Hairdressers and barbers shampoo, cut, colour, style and treat hair.
discusses customer requirements, analyses hair condition and other relevant features to define and advise on hair style
washes, conditions, bleaches, tints or dyes hair and provides any necessary basic scalp treatments
cuts and trims hair using scissors, clippers, razor and comb
combs, brushes, blow-dries or sets wet hair in rollers to style or straighten
shaves and trims beards and moustaches
collects payment, arranges appointments and cleans and tidies salon
maintains client records and keeps up-to-date with new products, styles and techniques
ensures hair products are stored and used appropriately and observes relevant health and safety factors
demonstrates, sells and recommends hair care products to clients and advises them on hair care.
There are no minimum academic requirements for entry, although some colleges require candidates to possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is provided off- and on-the-job and lasts up to three years leading to the awarding of NVQs/SVQs at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Apprenticeships leading to an NVQ/SVQ at Level 3 are also available.
Please note all college campuses close for the Christmas break at 12pm on Thursday 11 December 2025 until Monday 5 January 2026.
During the closure, you can still contact us for general enquiries on weekdays from Friday 12 December until Friday 19 December. Our lines will be open between 9am – 4pm during this period, with an earlier finish of 12pm on Friday 19 December.
Should you need any advice or guidance over the Christmas break all key contact information and local support services below.
Key information for the Christmas Break