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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.

Apply or Enquire Book Open Event

Next Open Event · 10th September 4:30pm to 7:00pm

Admissions

Entry Requirements

What You'll Need

  • 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.

Explore Related Courses

Other courses you might be interested in:

Level 1 Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector VTCT – Hair

Level 3 Level 3 Diploma Women’s Hairdressing VTCT

View all Hairdressing courses →

What 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
How You're Assessed

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.

Practical Assessment

Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.

Practical assessments and written tasks.
Career Destinations

Where This Course Takes You

Hairdressers and Barbers

Up to £23,142
/year

Hairdressers and barbers shampoo, cut, colour, style and treat hair.

Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Managers and Proprietors

Up to £46,823
/year

Hairdressing and beauty salon managers and proprietors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources of hairdressing and nail salons, beauty treatment, pet grooming and similar establishments.

Your progression pathway

This course Level 1 Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector VTCT – Hair
Where next Progress on to Level 2 → Level 2 Level 2 Certificate in Women’s Hairdressing → Level 2 Level 2 Diploma Beauty Therapy Studies VTCT → Level 3 →
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.

  • Modern Training Salons

    Learn the basics in well-equipped salons, working towards real clients at Level 2.

  • Supportive Tutors

    Every session led by skilled, qualified tutors who support you every step of the way.

  • A Clear Route to Level 2

    Progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing and keep building your career.

Hair Hairdressing Hairdresser (4)
Modern Training Salons · Supportive Tutors
Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Level 3 Diploma Women's Hairdressing

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.

Read more student stories
For Parents & 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 life

GCSE 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 support

Financial 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 info

Tutors 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.

Come to an Open Event · 10th September 4:30pm to 7:00pm

See the facilities, meet the tutors, ask your questions in person.

Book Your Place
For Careers Advisers

Quick Reference Guide

Level

Level 1

Duration

1 Year

Study Mode

Full-Time

Awarding Body

VTCT

Entry

No formal qualifications, considered on an individual basis

Assessment

Coursework + Practical Assessment

Age

16+

Ready to Start in Hair?

Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Apply online Book Open Event

Questions? Call 0800 358 7575