Certificate in Women's Hairdressing Level 2

What you will learn
This qualification is perfect for you if you have a creative flair for style and want to learn and develop your skills in the Hair and Beauty industry. This course covers a wide range of skills including: follow health and safety in the salon, client consultation for hair services, shampoo and condition the hair and scalp, promote products and services to clients, cut women’s and men’s hair, colour and lighten hair and the art of dressing hair.

This course also includes short courses in:

• Prevent Contact Dermatitis
• Skin Cancer Awareness
• Auricular Therapy
• Preparing to run a business

Ideal if
You want to develop your skills, and work towards gaining Professional Certification in the hair sector. This course will provide you with the skills needed to become a Professional Hairdresser. You will learn a wide range of  treatments on paying clients as well as learning the principles of operating  a salon.

What to expect

Training takes place in our fully equipped centre, designed to reflect a real salon environment. As you progress, you’ll demonstrate your skills on real clients. Your assessor will observe your practical work and ask questions to confirm your understanding. Theory knowledge is assessed through online tests.

You’ll have access to professional equipment, including a fully equipped workstation. A doll head, scissors and thinning scissors are provided when you begin cutting. Many learners choose to purchase their own professional kit to support their progress and prepare for employment. Equipment is available to order through Beauty Central, Achievement Training.

Attendance days
Monday and Wednesday, 09:00 – 16:00 (term time only).

What next

This qualification prepares you for work in a salon and progression onto the Level 3 Advanced Hairdressing course or an Apprenticeship, supporting your development towards senior stylist roles.

Wider Curriculum activities
You’ll meet industry experts from Keune, Scissor Warehouse, and Affinage, who deliver certified specialist training to enhance your professional development.

Work placements
Work placements form an important part of the programme. You’ll spend time in a salon, gaining insight into daily operations and job roles. As your confidence grows, you may shampoo clients, wash off colours, and prepare clients for stylists. You’ll support senior stylists and build real‑world experience. All assessments take place in our training salons, starting with peer practice before progressing to real clients.

What it feels like to be a student
Class group sizes are between 10 to 20 students, with a dedicated tutor. Support staff are on site, such as pastoral care, finance and careers advice.

“Already halfway through Level 2 Women’s and Men’s Hairdressing and I absolutely love it! My tutor goes above and beyond to help you! Always very welcoming. I will be continuing my education here and going on to do my Level 3 Hair. I would highly recommend this College”.

Students come from a variety of schools across Plymouth, they all help each other out and develop a really good bond over the year, encouraging each other to achieve. Most students never want to leave and stay on to complete a full range of Beauty courses and gain further qualifications.

Salary and Career expectations

Qualified hairdressers in the UK typically start at £16,000–£18,000, rising to £23,000–£30,000 with experience and a growing client base. National data shows average salaries between £21,000 and £26,000, with senior stylists, colour specialists and salon managers earning £30,000–£45,000+, especially in busy cities or high‑end salons.

Career opportunities span commercial salons, luxury hotel spas, cruise ships, freelance mobile work, and specialist session styling for fashion, media and events.