Hairdressing and Barbering
During this course you will discover what it is really like to work in a realistic working salon environment and will provide you with the skills to perform a variety of services. To further enhance your skills, you will participate in internal and external college competitions to showcase your skills in creating a hair and beauty image. Our real industry-standard salons are an amazing space to train in and learn to perfect your skills. You will have access to real clients to work with and you can also bring in family and friends to practise on! Working in a real-life salon environment really helps to develop your customer service skills and your confidence, which gives you a great foundation when it comes to starting your first job once you’ve qualified. If you’ve got a passion for hair and creative flair, you’ll be great on this course. You’ll learn all the skills you need to work in a salon, as a mobile hairdresser, or even start your own business! Our high achieving Level 3 hairdressing learners are also encouraged and supported to participate in UK and Worlds Skills competitions to showcase their ability and raise their professional profile. We also offer the option to compete in Xposure and the AHTs competition.
Study at Level:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3*
*Level 3 for progression only.
Level 1:
- Introduction to the hair and beauty sector
- Presenting a professional image
- Health and safety in the salon
- Working with others in the hair and beauty sector
- Styling women’s hair
- Colouring hair using temporary colour
- Shampooing and conditioning
- Creating a hair and beauty image
- Salon reception duties
- Shampoo and conditioning
- Themed face painting
Level 2:
- Shampooing and conditioning the hair and scalp
- Cutting women’s hair
- Colouring and lighten hair
- Perming and neutralising hair
- The art of dressing hair
- Creating an image based on a theme within the hair and beauty sector
- Plaiting and twisting hair
Level 3:
- Health & safety, consultation, sales and promotion
- Cutting hair using a combination of techniques
- Creatively colour and lighten hair
- Creatively style and dress hair
- Bridal
- Cutting hair using a combination of techniques
- Hair colour correction services
- Create a variety of perming techniques
- Creative hair design
Entry requirements for our courses depend on the specific requirements of each Programme of Study and an individual’s previous experience, which will all be discussed during the interview process. The following list offers a guide as to what you might be expected to achieve to gain entry on to a particular level of a course.
PLEASE NOTE IN SOME AREAS WHERE THERE IS A HIGHER MATHS, ENGLISH OR SCIENCE CONTENT, OR WHERE TECHNICAL SKILLS ARE REQUIRED, THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ARE HIGHER THAN STATED BELOW. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES AT THEIR INTERVIEW AND THIS IS CHECKED AT ENROLMENT. FOR CREATIVE COURSES A PORTFOLIO REVIEW OR AUDITION MAY BE REQUIRED AT INTERVIEW.
Entry Level 3 Programmes
No formal entry qualifications but subject to approval from the Foundation Learning Assessment Team.
Level 1 Programmes
GCSEs grades1-2 or E to G or equivalent, including Foundation Awards and Entry Level Certificates.
Level 2 Programmes
Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 (previously D) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 4 GCSEs grade 3 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 1 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at Level 1.
Level 3 Programmes
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 (previously C) or above including Maths and English language OR Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including Maths and English language and relevant subject qualification OR Minimum of Level 2 course in chosen subject at merit or above and English language and Maths at level 2.
Progressing to each level of study
Once you successfully completed your course you may be able to progress to the next level, following a satisfactory interview with a Tutor. If you’ve finished your Level 3 course you will be offered advice and guidance from our Career Advisers on how to apply for a place at University through UCAS, or how to apply for a job or an Apprenticeship.
Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2 courses generally last one year; Level 3 courses will usually last for two years.
Work experience is mandatory to the course and learners will work in local Hair salons to gain valuable industry experience.Community Projects Supporting the local community, you will take part in various charity events, Trashion Show, Pamper sessions at St Andrews hospice, styling sessions for the elderly and more.
During your time on the Hairdressing course, you will have the chance to partake in a variety of educational trips, talks and lectures including, Industry week with demonstrations from local employers and guest artists. In house and national competitions including Wella Xposure and World Skills. Trips to Hair and Beauty UK, Salon International and Wella Studios and a masterclass in Hair blogging.
Career Opportunities:
- Hairdresser in a salon
- Salon manager
- Freelance hairdresser
- Cruise liner
- Leisure industry
- TV and film stylist
