Whatever your current level of barbering or hairdressing skill, we
can help you build to the next. You will learn everything you need to become a
highly competent haircare professional - specialising in trimming, cutting, colouring and styling hair - as well as male grooming. You’ll learn communication and
consultation skills, how to market and sell your services, and professional practice including health and safety.
Our hairdressing and barbering VTQ pathway courses* include:
Level 1 Hairdressing
Level 1 Barbering
Level 2 Women's Hairdressing
Level 2 Barbering
Level 3 Hairdressing
Level 3 Barbering
*When you're ready to apply, make sure you pick your subject only, not your level. When you attend your interview, the tutor will help identify your appropriate level of study based on your predicted grades.
Level 1 Hairdressing
This course is designed to build on an initial interest in hairdressing, providing insight into the various aspects of the profession and prepare students for further learning or training. Whilst attending your course, you will gain experience necessary to become a competent hairdressing assistant.
Your timetable will consist of the following sessions:
- Commercial hairdressing salon time
- Practical skills workshops
- Theory workshops
- Assignment sessions
- Tutorial and one to one sessions
- Customer service
- Learners aged 16 - 18 will be expected to study English and Maths as a mandatory requirement for the study programme if GCSE grades 4 and above are not achieved.
Level 1 Barbering
This course is designed to build on an initial interest in barbering. It provides insights into the various aspects of the profession and prepares students for further study and training.
Whilst attending your course, you will gain experiences necessary towards becoming a competent barbering assistant.
Level 2 Women's Hairdressing
This course provides a range of essential practical skills and knowledge for you to seek employment or further training within the hairdressing industry. Skills include carrying out services such as shampooing, conditioning, styling, dressing and setting hair, cutting and colouring. Following successful completion of this qualification you will be qualified to work in hairdressing salons, hotels or cruise ships.
Level 2 Barbering
This course is ideal for students with a passion for barbering and styling, looking for a specialist course where junior barbers complete the necessary framework of units and credits required for career progression and/or the next qualification level.
Students will undertake work experience in our commercial Graduate Hairdressing Salon, gaining practical skills and undertaking theoretical skills required for theory underpinning knowledge.
Level 3 Hairdressing
This programme is ideal for a junior hairstylist or hairdresser that carries out treatments including the following:
- Hairdressing consultation
- Creatively Cutting hair
- Hair Colouring Services
- Hair Colour Correction Services
- Setting and Dressing Services
- Blow-drying and finishing services
Level 3 Barbering
You'll learn how to cut men's hair and facial hair, whilst developing your creative design skills. Under the guidance of our expert staff, you'll learn how to provide an outstanding shaving service, including health and safety, human resource management and promoting products and services to clients.
To help develop your employability skills, you'll be working in our impressive commercial salon and provide barbering services to clients during the pop-up barbershop events we facilitate on campus.
Equipment
The kit is a mandatory part of the course and you will be required to purchase hairdressing equipment prior to starting in September. This can be purchased directly from the relevant suppliers costing approximately £150.50. Information will be provided prior to starting the course.
Uniform
You will be required to wear black trousers or skirt, black top and black full shoes when attending practical/commercial sessions in the salons. Black trainers are acceptable as long as they are fully black.
Visits and Trips
We will expect you to visit exhibitions and attend workshops to see demonstrations and gain knowledge of the latest products or techniques in hairdressing.
Competitions
We encourage all our students to take part in the various competitions held throughout the year. These are a fantastic way to gain exposure in the industry and be creative! They also look great on your CV.
Level 1 Hairdressing
The course programme consists of 12 units:
- Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector
- Presenting a Professional Image in the Salon
- Shampoo and Condition Hair
- Hair Plaiting
- Create an Image Using Colour in the Hair and Beauty Sector
- Hand Care
- Style Women's Hair
- Style Men's Hair
- Create a Hair and Beauty Image
- Follow Health and Safety in the Salon
- Salon Reception Duties
- The Art of Colouring Hair
Alongside this hairdressing course you will be studying a Level 1 Award in Customer Service. Upon completion of a final exam you will receive a Level 1 Award in Customer Service.
Functional skills/GCSE is a mandatory part of the study programme for 16-18 year olds. You will build a portfolio of evidence to show that you have improved your standards in communication and complete an examination on completion of the course.
You must complete external work experience outside of college. You will be responsible for finding a salon to complete this and the below is a minimum that you need to complete
- Level 1 course 8 hours for the year (1 day placement)
This is a mandatory part of your course and must be completed on days that you are not in college.
