Hairdressing & Beauty

The course consists of 3 units of ‘hands on’ experience and 2 examinations (1 theory and 1 practical) relating to the hair & beauty industry. Work is salon and classroom based, with a split of 40% practical and 60% theory activities.

The qualification develops the following knowledge, understanding and skills:

• Specific services carried out within the hair and beauty sectors, roles and responsibilities and typical working patterns

• Evolution of hair and beauty from Ancient times to the 1990’s

• How technological advancements, changes to the economy, and social factors have influenced the hair & beauty sector

• The chemical science behind cosmetic products, anatomy and physiology of hair, skin & nails

• Design and images for business use within the hair & beauty sector

• Technical hair styling, makeup and manicure skills

• Business skills

A combination of practical assessments and a variety of coursework tasks. The course involves: practical skills working on both mannequin heads and live models. You must be prepared to take turns to model for others in your class. There is a practical and a theory examination at the end of the course.

Your learning is split between practical and thory lessons (two practical and three theory per fortnight). Your theory lessons will include the underpinning knowledge required in your practical lessons, as well as the additional theory required for your theory exam (see course content). Theory lessons will predominantly be using chromebooks, thus improving your IT skills. Your practical lessons will be in a real salon environment and you will work on mannequin heads initially, then move onto working on your classmates. You must be willing to take turns modelling for your your classmates, as well as them having the opportunity to model for you. Your final practical exam must be carried out on a real person, which is why you must gain practical skills on others as well as allowing them to practice on you. You will develop many soft skills that can transfer onto other sectors and help with your employability.

This qualification can support you to work towards Technical Diploma level 2, Technical Diploma Level 3 and apprenticeships. You will develop a range of transferable skills which could be used in employment, further, or higher education.