Hairdressing, Level 2

Course Information

Overview

Our Hairdressing Level 2 course provides a strong foundation in women’s hairdressing, combining practical salon experience with industry-relevant knowledge. You will develop the skills, confidence and professionalism needed to work in a salon environment while learning current hairdressing techniques and client care practices.

You will gain hands-on experience in cutting, colouring, styling and dressing hair, alongside developing consultation, communication and customer service skills. The course is designed to prepare you for progression to Level 3 Hairdressing, apprenticeships, employment or future self-employment within the hairdressing industry.

What you'll learn

During this course, you will learn:

• Core hairdressing techniques and client consultation skills.
• How to assess client needs and recommend suitable services.
• Shampooing and conditioning hair and scalp treatments.
• Hair cutting, dressing and styling techniques.
• Hair colouring and lightening techniques.
• How to select suitable products, colours and treatments.
• Professional salon standards, including health and safety.
• Client care, communication, teamwork and time management.
• Retail skills, product promotion and salon reception duties.
• How to maintain a professional image within the industry.

You may also develop specialist skills in scalp massage, plaiting and twisting, temporary and semi-permanent colouring, Afro-textured hair styling, and creating hair and beauty images.

Units you will study

Your programme may include units such as:

• Follow Health and Safety Practice in the Salon – learn how to work safely and hygienically, identify hazards, follow salon procedures and protect clients, colleagues and yourself.
• Cut Hair Using Hairdressing Techniques – develop practical cutting skills, including preparing clients, selecting suitable tools and techniques, and creating finished looks to meet individual requirements.
• Colour and Lighten Hair – build professional colouring and lightening skills while developing knowledge of consultation, product selection, safe working practices and aftercare.
• The Art of Colour – develop creativity and technical colour application skills.
• Plaiting and Twisting Hair – learn specialist styling techniques for a variety of hair types.
• Creating an Image Based on a Theme within the Hair and Beauty Sector – develop creative and presentation skills through themed projects.
• Working in the Hair Industry
• Client Consultation for Hair Services
• Shampoo and Condition the Hair and Scalp
• The Art of Dressing Hair

The qualification develops your practical skills to a high level of occupational ability, enabling you to carry out salon services safely and professionally.

Entry requirements

• 3 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or Maths.
• A strong interest in hairdressing and the wider hair and beauty industry.
• A willingness to take part in practical sessions, group work and independent study.
• A commitment to developing confidence, creativity, client care and professional salon skills.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect real industry practice and allows you to demonstrate both your practical skills and underpinning knowledge.

• Coursework and written assignments, including projects, case studies and written activities.
• Practical assessments, where assessors observe you carrying out salon services to professional standards.
• Presentations, demonstrations and professional discussions.
• A portfolio of evidence, which may include observed work, witness statements, photographs, audio-visual evidence and assessment records.

Evidence is collected throughout the course and mapped to the relevant VTCT unit outcomes and assessment requirements.

Where this course can take you

After completing this course, you could progress to:

• Level 3 Hairdressing.
• Hairdressing apprenticeships.
• Junior Stylist or Hairdresser roles in professional salons.
• Salon reception, retail and customer service positions.
• Freelance or mobile hairdressing opportunities.
• Specialist styling, colouring, braiding, plaiting and textured hair services.
• Further study in Hairdressing, Barbering, Salon Management, Business or related subjects.
• Future self-employment within the hair and beauty industry.

Why study this course at SHC

• Industry trips and enrichment opportunities that provide insight into professional salons, hair shows, product brands and career pathways.
• Workshops and masterclasses delivered by visiting hair professionals, helping you develop current industry techniques.
• Strong links with local salons, employers and community organisations that support work experience and progression opportunities.
• Specialist Hair & Beauty salon facilities where you can develop your skills in a realistic professional environment while working with real clients.
• The annual SHC Hair & Beauty Show, providing opportunities to showcase creative styles, themed looks and technical skills.
• Hands-on experience at internal and external community events, helping you build confidence, teamwork, communication and customer service skills.
• Opportunities to take part in live salon and employer projects, including consultations, styling services, promotional activities and professional events.

These experiences help you build confidence, creativity, practical skills, employability and a professional portfolio, preparing you for further study, apprenticeships and employment within the hairdressing industry.

Course Code: 0036/1