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

Hair Services - Level 2

Summary

This Hair Services course will help you develop a range of hairdressing skills. The course is practical based offering a range of skills such as 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.

You will also have the chance to experience work placements in a realistic working environment. Students will have the opportunity to learn their trade in commercial salons using professional resources and equipment.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
02 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
1 Year
A hairdressing student practices learned curling techniques on a fellow student in a salon setting.
A hairdressing tutor skillfully cuts a manequinns hair in a salon, illustrating professional techniques.
Female hairdressing students enthusiastically practice hairdressing techniques on dummy wigs in a salon setting.
A student washes another student's hair in a salon, practicing hair service techniques in a professional setting.
A hairdressing student practices learned curling techniques on a fellow student in a salon setting. A hairdressing tutor skillfully cuts a manequinns hair in a salon, illustrating professional techniques. Female hairdressing students enthusiastically practice hairdressing techniques on dummy wigs in a salon setting. A student washes another student's hair in a salon, practicing hair service techniques in a professional setting.
A hairdressing student practices learned curling techniques on a fellow student in a salon setting.
A hairdressing tutor skillfully cuts a manequinns hair in a salon, illustrating professional techniques.
Female hairdressing students enthusiastically practice hairdressing techniques on dummy wigs in a salon setting.
A student washes another student's hair in a salon, practicing hair service techniques in a professional setting.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

On completion of this course, you could progress on to a Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing or Level 2 Diploma in Barbering.

Career Options and Progression

On completion of this course, you could progress on to a Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing or Level 2 Diploma in Barbering.

Key information

Entry Requirements

2 GCSEs at grade 1 or above, along with the following:

  • Good communication and dexterity skills
  • Keen desire to work with the general public
  • Attend an interview
  • Hardworking approach towards the industry

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Hair Services

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

16 -18 year olds, uniform, tools and equipment are provided for you. 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).

Teaching and Learning Methods

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 staff involved in the delivery of further education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

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.

How will I learn?

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.

Entry Requirements

You will need to pass the Entry 3 BKSB Maths and English tests.
Students should have good communication and dexterity skills and a keen desire to work with the public.
All 16-18 year old applicants will be invited to attend an interview to meet a tutor and ask any questions they may have about the course.

Essential Skills – English and Maths

If you achieve a grade 3 in GCSE Maths or English you will have to work towards re-sitting these subjects as part of your main study programme. At B&FC, this won’t delay your career journey because you’re working towards these subjects at the same time as your chosen subject.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

16 -18 year olds, uniform, tools and equipment are provided for you. 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).

How will I be assessed?

The table below illustrates the units you will cover on this course, along with how they will be assessed.

Unit titleExam (online test)Number of practical assessmentsInferred knowledge
201 Working in the hair industry1
202 Follow health and safety practice in the salon1
203 Client consultation for hair services3
204 Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp3
209 The art of dressing hair4
212 Create an image based on a theme within the hair and beauty sector1
216 Salon Reception Duties2

 

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

The table below illustrates the units you will cover on this course, along with how they will be assessed.

Unit title Exam (online test) Number of practical assessments Inferred knowledge
201 Working in the hair industry 1
202 Follow health and safety practice in the salon 1
203 Client consultation for hair services 3
204 Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp 3
209 The art of dressing hair 4
212 Create an image based on a theme within the hair and beauty sector 1
216 Salon Reception Duties 2

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.

Industry Placement and Field Trips

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.

Qualification Obtained

Certificate in Hair Services

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.