Hairdressing Level 2

Learn by doing as you develop the core techniques used by professional hairdressers.

You will build your skills across cutting, colouring and styling while learning how to consult with clients, recommend appropriate services and work safely in a professional salon. As your confidence grows, you will take greater responsibility for preparing and carrying out services from consultation through to the finished result.

You will explore:

• Cutting techniques for different hair types
• Colouring hair
• Lightening techniques
• Styling and finishing
• Blow-drying
• Shampooing and conditioning
• Hair and scalp treatments
• Client consultation
• Health, safety and hygiene
• Promoting salon services and products
• Customer care
• Professional salon working practices

Practical sessions will give you regular opportunities to develop your techniques through demonstration, guided practice and experience working with clients. You will learn how to select appropriate products and techniques, work accurately and evaluate the finished result.

Alongside your technical skills, you will develop wider skills such as communication, creativity, teamwork, organisation, customer service and taking responsibility for your own work.

You will normally need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths
• Or an appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification, together with equivalent English and Maths qualifications

You will normally also need to have completed Hairdressing Level 1 or be able to demonstrate suitable equivalent practical experience.

If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

You will get the most from this programme if you:

• Have a genuine interest in hairdressing and the salon industry
• Enjoy practical, creative work
• Are comfortable working closely with clients
• Have good communication and customer service skills
• Pay attention to detail
• Are willing to practise techniques to improve your skills
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
• Understand the importance of hygiene, safety and professional presentation
• Can organise your work and meet deadlines
• Are ready to take increasing responsibility for your own development

You should already have a foundation in hairdressing, but you will continue developing your confidence, speed and technical ability throughout the programme.

VTCT Skills Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing

The most common next step is Hairdressing Level 3 at Newbury College, where you can develop advanced cutting, colouring and creative styling techniques and work towards greater independence as a professional hairdresser.

Depending on your interests and career plans, you could also move into an apprenticeship or begin developing your professional experience in a salon.

Possible next steps include:

• Hairdressing Level 3 at Newbury College
• A hairdressing apprenticeship
• Employment as a junior hairdresser or stylist
• Further specialist training in areas such as colouring or bridal hair
• Barbering training if you want to broaden your technical skills
• Business or digital marketing study if you are particularly interested in building a salon brand or working towards future self-employment

With further training and experience, you could progress towards careers as a hairdresser, colour technician, session stylist, bridal stylist, salon manager or self-employed professional.

The Hairdressing qualification is assessed through a combination of practical assessment, written work, knowledge tests and end of year assessments.

Your practical skills will be assessed as you carry out hairdressing services in a salon environment. You will need to demonstrate that you can consult with clients, select appropriate techniques, work safely and produce results to the required standard.

You will also complete a graded practical synoptic assessment and written examinations as required by the qualification.

Your tutors will provide feedback throughout your practical work and assessments to help you refine your techniques, strengthen your knowledge and develop the professional standards expected in the industry.

English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.

You should expect to complete around 4 to 6 hours of independent study each week.

This may include:

• Revising hairdressing theory
• Preparing for written exams
• Researching products, techniques and trends
• Completing written assignments
• Reviewing treatment and service routines
• Preparing for practical assessments
• Organising assessment evidence
• Responding to tutor feedback

Your independent study will reinforce the practical and theoretical knowledge developed during College sessions.

Your tutors will review your progress and provide feedback, but you will also be expected to become increasingly responsible for managing your workload, preparing for assessments and meeting deadlines.

You will gain practical experience in the College's in-house salon, working with real clients as you develop your confidence and technical ability.

Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, you may also:

• Complete work experience in an external salon
• Experience busy commercial salon environments
• Meet hair professionals and guest speakers
• Learn about specialist roles within the industry
• Visit professional workplaces
• Develop customer service and salon reception skills

These experiences will help you understand professional expectations, build confidence working with clients and prepare for Level 3 study, an apprenticeship or employment.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• You will need to wear the required Hairdressing uniform during practical salon activities
• You will need your own basic Hairdressing kit, including appropriate scissors and a razor
• A Hairdressing textbook may be recommended to support your studies
• Details and costs for the uniform, kit and recommended resources will be provided before enrolment
• Optional workshops, trips, visits or additional qualifications may have an additional cost, and you will be given information in advance