Level 1 Barbering
Your timetable will consist of the following sessions:
- Commercial hairdressing salon time
- Practical skills workshops
- Theory workshops
- Assignment sessions
- Tutorial and one to one sessions
- Customer service
- Learners aged 16 - 18 at the start of the course will be expected to study English and Maths as a mandatory requirement for the study programme
Level 2 Women's Hairdressing
This qualification covers all the core skills you will need to progress to further learning and training, or to enter the world of work within the hairdressing industry. You will study the following mandatory content:
• Principles of hairdressing and barbering services
• Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
• Style, set and dress hair
• Cut hair using basic techniques
• Colour and lighten hair
Level 2 Barbering
The course consists of 12 units:
- Working in the hair industry
- Follow health and safety in the salon
- Client consultation for hair services
- Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp
- Promote products and services to clients in a salon
- Cut men’s hair
- Cut facial hair
- Colour and lighten hair
- Styling men’s hair (Level 1 unit)
- Create an image based on a theme within the hair and beauty sector
- Display stock to promote sales in a salon
- Scalp massage
Level 3 Hairdressing
This course programme consists of the following units:
- Health and Safety in the salon
- Hairdressing consultation
- Creatively Cutting hair
- Hair Colouring Services
- Hair Colour Correction Services
- Setting and Dressing Services
- Blow-drying and finishing services
You must complete external work experience outside of college. You will be responsible for finding a salon to complete an external salon placement during week commencing 13th March 2023
This is mandatory part of your course.
Learners aged 16-18 at start of course are also expected to study Maths and English as mandatory requirements of their study programme.
Level 3 Barbering
This course consists of the following units:
- Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon
- Consultation support for colleagues on hair services
- Cut men’s hair to create a variety of looks
- Cut facial hair to create a variety of looks
- Provide shaving and face massage services
- Design and create patterns in hair
- Human Resource Management
- Promote and sell products and services to clients
- Creative hairdressing design skills
Level 1 Hairdressing/Level 1 Barbering
Entry requirement for this course is GCSE English and Maths Grade 2 and above.
You must be working toward a GCSE English and Maths, or Functional Skills Entry 3 or above. Be able to demonstrate a good level of speaking, listening and written skills in both English and Maths.
You are required to provide:
Reference for learners 16 years of age or over/full year 11 current school report. school with attendance, punctuality and behaviour .
Important please remember to bring in original GCSE certificates/ functional skills evidence.
Level 2 Women's Hairdressing/Level 2 Barbering
A Level 1 Hairdressing/Barbering is ideal to start this qualification, or prior experience within the industry, plus GCSE English at Grade 4 or above
Level 3 Hairdressing/Level 3 Barbering
- A Level 2 related Hairdressing qualification or prior experience running a column within the hairdressing industry.
- 2 GCSE in English and Maths grades 4 – 9 or GCSE grade A - C or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2
- Initial assessment at Level 1/2 English/Maths.
- Interview
- Practical dexterity cut and finish assessment (removing minimum of one inch from hair using a combination of cutting techniques)
- Written Knowledge Dexterity Test
- Attendance & punctuality record 95%
- Reference
Minimum of 16 hours per week usually over 3 - 4 days.
Minimum of 16 hours per week usually over 3 - 4 days, depending on level of English and Maths study skills.
This course is suitable if you are just starting out in hair and beauty and want a basic understanding of the industry in order to succeed in a job in hairdressing or move on to further study.
Qualifications are gained by achieving assessments through practical sessions, group discussions and written assignments. You will also have opportunities to work in the commercial salon environment where you will practice and demonstrate your skills.
Level 3 Hairdressing/Level 3 Barbering
- Practical assessment (graded and non-graded)
- External Written Examination
- Graded synoptic assessment
- Portfolio of evidence
- Presentations
- Project Work
- Online Lessons (Microsoft Teams)
- During online lessons you will be expected to participate throughout the session, by respond to questions asked using the chat and unmuting yourself to respond verbally.
- You will be expected to be online working in quiet environment, make notes throughout the duration of the online lesson.
Additional self directed studies:
It is essential for Level 3 learners to participate in at least 4 hours per week self directed studies, to practice hairdressing/barbering skills. You are also expected to conduct research/complete tasks and update your Walsall College Graduate personal profile).
You must also build a personal portfolio to showcase your hairdressing/barbering skills.
- Progression onto a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing or Barbering or a Hairdressing/Barbering Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship.
Followed by:
- Into employment as a hairdresser or stylist in the hairdressing industry.
