Hairdressing, Level 3

Course Information

Overview

The VTCT Skills Level 3 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing is designed for students who want to develop advanced hairdressing skills and progress towards professional employment within the industry.

You will build on existing hairdressing knowledge and gain hands-on experience in advanced cutting, colouring and styling techniques while working with real clients in a realistic salon environment. The course also develops your consultation, problem-solving and professional communication skills, helping you prepare for senior salon roles, self-employment or further study.

What you'll learn

During this course, you will develop advanced practical and professional hairdressing skills, including:

• Advanced cutting, colouring and styling techniques.
• Creating personalised looks to meet individual client requirements.
• Conducting professional consultations and providing excellent client care.
• Adapting techniques for different hair types and styling objectives.
• Creative and technical problem-solving, including colour correction.
• Professional communication, teamwork and supporting colleagues.
• Maintaining high standards of health and safety within a salon environment.
• Developing specialist skills such as hair extensions, bridal hairstyling and creative hair design.

Units you will study

• Monitor and Maintain Health and Safety Practice in the Salon
• Cut Hair to Create a Variety of Hairdressing Looks
• Colour Hair to Create a Variety of Looks
• Provide Hair Extensions and Colour Correction (optional specialist unit)
• Hairdressing Consultation Support for Colleagues
• Style and Dress Hair Using a Variety of Techniques
• Promote and Sell Products and Services to Clients

The qualification is designed to develop your practical skills to an advanced occupational level, enabling you to work independently while supporting colleagues and contributing to the effective running of a salon.

Entry requirements

• Successful completion of a Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.
• A strong interest in advanced hairdressing and developing higher-level salon skills.
• A willingness to participate in practical salon work, client services, group activities and independent study.

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect real industry practice and will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge, technical ability and professional skills.

• Coursework and written assignments.
• Practical assessments observed by your assessor.
• Presentations, demonstrations and oral questioning.
• A portfolio of evidence that may include observations, assignments, photographs, witness testimonies and audio-visual evidence.

Your portfolio will be developed throughout the course and will be mapped against the relevant VTCT unit outcomes.

Where this course can take you

Successful completion of this course can lead to:

• Senior Stylist or Advanced Hairdresser roles.
• Advanced hairdressing apprenticeships.
• Freelance or self-employed hairdressing opportunities.
• Specialist work in colour correction, hair extensions or bridal hair.
• Salon management and business ownership.
• Education, training and assessing within the hair and beauty sector.
• Higher Education in Hairdressing, Salon Management, Business, Fashion, Education or related creative industries.

Why study this course at SHC

• Advanced industry trips and enrichment opportunities that explore professional salons, hair shows and specialist techniques.
• Workshops and masterclasses delivered by visiting industry professionals.
• Strong links with local salons, employers and community organisations.
• Specialist Hair & Beauty salon facilities, providing a realistic commercial working environment.
• The annual SHC Hair & Beauty Show, where students can showcase advanced creative skills.
• Leadership opportunities through practical activities and work experience.
• Experience working on community projects, employer-led briefs and client services.
• Commercial salon experience, including consultations, appointment management, retail and professional communication.

These opportunities help students develop advanced technical ability, leadership skills, commercial awareness and a strong professional portfolio, preparing them for employment, self-employment, specialist training or Higher Education.

Course Code: 0034/1