A WORLD-RENOWNED hairdresser gave his seal of approval to a cutting edge new training salon at Derby College.

Joshua Galvin was at the college's new Roundhouse campus, in Pride Park, yesterday to open the Sensi salon.

It will train both new students and professionals, as well as offering a hairdressing service to the public.

From September 2010, the college will be working with local schools – Merrill College, Lees Brook, St Benedict and Murray Park – to offer a 14-19 diploma in hair and beauty studies.

Mr Galvin said: "I have pioneered hairdressing training across the world and these facilities are second to none. Having purpose-built facilities that focus on training and commercial services will open so many doors for the students here."

"The wonderful thing about hairdressing is that, even in these times of recession, everybody's hair still grows and we all need a lift to feel good about ourselves."

Mr Galvin has been a central figure in shaping hairdressing worldwide, in a career that has spanned more than 50 years.

Born into an established hairdressing family, he trained in the industry and, after serving in the Merchant Navy as a ship's hairdresser, he worked at Revlon's flagship salon in New York, where his clients included Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and Liza Minnelli.

Along with other guests at the opening event, Mr Galvin toured the new hair, nail and beauty facilities. He also met some college students, including Victoria Moorcroft.

The 18-year-old said: "It was lovely to meet Joshua as he is such an icon in the profession.

"The facilities are fantastic here and we are extremely lucky to be training here. By getting experience in the commercial salon, it will help us all in our careers.

"I eventually want to set up my own salon and train other future hairdressers."

The new £280,000 salon is set in the £48m Roundhouse vocational campus, which opened on September 9.

It contains a 40-place hair training salon and a 16-place commercial salon, which is open six days-a-week to the public.

College principal David Croll said: "The working environment for the hair and beauty students is on a par with top quality salons, to train them from day one in the high standards of professionalism and customer care that is demanded in these growing industries."

The Grade II-listed Roundhouse, built in 1839, and other railway buildings, have been renovated to contemporary specifications on the landscaped site.