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16-18 Courses, 16-18: Vocational

Hairdressing (Level 2)

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Course Overview

Entry requirements

Grade 3 English Language GCSE or L1 Functional Skill English, Grade 3 Maths GCSE or L1 Functional Skill Maths, 4 GCSEs at Grade 3

Course information

This qualification is based on the Hairdressing National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's leading professional body, The Hairdressing Council, as being fit for purpose for preparing students for a career as a junior hairdresser/stylist.

The aim of the course is to develop hairdressing skills and knowledge and it will also enable you to perform your own services and to assist others in the salon. Students will gather evidence for assessment through the study of mandatory and optional units, in a real working environment without the need for fee-paying clients.

Find out more about the salons you will be working in here.

The units you may study include:

  • shampooing and conditioning hair
  • research unit - working in the hair industry
  • cutting women's hair
  • colouring hair
  • the art of dressing hair
  • client consultation
  • health and safety

You can also select a number of optional units which include:

  • reception duties
  • creating an image based on a theme
  • providing scalp massage services
  • promoting products and services to clients
  • perming hair

The qualification's structure provides students with the flexibility to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills depending upon their designated career pathway within the hair industry.

  • How you are assessed

    Practical assessments and paper-based assignments and tests.

  • Why study at NCC?

    The Level 2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing is a substantial vocational qualification for students seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed hairdresser or stylist.

    It is designed for students aged 16 years or over and will support you to gain an apprenticeship or direct employment in a salon as a junior hairdresser. Alternatively you can continue your study of hairdressing to Level 3.

    Entry onto the course can be via previous attainment of the Level 1 Diploma in Hairdressing and/or 4 GCSEs at grades 3-4, including Maths and English and a successful skills test and interview.

Available Campuses

Dates
Start: 01/09/2025
End: 03/07/2026
Dates
Start: 01/09/2025
End: 03/07/2026

What Can This Course Lead To

Successful students are eligible to become a graduate State Registered Hairdresser (SRH) with The Hairdressing Council. They can progress to career opportunities in a variety of contexts as a junior hairdresser/stylist, including working in commercial hair salons, in specialist African type hair salons, product manufacturing and training, television, film, theatre and media, the Armed Services, HM prison service and on cruise liners. Or they can work independently as a self-employed hairdresser, a mobile hairdresser or a home-based hairdresser. Whilst this qualification's primary purpose is to prepare students for employment, you may choose to develop your skills further by undertaking higher qualifications in hairdressing at Level 3. These include the VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing (apprenticeship), or the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing.

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