The co-founder of world-renowned hairdressing chain TONI&GUY is set to officially open West Nottinghamshire College’s £11 million lifestyle academy, which is training the next generation of hair stylists, beauty therapists, chefs and hospitality professionals.

Toni Mascolo OBE, who has been hailed as the man responsible for changing the face of modern hairdressing, will visit the flagship facility – based at the Derby Road campus in Mansfield and which trains almost 500 students – on Friday.

After unveiling a plaque to mark the centre’s formal opening, Mr Mascolo will enjoy a catwalk show, where hairdressing students will showcase the latest hair trends and their own unique creations. He will then be given a tour of its state-of-the-art commercial hair and beauty salons, nail bar and spa, called Revive, and fine-dining restaurant, Refined, by principal and chief executive Dame Asha Khemka and head of lifestyle Amanda Jogela.

While seeing the facilities first-hand and watching students in action, Mr Mascolo will learn more about the college’s approach to preparing young people for careers in the hair, beauty, hospitality and catering industries through a combination of vocational training and practical work experience.

Afterwards, he will give a talk to a group of hairdressing students, who will hear about his success story and have the chance to ask questions about the skills needed to make it in the industry.