Hairdressing - Level 1

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Length 1 Year
Study Full-Time
Location Kidderminster College

Qualification Gained

VTCT Level 1 Hairdressing Diploma

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Join our award-winning Hairdressing - Level 1 course! This intensive qualification has been designed to introduce you to the full spectrum of practical hairdressing skills, providing a solid foundation for you to progress onto the next level of vocational learning. This course is the first step for any aspiring hairdresser to start their journey to become a competent hairdressing assistant and to progress to a Hairdressing - Level 2 course at Kidderminster College.

Throughout this qualification, you'll develop and perfect your skills in shampooing, blow-drying and styling women's hair. You'll also begin developing your knowledge of different hair types, Health and Safety requirements and how to present yourself within the hair industry. As this course progresses, you'll be taught how to section hair effectively and apply temporary colour. You'll also be required to complete a work experience placement of at least 60 hours during your course, providing additional industry experience to prepare you for employment or self-employment.

ELEMENTS, Kidderminster College's on-site professional salon, participates in regular regional and national competitions, so there will be some amazing opportunities to showcase your work throughout your studies.

Entry requirements

There are no formal requirements for this course.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a VTCT Level 1 Hairdressing Diploma.

What will I learn?

Salon reception
The art of dressing hair, including blow dry's, setting and hair-ups
Applying temporary colour
Create a hair and beauty image
Plaiting hair to include a range of on-scalp and off-scalp techniques
A greater understanding of the Hair and Beauty sector
Shampoo and condition the hair
Consultation techniques.

How is the course taught?

Theory sessions
Practical sessions
Presentations
Practical demonstrations
Independent work
One-to-one support
Tutorials
Competitions.

This programme of study will be taught over 16 hours per week.

Classes generally run between 9am-5pm buy may vary.

How am I assessed?

Practical assessments
Assignments
Online examinations
Observations.

Work experience opportunities

To achieve this Level 1 qualification, you will be required to complete a work experience placement of at least 60 hours. All applicants need to source their own external work placement in a hair salon within the first six weeks of starting the course. These will be completed in addition to your timetabled hours.

You will also be working under supervision within our awarding-winning on-campus salon, Elements, working on staff, students and clients from the local area.

Work placements and work experience are designed so that you can build both your confidence and your skills so that you will be able to work competently within the industry.

English and maths

If you're aged 16-18 and haven't achieved a GCSE grade 4/C or higher in English and maths, you will be expected to study English and maths alongside your main programme of study.

You will develop English skills by learning new terminology.

Your maths skills will be developed by learning how to mix and measure your colouring products whilst following the manufacturer’s instructions. Whilst cutting, you will evolve your angles and measurements. When working in reception, you will be handling payments, taking messages, dealing with enquiries and making appointments.

Tutorial

Tutorial is a program of essential topics affecting you as a potential employee and member of a community. You will cover topics to improve employability skills, mental fitness (both for you and those around you) and much more. It is an essential part of your personal development.

As part of you weekly timetable, you will be expected to take part in Tutorial. This consists of a 1-1 meeting (at least 3 a year) and Personal Development activities that develop you both personally and professionally. Part of the focus is to raise digital Standards and take part in Employer Engagement Activities such as guest speakers, logging Work Experience and in person and online networking.

We work with Student Experience, Careers and your Curriculum team to ensure your Tutorial elements link to your industry area and to create opportunities to develop key skills for profile raising as well as enabling you to create competitive applications and CVs.

Tutorial is also an opportunity to check in with you as part of a group and individually. You can discuss any issues you might be having that affect your learning and essentially identify strategies and support available to you.

Where can I progress?

Upon completion of this course, you can go on to study Hairdressing - Level 2 at Kidderminster College.

Call us: 01562 820811

Email us: enquiries@kidderminster.ac.uk

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Deborah Herbert

Tutor - Hairdressing

I am an experienced Hairdressing Lecturer. My primary goal is to enable learners to realise their full potential and achieve their career goals. My passion lies in creating enjoyable and effective learning environments where I share knowledge and impart valuable skills and expertise. With a strong focus on practical skills, industry relevance, and employability, I aim to prepare students for success in the ever-evolving world of hairdressing. As a Hairdressing Lecturer, I go beyond teaching, supporting learners with critical skills and pastoral care. In my new role as a Leading Practitioner, I am dedicated to helping colleagues and contributing to a collaborative learning community.

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