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A hairdressing student practices learned curling techniques on a fellow student in a salon setting.

Hairdressing - Level 2

Summary

This qualification can be completed over one year where those wishing for a career in the hairdressing industry. The course is practical based offering a wide range of skills such as cutting, colouring, blow-drying and a variety of hair styling techniques supported by underpinning knowledge for each unit by assignment workshops, theory workshops, functional skills and tutorials.

It also gives students opportunities for timed work placed assessments in a realistic working environment. Students will have the opportunities to work in commercial salons with state of the art resources and equipment.

A hairdressing tutor cuts a mannequin's hair in a salon, demonstrating professional techniques.
A hairdressing tutor cuts a mannequin's hair in a salon, demonstrating professional techniques.
Female hairdressing students practice techniques on dummy wigs in a salon setting.
A student washes another's hair in a salon, practising hair service techniques.
A hairdressing tutor cuts a mannequin's hair in a salon, demonstrating professional techniques. A hairdressing tutor cuts a mannequin's hair in a salon, demonstrating professional techniques. Female hairdressing students practice techniques on dummy wigs in a salon setting. A student washes another's hair in a salon, practising hair service techniques.
A hairdressing tutor cuts a mannequin's hair in a salon, demonstrating professional techniques.
A hairdressing tutor cuts a mannequin's hair in a salon, demonstrating professional techniques.
Female hairdressing students practice techniques on dummy wigs in a salon setting.
A student washes another's hair in a salon, practising hair service techniques.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 3-1 (or equivalent) in English and maths/ successful completion of Level 1 in similar subject 

Plus

  • Good communication and dexterity skills
  • Keen desire to work with the general public
  • A successful discussion with a tutor
  • A genuine interest in the subject
  • Hardworking approach towards the industry

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
02 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
1 Year
06 Sep 2027
Bispham Campus
1 Year

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

On completion of this course, you could progress on to a Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing or change your pathway and complete a course in Barbering.

Career Options and Progression

On completion of this course, you could progress on to a Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing or change your pathway and complete a course in Barbering.

Key information

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Hairdressing

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

Full black shoes and black trousers must be purchased and worn at all times with the uniform top. All students will need to provide their own stationery, including pens, notepad and an A4 folder. If you need a replacement ID badge, the cost will be £3 (or £8 if incorporated with a bus pass).

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: City and Guilds

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

An industry placement is compulsory for 16-18 year-olds, with students spending one day a week on a relevant industry placement. Please note it is your responsibility to find a suitable placement.

A varied enrichment calendar (with optional activities) will be made available at the start of the academic year. The costs will vary according to each activity and will be made available at enrolment.

How will I learn?

Our expert tutors understand that everyone learns in different ways so they use a range of teaching methods to enable everyone to achieve their potential. A key method used is demonstration, which allows you to observe the practical application of skills before having a go yourself.

You will work collaboratively with your peers in group tasks, presentations and practical salon sessions. You will be required to model for your peers as well so you can experience the therapies first hand. You will also be expected to apply these skills to real clients in our working salons.

There will be dedicated individual/self-study time on your course which needs to be supported by your own study outside of College, using online development platforms such as Canvas, our virtual learning environment.

E-learning is a key element of all our programmes and we also use a range of on-line apps to support, enhance and motivate learning. Your tutors will support you with these technologies and also in preparing for exams.

The course is 3-4 days a week for 35 weeks and your tutor will guide you on independent study.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

The list illustrates the units you will cover on this course:

  • Style and finish hair
  • Set and dress hair
  • Cut hair using basic techniques
  • Colour and lighten hair
  • Advise and consult with clients
  • Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
  • Develop and maintain your effectiveness at work
  • Plait and twist hair
  • Fulfil salon reception duties

Assessment is continuous and both formative (allowing you to regularly reflect on and improve your performance) and summative (carried out at the end of a learning period). You will need to complete online exams and demonstrate your practical skills, to awarding body standards.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is continuous and both formative (allowing you to regularly reflect on and improve your performance) and summative (carried out at the end of a learning period). You will need to complete online exams and demonstrate your practical skills, to awarding body standards.