IHB celebrates one year anniversary and first graduation ceremony

Institute of Hair and Beauticians (IHB) was established in 2011 and operates as an independent professional body with the aim of streamlining the standard of education in hairdressing and beauty therapy in the country.

IHB offers opportunities to candidates to study and sit examinations in their preferred language, in English, Sinhala or Tamil, through available study material and textbooks. These beauty therapy examinations are recognised both locally and internationally.

The programs conducted by IHB not only equip its students with technical skills but offer a more holistic education which includes areas such as health and safety, personal effectiveness, salon reception and promotion of services and products among a host of other universally significant areas of study in the industry. This will ensure that the skills and standards of the industry are universally maintained.

IHB is accredited to the World Federation of Hairdressers (OMC) assuring quality training for employment and opportunities for further studies in advanced certifications and management.

As an OMC International Education Centre all certifications awarded by IHB will have the OMC seal and its curriculum would further include the OMC bronze, silver and gold diploma courses in the IHB curriculum.

The OMC bronze diploma gives the student an opportunity to widen his/her creative abilities with the modern facilities available, in combining creativity with nature, art and imagination. The OMC silver diploma offers a student complete awareness of technical work of both gents and ladies hair fashion creations. The OMC gold diploma will teach the student how to present the complete package namely, hair, makeup, clothes and photography. The completion of all three diplomas will entitle a student to earn an OMC platinum diploma.

Furthermore, through a contractual agreement, two international trainers from OMC will offer training to local trainers of IHB in 2013, on aspects of hairdressing and skincare. As per the current requirement of EU countries, IHB will also offer additional knowledge to students on skin diseases such as dermatitis and psoriasis in the new training units.

Marking its 1st anniversary in October, IHB hosted its annual graduation ceremony which saw the passing out of 32 talented and capable students who were awarded with the reputed international IVQ qualification in hairdressing and beauty therapy. In addition, 14 trainers who were given training on updated teaching methods for the year 2013/14 were awarded with IHB Approval Centre Certificates.

The trainers who were awarded Approval Centre Renewal Certificates were from 11 training centres in Colombo and around the country that had registered with IHB for the 2011/2012 training period. These trainers were given free sessions on updated teaching systems of the OMC for 2013/2014 period to continue their operations as academies.

The ceremony was graced by a host of industry experts including Janet Balasuriya, Chairperson of Janet Ayurveda and Ramzi Rahaman, professional hairstylist and beautician. Amongst other distinguished guests apart from the students both current and past and trainers, were Krishantha Wisenthige, Deputy Head – Project and Services of The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)

 Others included Rohan Suriyapperuma, Manager Training – Colombo (FCCISL), Sunil Sayakkara, Business Development Manager – Kandy (FCCISL), Dr. B. V. S. Hemantha Benaragama, Director, Medical Supplies Division, Cosmetics Devices and Drug Authority of Sri Lanka, Mufthi Hashim, Country Manager, City and Guilds Sri Lanka and the Board of Governors of IHB.

The certificates and trophies were awarded to the students by the distinguished invitees present at the event. The event was marked by the cutting of a special cake followed by an informational skit and presentation conducted by the current batch of students. The presentation mainly focused on the course content and the value of the qualification. Nayana Karunaratne launched the new edition of the beauty therapy textbook in English.

Encouraged by the remarkable progress it has achieved within the short time span of one year, IHB aims for further success through which they resolve to serve the industry and help raise standards of hairdressing and beauty therapy in Sri Lanka.