Do you spend hours obsessing over the latest TikTok hair trends? Are you the first to try out YouTube tutorials from hair influencers? Or maybe you love experimenting with your mates’ hair. If so, you may have a natural talent for hairdressing.
A career in hairdressing is creative, people-centred and very flexible.
Here’s what I mean: after your training, you could work in a salon with other like-minded stylists, be a solopreneur and work to your own schedule, or maybe even set up your own hairdressing empire one day.
Sounds good, right? Luckily, there are quite a few ways to get hairdressing:
- Hairdressing Apprenticeships
- Hairdresser Study Programmes
- Paid Hairdressing Courses
Let’s take a closer look and find out the best route into hairdressing for you!
1. Hairdressing Apprenticeships: Earn and Learn
If you’re eager to get into the salon then a Level 2 Hairdressing Apprenticeship is a great start. It is a practical, hands on way to dive straight into the business of hairdressing.
As an apprentice, you’ll work in a salon with seasoned professionals. You’ll learn the ropes from them and get real-world experience from your very first day. You’ll spend less time in the classroom but you’ll still get plenty of learning done. Plus, you’ll be earning while you learn.
What You Can Expect:
Hands-on Training
Typically, you’ll be working in a hairdressing salon, barbershop or beauty salon.
You’ll spend 4 days a week learning techniques such as cutting, colouring and styling, along with other essential skills such as client consultations and customer service. If you didn’t pass GCSE English and Maths, don’t fear! You’ll be able to study these Essential Skills alongside your apprenticeship!
Study Time
Once a week you’ll head to a training centre or college to learn the theory behind the practical work you’re doing, or in some cases, you’re training provider will train you at your place of work. You could learn about hair science, upcoming techniques and trends, and the latest health and safety advice.
Qualification:
At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll not only come away with hands-on hairdressing experience but a nationally recognised qualification: Hairdressing NVQ Level 2.
The added bonus is you’ll get a wage while you learn. There is a National Minimum Wage for Apprenticeships – check out the table below for current rates for your age group and apprenticeship year.
National Minimum Wage
If you are under 19 or in the first year of your apprenticeship, you will be paid the national minimum wage for an apprentice. However, if you are 19+ and in the second year of your apprenticeship, you’ll be paid the minimum wage for your age group.
Central Hairdressing Academy’s Hairdressing Apprenticeship:
Become one of the thousands of qualified hairdressers that have been trained by our award winning team. Central Hairdressing Apprentices learn with the best, train in the best salons and have the best support throughout their learning journey.
Many of our salon partners pay above the minimum wage for apprentices, and tend to keep apprentices on once they become fully qualified.
Check out our current apprenticeship vacancies and get started in your career.
2. Hairdressing Study Programme: The College Route
If you’re not quite ready to jump straight into the world of work, no worries. Learning hairdressing at a college or training centre gives you the skills and qualifications you’ll need before starting your career.
Some people prefer to learn skills before putting them into practice. That way you build your skills and confidence before stepping into the professional world. You may also prefer the structure of a college-based hairdressing study programme — it’s a great transition level between school and work.
What You Can Expect:
College or School-based Learning
Depending on the course you choose, you’ll spend most of your study time in college or training centre. There will be a mix of theory and practical training so you’ll know your stuff before dealing with real clients.
You’ll have access to tutors who are current or former industry professionals, and you’ll be surrounded by like-minded students who have the same passion for hair as you do.
Work-experience
Some colleges link up with training partners so you get a taste of salon or hair-industry life. When you’re ready to try out everything you’ve learned in college, you’ll have a day release to a salon or maybe even a longer work experience placement.
It’s a great stepping stone into the hairdressing world.
Qualification:
You’ll be studying towards a Hairdressing VRQ 2 qualification. This is a nationally recognised qualification that gives you all the skills you need to start out in the hairdressing industry.
Central Hairdressing Academy’s Hairdressing Programme:
We have our own hairdressing programmes which are completely free for 16-18 year olds! That’s right, FREE. You can even have your travel expenses paid for with a travel bursary. Plus, we offer our study programme students free breakfast and lunch, so all you need to focus on is your training.
Choose from:
If you want to enrol in our study programme, get in touch now!
3. Paid Hairdressing Courses
Depending on your current circumstances, you may not be eligible for a free hairdressing apprenticeship or hairdressing study programme. If that’s the case, then a paid Hairdressing course may be your best option.
What You Can Expect:
College or Salon-based Learning
This qualification can be gained in a college or training centre, or even at a salon. There will be a mix of theory and practical training so you’ll know your stuff before dealing with real clients.
What’s great about a paid hairdressing course is that learning can be flexible and arranged around your work or home commitments. So if you are switching career, or have family commitments, you can still study.
Work-experience
When you are ready to apply the skills and techniques you’ve learned, you’ll have the invaluable opportunity to work at a salon, where you can further refine your abilities. This experience not only enhances your CV but also builds your confidence as you transition into your professional hairdressing journey.
Qualification:
You’ll be studying towards a Hairdressing NVQ 2 qualification. This is a nationally recognised qualification that gives you all the skills you need to start out in the hairdressing industry.
Central Hairdressing Academy’s Level 2 NVQ Hairdressing Course:
Come and gain your level 2 hairdressing qualification with us! You’ll get a personalised plan which will work with your availability and goals.
Which is the Best Route into Hairdressing?
The best route into hairdressing is the one that’s right for YOU!
All options give you the necessary training and experience to start a successful career in hairdressing.
You may prefer the fast-paced, hands-on approach of the apprenticeship. Or you may prefer to build your confidence and skills before grabbing those scissors.
Either way, hairdressing is a fun and flexible career choice. Plus you get to make people feel amazing every day!
If you want to start a career in hairdressing but are not sure which route into hairdressing is right for you, get booked in for a chat to see which course you prefer. You can tour the centre, meet our tutors and even test your skills out on a mannequin head!
Get in touch today!
- Fill in our Contact form by clicking this link
- Give us a call on 0800 783 2901
- Email us on: [email protected]
