Hairdressing Techniques for Beginners Level 1


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
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Are you passionate about hairstyling and dreaming of making a mark in the ever-evolving world of hairdressing? With motivation, dedication, and the right training, the sky’s the limit!

Join our professional team and be part of a growing industry of hairdressers at our state-of-the-art salon Botanica. Our comprehensive training programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive hairdressing industry.

At Botanica, you’ll benefit from a curriculum that mirrors the latest trends and techniques in the industry, offering you a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

To boost your confidence and practical skills, you’ll also have the opportunity to work one day a week in a salon, gaining valuable work experience and exposure to real-world salon operations.

Here’s what you’ll learn in our hairdressing programme:

  • Shampoo and Conditioning – Master the basics of hair care, learning effective shampooing and conditioning techniques to maintain healthy and vibrant hair.
  • Follow Health and Safety in the Salon – Prioritise the safety of clients and staff with comprehensive training on health and safety protocols in the salon environment.
  • Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector – Explore the exciting world of hairdressing and beauty, learning about industry trends, career opportunities, and professional standards.
  • Styling Women’s Hair – Develop your skills in styling women’s hair, mastering a variety of techniques to create stunning and versatile looks for diverse clientele.
  • Presenting a Professional Image in the Salon – Learn the importance of professional presentation and client interaction, ensuring you make a lasting impression in the salon.
  • Plaiting and Twisting Hair – Explore the art of plaiting and twisting hair, adding texture and dimension to your styling repertoire.
  • The Art of Colouring Hair – Delve into the world of hair colouring, learning advanced techniques to achieve vibrant and flattering colour transformations.
  • Styling Men’s Hair – Master the art of men’s hairstyling, offering tailored cuts and styles that cater to the unique needs and preferences of male clients.
  • Salon Reception Duties – Acquire essential reception management skills, ensuring seamless client bookings, inquiries, and salon administration.
  • The Art of Dressing Hair – Learn advanced techniques for hair up styling and dressing, creating elegant and intricate hairstyles for special occasions.
  • Create a Hair and Beauty Image – Develop your creativity and showcase your unique style, creating cohesive hair and beauty looks that reflect current trends and client preferences.

Required Entry Qualifications

Three GCSE grades 1-3, preferably including maths and English.

Plus an informal interview with a member of our teaching team.

You will be continually assessed throughout your programme with practical assessments performed in our state of the art hair salons.

Theory is assessed through written assignments.

All courses are delivered by highly skilled and experienced salon team who design their sessions to accommodate all different learning abilities, wherever possible.

An important part of your course will be an industry placement. This is your chance to see the industry and get some real-life experience, which is always good for your CV!

You will also get to work with our various partners who come to college to share their experiences and can inspire your career path.

Check out how we are embedding sustainability throughout our hair and beauty courses:

  • We’re a part of the Green Salon Collective, a company that offer Zero-to-Landfill Salon Recycling Solutions for Hairdressers.
  • Our hair, foils and metal tubes are recycled.
  • We use eco-heads, shower heads that reduce water use by around 70%.
  • Our beauty supplier is Eve Taylor and for every product we buy, they plant a tree.
  • We don’t print our learning portfolios, they’re all online.
  • We use the Wella Hero platform, which helps the students gain knowledge on all aspects education in the hair industry including sustainable salon operations.

You will require a kit and uniform, which will allow you to present a professional image and develop your skills in our own salon Botanica, we will invite you to our summer open event where we share all the information on how to get your hands on everything you need.

After the course, you’ll be able to progress onto level 2 in hairdressing or onto an apprenticeship.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026

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