Hairdressing - Level 2

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Length 36 weeks
Study Full-Time
Location Carlisle College

Qualification Gained

Level 2 VTCT Diploma in Hairdressing

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Are you a keen hair stylist and love to experiment with new styles? Love the idea of being a hairdresser?

This Level 2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing will give you a good understanding of the hairdressing industry and the opportunities available in the sector, while helping you to develop the skills you really need for your future career.

This qualification is based on the hairdressing National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's leading professional body (The Hairdressing Council).

You will learn health and safety, client consultation, shampoo and conditioning hair, working in the hair industry, cutting women’s hair, colouring and lightening hair, and the art of dressing hair.

You will have the opportunity to go to Hair shows which are held in Manchester and Birmingham throughout the academic year. You will take part in competitions in house, across our colleges and have the opportunity to enter the world skills competitions. This will prepare you to work in a competitive environment whilst enhancing your professionalism, communication and working as part of a team.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) including English and maths
Level 1 vocational qualification
Level 1 functional skills qualification in English and maths or the equivalent is desirable

Scottish equivalent
A friendly, mature approach and the ability to communicate effectively are essential along with a high level of personal hygiene, personal presentation and awareness of health and safety

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a Level 2 VTCT Diploma in Hairdressing.

What will I learn?

The art of dressing hair
Cutting women's hair
How to shampoo and condition the hair and scalp
The art of colouring hair
Working in the hair industry
Client consultation for hair services
Colour and lighten hair
Promote products and services to clients in a salon
Health and safety

How is the course taught?

Practical training in a real working salon
Theoretical sessions
Group activities
Demonstrations
Lectures
Case studies
Work placement within the industry
Enrichment activities

How am I assessed?

Portfolio of evidence
Practical observations
Witness statements
Written and oral questions
Online exams
Assignments

Work experience opportunities

A work placement in a local salon is an integral part of the course. In order to successfully complete your practical skill assessments, students are requested to provide suitable clients for treatments.

English and Maths

English and maths are vital to working in the hair and beauty industry and these skills will be embedded into your course through product ratios, client communication, taking bookings, timings, payments and costings.

You will also be supported to work towards grade 4 GCSEs equivalent in maths and English if you do not yet hold these.

Where can I progress?

This course will offer you enhanced career prospects in a number of opportunities within the Hairdressing industry. After two years of salon experience, you may also have the chance to progress onto Level 3 Hairdressing, following successful completion of all parts of the course, functional skills qualifications, and passing interview criteria.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.

Lynn Nicholson

Hair and Beauty Tutor

Lynn brings a wealth of experience to the hair and beauty department, with over 20 years of dedicated service at Carlisle College. Starting her career at Carlisle College as an assessor and technician, Lynn completed her Certificate in Education and has since become an invaluable mentor to countless students. Lynn understands that school may not have been the right fit for some students, and she takes pride in seeing them grow into confident individuals who become valued members of the community. She loves being part of their journey, helping them transform into professional therapists and stylists. Lynn is dedicated to creating an empowering and supportive learning environment for all learners and is deeply committed to inclusivity and sustainability. She founded the Swap Shop at Carlisle College, providing low-income learners with access to appropriate clothing and hygiene products. Her impactful efforts to address period poverty have ensured that personal hygiene items are available in all college restrooms, fostering dignity and support for all.