Hairdressing Introductory Diploma L1

The course is an introduction to the hairdressing industry and will provide you with the skills to work as an assistant to a qualified hairdresser. You will learn many new hairdressing skills including developing customer service skills. If you are aged 16-18, you will be enrolled on a study programme, which will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven't already achieved a grade 4 or above. You will also be required to complete a work experience placement and an employability programme.

The course comprises of 12 units: Introduction to the hair and beauty sector, presenting a professional image in a salon, shampooing and conditioning, colour in the hair and beauty sector, styling women's hair, styling men's hair, plaiting and twisting, create a hair and beauty image, follow health and safety, working with others, Reception duties and the art of dressing hair. You may also take functional skills or GCSE qualifications in English and Maths. You will undertake a programme of study in the Learner Employment Achievement Programme (LEAP), and will need to undertake a minimum of 36 hours of work experience in a hairdressing salon, during the course. The course comprises of 12 units: Introduction to the hair and beauty sector, presenting a professional image in a salon, shampooing and conditioning, colour in the hair and beauty sector, styling women's hair, styling men's hair, plaiting and twisting, create a hair and beauty image, follow health and safety, working with others, Reception duties and the art of dressing hair. You may also take functional skills or GCSE qualifications in English and Maths. You will undertake a programme of study in the Learner Employment Achievement Programme (LEAP), and will need to undertake a minimum of 36 hours of work experience in a hairdressing salon, during the course.

You will compile a portfolio of evidence and for each unit, there will be practical hairdressing assessments that can be completed on your peers or on an outside client. You will complete either a small written paper test, which will include multiple-choice questions and short written answers or you will complete assignments for each unit.

Standard entry to this course requires one reference. It is desirable that you can demonstrate 90% attendance. A GCSE in both English and maths at grade 1/2 (E/F/G) or above is required. Consideration will be given to all applicants over the age of 19, who do not hold formal English and maths qualifications. There is a formal interview and a skills test.

You could progress on to either a Hairdressing Technical Certificate in Cutting and Colouring Level 2, Hairdressing Technical Certificate Level 2, Beauty Therapy Technical Certificate Level 2, Media Make-up Artistry Technical Certificate Level 2 or a hairdressing apprenticeship. You would be able to work as a hairdressing assistant in a hairdressing salon.