- Employment as a hairdressing industry specialist
- A barbering Course
- BTEC Level 4 HNC Hair and Beauty Management (Pearson)
- Working independently/self-employed/mobile/or in a home-based setting
- Employment/further training in television, film, theatre and media
- HM prison service
- Cruise liners
- Hospitals/care homes
Achievement of hairdressing and barbering qualifications can lead to a job as a hairdresser/barber working in one of the following establishments:
• Hairdressing salon/Barbers, a hotel or cruise ship and self-employment
- Hairdressers and barbers can also secure employment within hospitals, care homes, prisons, department stores, airlines and holiday resorts.
Work experience in the Graduate Academy of Hair and beauty as part of your timetable on the course.
External work experience placement, 8 hours 1 day placement within the year. You must source your own placement within a salon.
There will also be trips, such as the Salon International Exhibition and Hair and Beauty Show at the Birmingham NEC.
Aged 16-18: FREE, Aged 19 & Over: £993 – includes any exam/reg fee. Other fees: £10 Learning Pass with Photocopying & Printing Credit
Adults may be eligible for FREE tuition, find out more here
English and Maths is a mandatory part of the study programme for our full-time 16-19 year-old learners.
If you have GCSEs in English and Maths at:
- A* - C or 4-9 - You will continue to study English and Maths but do not have to take another exam.
- D or 3 - You will need to re-sit your GCSE English and Maths at college.
- E, F or G / 1 or 2 - You will need to study Functional Skills English and Maths or GCSE English and Maths depending on the subject you are studying and level you are at.
Extended Course Overview and Unit Information
Level 1 Hairdressing
The course programme consists of 12 units:
- Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector
- Presenting a Professional Image in the Salon
- Shampoo and Condition Hair
- Hair Plaiting
- Create an Image Using Colour in the Hair and Beauty Sector
- Hand Care
- Style Women's Hair
- Style Men's Hair
- Create a Hair and Beauty Image
- Follow Health and Safety in the Salon
- Salon Reception Duties
- The Art of Colouring Hair
Alongside this hairdressing course you will be studying a Level 1 Award in Customer Service. Upon completion of a final exam you will receive a Level 1 Award in Customer Service.
Functional skills/GCSE is a mandatory part of the study programme for 16-18 year olds. You will build a portfolio of evidence to show that you have improved your standards in communication and complete an examination on completion of the course.
You must complete external work experience outside of college. You will be responsible for finding a salon to complete this and the below is a minimum that you need to complete
- Level 1 course 8 hours for the year (1 day placement)
This is a mandatory part of your course and must be completed on days that you are not in college.
Level 1 Barbering
Your timetable will consist of the following sessions:
- Commercial hairdressing salon time
- Practical skills workshops
- Theory workshops
- Assignment sessions
- Tutorial and one to one sessions
- Customer service
- Learners aged 16 - 18 at the start of the course will be expected to study English and Maths as a mandatory requirement for the study programme
Level 2 Women's Hairdressing
This qualification covers all the core skills you will need to progress to further learning and training, or to enter the world of work within the hairdressing industry. You will study the following mandatory content:
• Principles of hairdressing and barbering services
• Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
• Style, set and dress hair
• Cut hair using basic techniques
• Colour and lighten hair
Level 2 Barbering
The course consists of 12 units:
- Working in the hair industry
- Follow health and safety in the salon
- Client consultation for hair services
- Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp
- Promote products and services to clients in a salon
- Cut men’s hair
- Cut facial hair
- Colour and lighten hair
- Styling men’s hair (Level 1 unit)
- Create an image based on a theme within the hair and beauty sector
- Display stock to promote sales in a salon
- Scalp massage
Level 3 Hairdressing
This course programme consists of the following units:
- Health and Safety in the salon
- Hairdressing consultation
- Creatively Cutting hair
- Hair Colouring Services
- Hair Colour Correction Services
- Setting and Dressing Services
- Blow-drying and finishing services
You must complete external work experience outside of college. You will be responsible for finding a salon to complete an external salon placement during week commencing 13th March 2023
This is mandatory part of your course.
Learners aged 16-18 at start of course are also expected to study Maths and English as mandatory requirements of their study programme.
Level 3 Barbering
This course consists of the following units:
- Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon
- Consultation support for colleagues on hair services
- Cut men’s hair to create a variety of looks
- Cut facial hair to create a variety of looks
- Provide shaving and face massage services
- Design and create patterns in hair
- Human Resource Management
- Promote and sell products and services to clients
- Creative hairdressing design skills
Entry Requirements
Level 1 Hairdressing/Level 1 Barbering
Entry requirement for this course is GCSE English and Maths Grade 2 and above.
