COURSES - How to become a hairdresser

Beginners  (SQA SVQ Style and Finish Unit)

This 8-week course is designed for learners who are just starting their journey in the hairdressing industry. No experience is required, and this qualification provides a solid foundation in essential hairdressing skills, allowing students to develop their technical abilities and prepare for entry-level roles in the sector.

💛 Learners will be trained in: 💛 

• Preparing for hair services and maintaining a clean, efficient work area.
• Shampooing and conditioning hair to improve client experience.
• Blow-drying hair to professional standards.
•  Building effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.

In addition to technical skills, the course emphasizes personal development and mental wellbeing. With the support of mental health mentors, students will explore strategies for managing mental health, ensuring a well-rounded approach to their future career.  

The program also includes an employability component, helping learners develop the skills necessary to successfully transition into the workforce. This includes CV writing, interview preparation, and understanding the professional expectations in the hairdressing industry.  

Upon completion, students will be equipped with the basic skills and knowledge to pursue further qualifications or start working in the hairdressing industry.  

Foundation SVQ Hairdressing SCQF level 5 

This 12-month course is designed to develop essential skills for beginners in the hairdressing industry. Based on National Occupational Standards and developed in collaboration with Skillsactive/HABIA (the sector skills council), this qualification ensures students gain practical competence in job-related skills that meet industry standards.

💛 Learners will be trained in: 💛 

• Shampooing, conditioning, and treating the hair and scalp to maintain hair health and improve client experience.
• Setting, styling, and dressing the hair, mastering techniques to create various hair looks.
• Colouring and lightening hair, understanding the key principles and methods of hair colour treatments.
•  Basic cutting techniques, learning to manage different hair factors and characteristics.

In addition to hairdressing skills, the course includes a mental health and wellbeing component, with support from mental health mentors to help students manage personal and professional stress. An employability programme is also integrated into the course, equipping students with key workplace skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, and career planning, preparing them for a successful transition into the workforce.

This SVQ offers a well-rounded introduction to hairdressing, combining practical skills, mental wellbeing, and career support to help learners thrive in the hairdressing industry.

Advanced SVQ Hairdressing SCQF level 6 

The SVQ Hairdressing at SCQF Level 6 is an advanced qualification for those looking to build upon their foundational skills and pursue more complex and creative techniques in both hairdressing and barbering. Recognized for its alignment with National Occupational Standards, this qualification is designed in collaboration with Skillsactive/HABIA to ensure that learners are trained in industry-relevant practices.

 💛 Learners will be trained in:  💛 

• Designing and creating facial hair shapes using advanced barbering techniques.
• Providing professional shaving services using a straight razor with single-use blades, ensuring client safety and hygiene.
• Planning, preparing, and participating in competitions across the hairdressing, barbering, make-up, and nail sectors, allowing students to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.

💛 This level of SVQ focuses on more complex aspects of hairdressing, including: 💛 

•  Creative cutting and styling techniques to produce advanced and individualized hair designs.
• Colour correction services, addressing complex colour issues and achieving precise, desired results.
• Creative styling, enabling learners to express artistry in their hairstyling approaches.

The qualification prepares students for a professional career in hairdressing and barbering, equipping them with the expertise to handle both everyday client needs and creative, competition-level work.