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Hairdressing – Level 1

Level 1 Diploma

a student doing a fellow student's hair

Availability & Details

Hairdressing - Level 1 Diploma SFY-HAIR1D/C01

Venue
South Downs Campus

Type of study
Vocational

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (1 year)

Examination board
Vocational Training Charitable Trust

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How to apply

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Overview

You’ll find out about different hair types and learn a range of hairdressing skills, including shampooing and conditioning using LOreal Matrix products, plaiting and twisting, styling, temporary colouring and scalp massaging.As well as skills in English Language and Mathematics, you will learn about teamwork, presenting a professional image, reception duties and how to create and maintain retail displays. Throughout the programme, there will be a considerable amount of practical work. During workshop sessions, you’ll watch skills demonstrations before replicating what you’ve witnessed. Eventually, you’ll progress to working on paying customers in our salon.

Four GCSEs at grade 2 and above including English or Mathematics. All students will be expected to comply with the hairdressing industry standards of dress code; this applies to both theory and practical lessons. Students will be required to attend all lessons in full hairdressing dress code. Jewellery and facial piercings are not acceptable and must be removed before entering classes.

On this course, you will study: Health and safety in the salon An introduction to the hair and beauty sector Working with others in the hair and beauty sector How to present a professional image in the salon Shampoo and conditioning How to colour hair using temporary colour Styling women’s hair Styling men’s hair The art of dressing hair Creation of a hair and beauty image The art of colouring hair Plaiting and twisting Hand careYou will also be required to take an English Language and Mathematics qualification alongside your course.  

During workshop sessions, there will be a demonstration of skills which you will then practice on each other, training blocks and then progress to working on paying clients. There are also separate theory and assignment writing classes, to develop your knowledge and understanding of all aspects of hairdressing. Students on this course should allow at least five hours per week for home study.

Practical assessments, oral questioning, written evidence and mandatory exams. You will be required to keep a record in a log book of all your evidence of hairdressing skills performed.

This course requires you to purchase a uniform and kit and we include trips to enhance your learning and experience of industry. All of these costs will be explained at interview and students in receipt of financial assistance will be supported with these costs.

On successful completion, students usually progress on to Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing, or an Apprenticeship.


There are lots of people at the college, each studying a diverse range of courses, people from all different areas come to study here, it creates a sense of community, there is a huge social aspect to college life across all courses.

Lee Backhouse, BTEC student

The teaching and support was really great, the quality was really great, all the teachers really care about your education as well as your wellbeing, they take everything into consideration and they’re great.

Katie Whittingham, A Level student

I would say it’s a college that really balances academia with fun, there is lots of extra-curricular stuff that you can get involved in. It has a really good work/life balance.

Laura Hagedorn, A Level student