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Hairdressing

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WHY STUDY HERE

At Macclesfield College, our award-winning Hairdressing courses provide industry experience in our on site commercial salon, where students work with the general public. You’ll develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the beauty industry, guided by expert teachers with extensive professional experience.

Our strong ties with local employers ensure our courses help you meet the demands of the Hair and Beauty sector. From hands on training with clients to learning the latest techniques, you’ll be well prepared for a successful career.

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COURSES AVAILABLE

Level 1: Hairdressing
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Level 1: Hairdressing

Overview
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What will I study?

During the course, you will have an introduction to the Hairdressing sector, you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Presenting a professional image
  • Working to health and safety policies
  • Basic hair applications
  • Styling and dressing hair using a variety of techniques
  • Basic colour applications
Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:
  • Apply to study VTCT Level 2 in hair services
  • Apply for an Apprenticeship in the hair industry.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need 4 GCSEs at Grade 2 or above. On successful completion of this course you will gain VTCT Level 1 Certificate in Hairdressing

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
A black outline icon of a piece of a hair dryer
Level 1: Hairdressing
  • 2026/2027
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Level 2: Hairdressing
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Level 2: Hairdressing

Overview
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What will I study?

This qualification is based on the National Occupational Standards including a variety of hairdressing techniques to enable you to work effectively as a hairdresser/stylist.   During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:  
  • Working in the hair industry
  • Follow health and safety practice in the salon
  • Client consultation for hair services
  • Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp
  • Promote products
  • Cut women’s hair
  • Colour and lighten hair
  • Perm and Neutralise hair
  • The art of dressing hair
  • Create an image based on a theme within the hair and beauty sector
  • Plaiting and twisting hair
Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:
  • Apply to study VTCT Level 3 Diploma in hair services
  • Apply for an Apprenticeship in the hair industry.
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above. On successful completion of this course you will gain a VTCT Level 2 Diploma in hair services

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
A black outline icon of a piece of a hair dryer
Level 2: Hairdressing
  • 2026/2027
apply now
Level 3: Hairdressing
A black outline icon of a piece of a hair dryer

Level 3: Hairdressing

Overview
apply now

What will I study?

This qualification is based on the National Occupational Standards for a variety of advanced hairdressing techniques and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a senior hairdresser/stylist. You must achieve all mandatory and optional units which include:
  • Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon
  • Hairdressing consultation support for colleagues
  • Cut women’s hair to create a variety of looks
  • Style and dress hair using a variety of techniques
  • Colour hair to create a variety of looks
  • Bridal hair styling
  • Hair extension services
It is expected that you will continue to practice skills at home and complete written course work, enabling the student to build confidence.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful completion of this qualification, you could progress directly into employment in a variety of contexts, which include:
  • commercial salons
  • independent/self-employed/freelance/home-based settings
  • cruise liners
  • session stylists
graduation-cap

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above. On successful completion of this course, you will gain a VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Hair Services

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.
A black outline icon of a piece of a hair dryer
Level 3: Hairdressing
  • 2026/2027
apply now

ASPIRATIONAL CAREERS

Hair Stylist

Salon Manager

Salon Owner

SKILLS REQUIRED FOR HAIRDRESSING

  • Ability to Use and Maintain Equipment and Tools
  • Good Customer Service Skills
  • Ability to Listen & Meet Expectations
  • Patience and the Ability to Remain Calm in Stressful Situations
  • Good Attention To Detail
  • Knowledge of the Hair & Beauty and Industry

TRIP/EMPLOYERS

Throughout your Hair course, you’ll engage with industry professionals through regular guest talks, offering valuable insights to enhance your learning experience. You’ll also have opportunities to visit leading companies like Wella and PLOUISE, allowing you to see how your skills are applied in industry settings.

Additionally, working in our commercial salon environment provides hands on experience, while industry guest speakers and external training sessions further enrich your education. These experiences will deepen your understanding and prepare you for a successful career in the hair and beauty sector.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

A headshot of a student smiling for a photo.

LIA CALLAWAY-HARRISON

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

The College is proud to spotlight Lia Callaway-Harrison as our Overall Student of the Year 2024. Lia’s dedication and commitment to excellence have been evident from the very start. Her proactive approach to learning, attention to detail and enthusiasm have consistently impressed both staff and peers.

Beyond the classroom, her professionalism during work placements further demonstrated her exceptional work ethic, earning her well deserved recognition.

As Lia continues her studies, we are excited to watch her grow and achieve even greater success. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and confident she will continue to excel in all her future endeavours.

UPCOMING EVENTS

T Level (Autumn Series) & BTEC (January Series) Exam Results
8am - 12pm
Apprenticeship Open Event
4:30pm - 6.30pm
June Open Event
10:30am - 12.30pm

TAKE A LOOK AROUND

A hairdressing student is adding highlights to a client's hair.
A group of Hairdressing students are working on clients, inside Pure Salon.
A hairdressing student is practising curling hair on a mannequin head
A hairdressing student is washing a client's hair.
A hairdressing apprentice washing a client's hair.
A Hairdressing apprentice is cutting a client's hair.
A hairdressing student washing a client's hair.
A group of hairdressing students are working in Pure Salon.
A group of hairdressing students are practicing hair techniques on mannequin heads.
Two hairdressing students are practicing hairstyles on wigs
A hairdressing student is running water from a salon tap head

01625 410000

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