Hairdressing

Blonde hair being brushed and blow dried

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Hairdressing

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.

courses available in Hairdressing

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 the Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery
Apply for an Apprenticeship in the Construction industry.

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 grades 1 or above, including English and maths 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.

Level 1: Hairdressing

2025/2026

apply now

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.

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 grades 3 or above including English and/or maths 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.

Level 2: Hairdressing

2025/2026

apply now

Level 1: Hairdressing
Level 2: Hairdressing

Level 1: Hairdressing

Overview

apply now

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 the Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery
Apply for an Apprenticeship in the Construction industry.

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 grades 1 or above, including English and maths 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.

Level 1: Hairdressing

2025/2026

apply now

Level 2: Hairdressing

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

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.

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 grades 3 or above including English and/or maths 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.

Level 2: Hairdressing

2025/2026

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 work well within a team and on your own

Ability to listen & meet expectations
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Knowledge of the Hair & Beauty and Industry

Students with a tutor, learning how to wash the hair of 2 female customers

Trips/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.

RACHEL VITTA

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

Rachel Vitta earned the title of Hairdressing Student of the Year 2024 for her remarkable performance in Level 3 Hairdressing. Building on a Distinction in Level 2, Rachel’s dedication to client care, punctuality and peer support, along with her impactful promotion of the College, left a lasting impression.