Hairdressing could be your future if you are looking for an exciting career with prospects. You will be working alongside 155,000 men and women in a dynamic, exciting and often glamourous industry. With the right qualifications a career in hairdressing offers you variety, creativity, job satisfaction, and flexibility. You will have the opportunity for travel, working with people, and career progression and independence.

If you want to get ahead and succeed in hairdressing, get properly qualified with National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). The great thing about them is that you can actually do them at work, as part of your day to day job. If you are not already working in hairdressing you can do NVQs at college where they will create a realistic salon environment for you. NVQs are nationally and internationally recognised qualifications.




 At level 1 you will:

  • shampoo, condition and dry hair
  • contribute to salon reception duties
  • contribute to perming (relaxing) and colouring processes
  • contribute to the development of effective working relationships

Plus one of the following two:

  • contribute to the effective use of resources
  • support health and safety in the salon




At this level you will:

  • maintain client care procedures
  • shampoo and condition hair and scalp
  • dry hair into shape and create a finished look
  • cut hair using basic techniques
  • perm (relax) and neutralise hair
  • change hair colour using basic techniques
  • fulfill salon reception duties
  • contribute to the overall effectiveness of the work team
  • make effective use of resources
  • support health, safety and security in the salon

You will also choose to set and dress hair or cut hair using barbering techniques

There is a further option of shaving and face massage too.




At level 3 you will:

  • maintain and develop client care procedures
  • apply cutting techniques to create a variety of looks
  • perm and colour hair to create a variety of looks and effects
  • enhance the overall effectiveness of the work team
  • contribute to the financial effectiveness of the busines
  • contribute to the maintenance of health, safety and security in the salon

You will also do at least three of the following:

  • create a range of images through artistic expression incorporating hairstyling techniques
  • provide specialist African-Caribbean hairdressing services
  • apply setting and dressing techniques to create a variety of looks
  • contribute to the planning and implementation of promational activities
  • facilitate learning through demonstration and instruction (TDLB unit C24)

If you want, you have the option of taking candidate assessment units