Hairdressing - Level 1
Start Date: 1st September 2026
- Length 1 Year
- Study Full-Time
- Location Kidderminster College
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
You will hold a grade 1 or above in GCSE English and Maths.
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 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
As part of your course, you will be required to complete a period of work experience. This forms an essential component of your overall study hours and is designed to support your learning and progression. The number of hours you need to complete will vary depending on the level and type of qualification you are undertaking. There is an expectation that your placement will be relevant to your chosen course, helping you gain valuable insight and practical skills in your subject area. While learners are expected to secure their own placement, our dedicated Work Experience Coordinator will support you throughout the process and ensure that all placements meet the necessary compliance and safeguarding requirements.
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.
Get in Touch
Meet our tutors and students
Deborah Herbert
Tutor - HairdressingI 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.
Hairdressing
Gallery
What can I do with a qualification in Hairdressing?
Daily tasks:
- Ensures financial accounts for the business are maintained.
- Demonstrates, advises on and sells hair and/or beauty products.
- Checks and maintains any equipment, and ensures that all safety requirements are met.
- Undertakes and/or directs hair treatments and/or beauty therapy.
- Ensures clients.
- Provides clients with information and advice on styles and treatments, and resolves any complaints or problems.
- Controls the allocation, training and remuneration of staff.
- Determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term needs.
Powered by EMSI
Daily tasks:
- Demonstrates, sells and recommends hair care products to clients and advises them on hair care.
- Ensures hair products are stored and used appropriately and observes relevant health and safety factors.
- Maintains client records and keeps up-to-date with new products, styles and techniques.
- Collects payment, arranges appointments and cleans and tidies salon.
- Shaves and trims beards and moustaches.
- Combs, brushes, blow-dries or sets wet hair in rollers to style or straighten.
- Cuts and trims hair using scissors, clippers, razor and comb.
- Washes, conditions, bleaches, tints or dyes hair and provides any necessary basic scalp treatments.
- Discusses customer requirements, analyses hair condition and other relevant features to define and advise on hair style.
Powered by EMSI
Daily tasks:
- Maintains client records, sells and advises on cosmetic products and services, and ensures appropriate health and safety issues are addressed.
- Advises clients on diet and exercise to assist in weight loss and slimming.
- Recognises problems and refers clients to medical practitioners if appropriate.
- Performs specialist treatments for conditions such as acne, applies skin rejuvenation therapies.
- Applies make-up to hide blemishes or enhance facial features and advises clients on skin care and make-up techniques.
- Cleans, shapes and polishes finger and toe nails, applies nail extensions.
- Uses waxing, threading, sugaring and other epilation techniques to remove any unwanted body hair.
- Massages scalp, face and other parts of the body and carries out spray tanning.
- Discusses clients requirements, analyses and advises client on appropriate skin care, and applies treatments to the face or body.
Powered by EMSI
What can I do with a qualification in Hairdressing?
Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Managers and Proprietors
Daily tasks:
- Ensures financial accounts for the business are maintained.
- Demonstrates, advises on and sells hair and/or beauty products.
- Checks and maintains any equipment, and ensures that all safety requirements are met.
- Undertakes and/or directs hair treatments and/or beauty therapy.
- Ensures clients.
- Provides clients with information and advice on styles and treatments, and resolves any complaints or problems.
- Controls the allocation, training and remuneration of staff.
- Determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term needs.
Powered by EMSI
Hairdressers and Barbers
Daily tasks:
- Demonstrates, sells and recommends hair care products to clients and advises them on hair care.
- Ensures hair products are stored and used appropriately and observes relevant health and safety factors.
- Maintains client records and keeps up-to-date with new products, styles and techniques.
- Collects payment, arranges appointments and cleans and tidies salon.
- Shaves and trims beards and moustaches.
- Combs, brushes, blow-dries or sets wet hair in rollers to style or straighten.
- Cuts and trims hair using scissors, clippers, razor and comb.
- Washes, conditions, bleaches, tints or dyes hair and provides any necessary basic scalp treatments.
- Discusses customer requirements, analyses hair condition and other relevant features to define and advise on hair style.
Powered by EMSI
Beauticians and Related Occupations
Daily tasks:
- Maintains client records, sells and advises on cosmetic products and services, and ensures appropriate health and safety issues are addressed.
- Advises clients on diet and exercise to assist in weight loss and slimming.
- Recognises problems and refers clients to medical practitioners if appropriate.
- Performs specialist treatments for conditions such as acne, applies skin rejuvenation therapies.
- Applies make-up to hide blemishes or enhance facial features and advises clients on skin care and make-up techniques.
- Cleans, shapes and polishes finger and toe nails, applies nail extensions.
- Uses waxing, threading, sugaring and other epilation techniques to remove any unwanted body hair.
- Massages scalp, face and other parts of the body and carries out spray tanning.
- Discusses clients requirements, analyses and advises client on appropriate skin care, and applies treatments to the face or body.
Powered by EMSI
How To Apply For a Course
Work Experience - Student
Student Support
Levels Explained
What's happening?
Events
May Open Evening
Kidderminster College
Wednesday 13th May 2026
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Course Added
This course has now been added to your basket. Please click below to apply now or contine browsing.
Apply Now