpose into real social impact by opening doors for individuals who have talent but lack opportunity.”
A GRADUATION FILLED WITH PROMISE
At the end of four weeks, the class gathered at the Mumbai ASK Academy. Models sat in chairs while scissors moved with calm focus. Instructors watched from the sidelines, letting their students lead.
In attendance were salon professionals and industry leaders. What followed were internship placements. Some participants will start with entry-level roles; others are considering apprenticeships, while a few are already dreaming bigger. It’s a confidence that comes from being seen, trained, and trusted.
PARTNERSHIP THAT GOES BEYOND A CLASSROOM
Yuva Parivartan plays a key part in finding and preparing candidates who might otherwise slip through cracks. The organisation focuses on youths who face economic and social barriers, and this collaboration ensures that selection remains fair and support continues even after the training ends.
Kartik Kaushik, Head of Henkel Consumer Brands for India & South Asia, added, “Shaping Futures reflects Schwarzkopf Professional’s commitment to building the next generation of skilled hairdressers, empowering young talent while strengthening the professional ecosystem that drives our salon partners and the industry forward. Henkel is fully committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility for the good of society through this well-crafted programme.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Since its inception as a family business by Hans Schwarzkopf in 1898, Schwarzkopf Professional has held a worldwide leading position in beauty care. However, Shaping Futures demonstrates that heritage can stay relevant by moulding new talent. The brand continues to invest in education and support for hairdressers, proving that one chance is enough to set change in motion. While a haircut may seem insignificant to most of us, for these young adults, it is the start of a promising future.