Ready to Start in Hair?
Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy
Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector VTCT – Hair
Your first step into hair. If you love the idea of styling, cutting and colouring, this is where it starts. You'll learn the basics of hairdressing in our modern training salons, with supportive tutors, building the practical skills and confidence to move up to Level 2. No experience needed, just a passion for hair.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
Learn the Basics. Build Your Confidence.
This course introduces you to the craft of hairdressing. You’ll learn to shampoo and condition, style hair using different techniques, and plait, all while learning how to present a professional image in a salon. You’ll train in our modern salons with supportive tutors, getting a real feel for the job.
As well as the practical skills, you’ll build the confidence and people skills that every good stylist needs. By the end of the year you’ll be ready to step up to the Level 2 in Women’s Hairdressing, or explore beauty therapy, and keep building towards a career in a salon.
What You'll Do
- Introduction to the hair and beauty world
- Presenting a professional image in a salon
- Shampooing and conditioning
- Styling hair using hairdressing techniques
- Hair plaiting
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 1
- Further study
Entry requirements
- No formal qualifications needed, considered on an individual basis
- A genuine interest in hair and working with people
- Successful interview with our team
If you haven't yet achieved Grade 4 in Maths or English, you'll keep working towards them alongside your course, built into your timetable.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 2 Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-Up Studies At this college
- Level 2 Level 2 Diploma Beauty Therapy Studies VTCT At this college
- Level 2 Level 2 Certificate in Nail Technology At this college
See all 8 courses
At this college
Careers it can lead to
- Hairdressers and Barbers £12.22 an hour
- With further study or experience Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Managers and Proprietors £29,400 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
Train in Real Salons
You'll learn in our modern training salons, working towards the real experience of The Hub Salon, with supportive, industry-experienced tutors.
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Modern Training Salons
Learn the basics in well-equipped salons, working towards real clients at Level 2.
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Supportive Tutors
Every session led by skilled, qualified tutors who support you every step of the way.
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A Clear Route to Level 2
Progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing and keep building your career.
Modern Training Salons · Supportive Tutors
Student Voice
“
Doncaster College has been amazing. I’ve built confidence with clients, learnt how to write a CV, and met great people. The teachers are so kind and supportive, and they’ve helped me every day to grow in my hairdressing career and reach my goals.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
A Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable, not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help, and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
Your next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.