A GLEAMING new cut-price hair and beauty salon run by students has opened at a college.

The new business at Waltham Forest College forms part of an on-going £15million refurbishment programme at the site in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

The facility will be staffed by hair and beauty students and is open to the public five days a week, offering haircuts for as little as £2.

The college first began offering treatments and hair styling to the public twenty years ago, but this is the first time students will be able to hone their skills at a single purpose-built facility.

'Elite Hair and Beauty Salons' features two hair salons and two beauty treatment rooms, serving up to 60 customers at a time.

Manager Roohi Mirza said: "We have clients of all ages, from 16 to 90, and many have been with us since we first opened to the public nearly 20 years ago.

"The students are continuously supervised, and we feel we are able to offer our clients so much more care and attention as we are not in it for the money."

College principal Robin Jones said: "The new facilities build on our long tradition of preparing people for the hair and beauty industry, updating all key skills needed to succeed. 

"We believe these new hair and beauty salons rival anything the industry has to offer".

Students Gul Yesiloglu, 32, said she was excited to get to work at the new salon after quitting her career in finance to pursue her ambition to become a salon manager.

She said: "I have a Masters degree in Finance and Management from Exeter University and was working as an accountant, but I found it boring.

"I find hairdressing much more exciting."

The salon was formerly opened by acclaimed hairdresser 'MK' - a former student at the college who has won the Barber of the Year award three times.

The salon is open from 9am to 9.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Fridays.