Are you interested in a career in hairdressing? This hands-on course is a perfect first step, helping you explore your creativity, build confidence, and develop essential skills for the hair and beauty industry.

Whether you dream of styling hair, working in a salon, or continuing your studies in this exciting field, this course will give you the perfect foundation.

As part of the course, you’ll practice your skills in a salon environment, learning what it takes to deliver great customer experiences while exploring your passion for hairdressing.

You'll be working in The Salon, based at Hammersmith & Fulham College, which is open to the public, giving you real life customer service and client care experience. In addition, we also have an end-of-year show for you to showcase your best work on a catwalk to family, friends, industry experts and employers.

We recommend that you have:

• Two GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
  or
• Functional Skills in English and maths at Entry Level 3
  or
• ​ESOL at Entry 3.

At enrolment, you will have an interview with our course tutors to ensure the course is right for you.
You may also need to complete an initial assessment in English and maths, depending on your grades.
Excellent attendance and punctuality are key elements of employability.

Your assessments are designed to match what you’ve learned. All your work will be marked by your tutors, giving you a chance to show off your skills in real-world situations.

You’ll be graded on a scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Unclassified. This grading system helps you see how well you’re doing and where you can improve.

You’ll build a portfolio of your coursework, showcasing your progress throughout the course. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience through practical assignments and receive feedback from your tutors.

After completing this course, you'll be well-prepared for further study in the hairdressing and beauty therapy industry, such as a study programme at Level 2.

Topics covered can include:

• Introduction to the hair and beauty sector 
• Working effectively with others in the hair and beauty sector
• Presenting a professional image in a salon
• Health and safety procedures in the salon  
• Choosing the correct shampoos and conditioners for your clients
• Colour hair using temporary colour
• Styling bwomen’s hair
• Hair plaiting
• The art of dressing hair
• Create a hair and beauty image
• Salon reception duties
• Create and maintain retail displays in the salon

School Leavers (16-18)

If you will be 16, 17 or 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, and you have the legal right to live in the UK for the full length of your study programme, your course will be free.

You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.

Adult Students (19+)

If you will be aged 19 or older on 31 August before your course starts, are resident in London, and have the legal right to stay in the UK for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to study for free, depending on your circumstances and chosen course. For more information, please click here.

You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here.

You may be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.

Additional Costs

You will need to purchase salon wear, equipment, textbooks and pay a fee towards consumables used on the course:
- Hair and Beauty Kit - £297.04
- Women’s Uniform - £51:45/Men’s Uniform - £37:00
- Locker Key - £10.00

Many of our students are eligible for financial support to help cover part, or all, of these costs - please click here for more information.