You must be working toward a GCSE English and Maths, or Functional Skills Entry 3 or above. Be able to demonstrate a good level of speaking, listening and written skills in both English and Maths.
You are required to provide:
Reference for learners 16 years of age or over/full year 11 current school report. school with attendance, punctuality and behaviour .
Important please remember to bring in original GCSE certificates/ functional skills evidence.
Level 2 Women's Hairdressing/Level 2 Barbering
A Level 1 Hairdressing/Barbering is ideal to start this qualification, or prior experience within the industry, plus GCSE English at Grade 4 or above
Level 3 Hairdressing/Level 3 Barbering
- A Level 2 related Hairdressing qualification or prior experience running a column within the hairdressing industry.
- 2 GCSE in English and Maths grades 4 – 9 or GCSE grade A - C or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2
- Initial assessment at Level 1/2 English/Maths.
- Interview
- Practical dexterity cut and finish assessment (removing minimum of one inch from hair using a combination of cutting techniques)
- Written Knowledge Dexterity Test
- Attendance & punctuality record 95%
- Reference
Day of Study
Minimum of 16 hours per week usually over 3 - 4 days.
Hours of Study
Minimum of 16 hours per week usually over 3 - 4 days, depending on level of English and Maths study skills.
Suitable For
This course is suitable if you are just starting out in hair and beauty and want a basic understanding of the industry in order to succeed in a job in hairdressing or move on to further study.
Method of Assessment
Qualifications are gained by achieving assessments through practical sessions, group discussions and written assignments. You will also have opportunities to work in the commercial salon environment where you will practice and demonstrate your skills.
Level 3 Hairdressing/Level 3 Barbering
- Practical assessment (graded and non-graded)
- External Written Examination
- Graded synoptic assessment
- Portfolio of evidence
- Presentations
- Project Work
- Online Lessons (Microsoft Teams)
- During online lessons you will be expected to participate throughout the session, by respond to questions asked using the chat and unmuting yourself to respond verbally.
- You will be expected to be online working in quiet environment, make notes throughout the duration of the online lesson.
Additional self directed studies:
It is essential for Level 3 learners to participate in at least 4 hours per week self directed studies, to practice hairdressing/barbering skills. You are also expected to conduct research/complete tasks and update your Walsall College Graduate personal profile).
You must also build a personal portfolio to showcase your hairdressing/barbering skills.
Progression
- Progression onto a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Hairdressing or Barbering or a Hairdressing/Barbering Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship.
Followed by:
- Into employment as a hairdresser or stylist in the hairdressing industry.
- Employment as a hairdressing industry specialist
- A barbering Course
- BTEC Level 4 HNC Hair and Beauty Management (Pearson)
- Working independently/self-employed/mobile/or in a home-based setting
- Employment/further training in television, film, theatre and media
- HM prison service
- Cruise liners
- Hospitals/care homes
Career Information
Achievement of hairdressing and barbering qualifications can lead to a job as a hairdresser/barber working in one of the following establishments:
• Hairdressing salon/Barbers, a hotel or cruise ship and self-employment
- Hairdressers and barbers can also secure employment within hospitals, care homes, prisons, department stores, airlines and holiday resorts.
Industry Placements and Field Trips
Work experience in the Graduate Academy of Hair and beauty as part of your timetable on the course.
External work experience placement, 8 hours 1 day placement within the year. You must source your own placement within a salon.
There will also be trips, such as the Salon International Exhibition and Hair and Beauty Show at the Birmingham NEC.
Fee
Aged 16-18: FREE, Aged 19 & Over: £993 – includes any exam/reg fee. Other fees: £10 Learning Pass with Photocopying & Printing Credit
English and Maths Requirements
English and Maths is a mandatory part of the 16-19 study programme.
If you have GCSEs in English and Maths at:
- A* - C or 4-9 - You will continue to study English and Maths but do not have to take another exam.
- D or 3 - You will need to resit your GCSE English and Maths at college.
- E, F or G / 1 or 2 - You will study for Functional Skills until you get to Level 1. Then you will take GCSE English and Maths.
How to Apply
Apply directly to Walsall College on a college application form (either available online www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/courses or call us on 01922 657000 to request one). Once we have received your application we will arrange an interview with the relevant admissions tutor. For more information please visit www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/how-to-apply
Financial Help
This course is eligible for an Adult Learner Loan - If finances have been holding you back from starting a course, you can now apply for a loan to help with the cost of these fees! Call 01922 657000 to find out more.
Funds may be available to you if you are over 16 and need help with travel, equipment, exams, childcare and the cost of studying in general. Find out more at www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/bursaries
