60 Saudi Women Graduate from L’Oréal Professional Hairdressing Academy, Advancing Workforce Saudization and Beauty Sector Growth

• Pioneering program empowers local talent, advances Saudization, and reshapes the Kingdom’s beauty sector
• Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and subsidized by the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), supporting Saudization and workforce empowerment
• Part of L’Oréal’s commitment to vocational training, female advancement, and Vision 2030 goals, with projections estimating a substantial increase in certifications by 2029

L’Oréal Saudi Arabia announces the graduation of 60 Saudi female students from its accredited Hairdressing Academy – a flagship program designed to elevate vocational education, empower Saudi female talent, and drive sustainable growth across the Kingdom’s beauty sector.

Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and subsidized by the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), the intensive six-month curriculum delivers 800 hours of certified training, combining classroom education, technical mastery, and real-world salon internships. Graduates are now equipped with globally recognized skills and a clear pathway into employment.

Since its launch in 2021 in partnership with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the program has grown significantly, now operating in collaboration with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Effat University, and two dedicated L’Oréal academies in Riyadh and Jeddah. As of 2024, these academies received official certification to run independently — a testament to the program’s quality, scalability, and national alignment.

To date, 103 women have graduated, with L’Oréal aiming to certify around 100 Saudi hairdressers annually. By 2029, L’Oréal projects a substantial increase in certifications, targeting more than 1,000 skilled professionals by partnering with additional institutional entities, contributing to a dynamic and locally powered beauty economy.

Manuel Villaveces, General Manager of the Professional Products Division at L’Oréal Middle East, said: “At L’Oréal, we see beauty as a sector with immense economic and social potential. The launch and growth of our Hairdressing Academy in Saudi Arabia is more than a training initiative – it’s a strategic investment in the Kingdom’s future. By providing accredited, skill-based education to Saudi women, we are directly supporting Vision 2030 goals to boost employment, diversify the economy, and elevate female participation in the workforce.

This academy is a tangible example of how public-private partnerships can create scalable impact, building a new generation of beauty professionals who are equipped to thrive in an evolving job market. It reflects our long-term commitment to empowering talent, fostering industry excellence, and contributing to the sustainable development of Saudi Arabia’s beauty economy.”

Patricia Freiha, Business Projects Director at L’Oréal Saudi Arabia, added, “This program is a powerful example of what happens when education, purpose, and opportunity come together. Through the L’Oréal ProfessionalHairdressing Academy, we’re not only opening doors for Saudi women – we’re raising professional standards and building a beauty industry that reflects the strength and creativity of local talent.

The success and expansion of the L’Oréal Hairdressing Academies across the Kingdom reflects our deep commitment to empowering Saudi women, fostering local talent, and elevating industry standards.”

This initiative aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of economic diversification and increased female participation in the workforce. By fostering excellence in vocational education, L’Oréal is paving the way for a new generation of skilled, certified Saudi professionals to transform the Kingdom’s beauty landscape.