Hairdressing Level 1 Certificate

Learn the skills you need for a career in hairdressing at our fully-equipped, modern salons.

A career in hairdressing could be right for you if you have creativity, flair, an eye for detail and a passion for excellent customer service. Our training hair salons are run in partnership with Wella; offering access to the latest products and training for all students.

Career opportunities are varied: you could become a self-employed stylist or salon owner, or develop your technical skills in specialist areas such as colouring, extensions, African hair styling, wedding hair styling, and many more. 

In addition to gaining valuable work experience both within and outside of our on-site traning salons, you will learn a range of key skills and techniques required in hairdressing, including health and safety, advising and communicating with clients, and stock control and management.

You will also visit other local salons, attend masterclasses, visit trade exhibitions, and take part in competitions to boost your skills, knowledge and creativity. 

Upon successful completion of the Level 1 Certificate, you can progress on to a Level 2 Hairdressing programme at Reading College. 

What I'll learn

You will gain an understanding of the basic principles of:

• health and safety
• salon etiquette and decorum
• professional behaviour
• communication skills
• working with others and team building 

You will have the opportunity to work in the college salons, supporting other students and dealing with clients in a real commercial environment. There you will also learn the day-to-day skills of:

• how to manage reception
• work with clients and colleagues
• telephone skills
• personal presentation
• taking messages
• making bookings
• calculating money

You will further develop your English, maths and ICT skills to help you to complete your course work and prepare for further study or employment.

You also gain broader personal skills that are vital for success in further study or employment. They include self-confidence, working with others, taking responsibility and time management.

By the end of the course you will have benefited from a valuable insight in future study or careers open to you.

How I'll learn

You take part in classroom practical and salon sessions to gain hands-on experience of these treatments.

Approximately one third of your time in college is classroom based and you are set assignments and homework too.

The remaining time is spent in the practical working salon to practise and perform different treatments. There is a strong emphasis on working and learning with others and you also need to be able to work independently.

Learning in our commercial salon you will start to develop the basics of hairdressing.

Individual learning targets are set throughout this course and you receive regular feedback on your progress.

How I'll be assessed

Formal assessment is done by:

• assignments
• case studies
• oral questioning
• practical application

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, but ideally you will have English and maths at level 4 (C) or above. If you do not have a grade 4 (C) in English or maths you must study to achieve these qualifications along with your course.

You need to be well presented, creative, have good communication skills, and show that you are focused and committed to this industry. A good reference from a school or employer is preferable.

How to Apply

You can apply for this programme online. Click on APPLY NOW and follow the steps below:

• Register for our online service and verify your account
• Log in to our website and click APPLY NOW on your chosen programme’s page to complete your application

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide us with your contact details, how your chosen programme fits with your future plans and if you require any extra support (for example, because of a disability, medical condition, learning or language support needs). 
Please include full details of your qualifications from your own country, as well as details of any English Language tests you have taken.

Printed application forms are also available.

Please contact our Careers team if you need advice and guidance to help you choose the right programme for you.