Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

18th Jan 2027, 1 year

Overview

The VTCT Skills Level 1 Diploma in Hairdressing is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills through the following units; introducing you to the hair and beauty industries, how to present a professional image and work with others in the salon. You will be able to work on a salon reception, develop your creative skills in the art of dressing hair and applying temporary colour, how to create a hair and beauty image, provide effective shampooing and conditioning hair, how to display retail stock or the creative art of styling hair. To further enhance your practical skills you will have the opportunity to choose from the following hairdressing units; style hair using barbering techniques, plaiting and twisting hair, style and finish Afro-textured hair, provide scalp massage. Underpinning this qualification you will develop a sound knowledge of health and safety whilst working in the hair industry. You will also develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of each unit.

The purpose of this qualification is to develop your skills in hairdressing and will provide you with the foundation for further learning. It will also enable you to perform your own services and to assist others in the salon.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

2 National 4s

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

Learners will develop practical skills and underpinning knowledge across a range of hairdressing and salon-based activities. This includes an introduction to the hair and beauty industries, professional image and working with others, salon reception duties, dressing and styling hair, temporary colour, creating hair and beauty images, shampooing and conditioning, retail display, and essential health and safety practices.

Learners may also develop additional practical skills through units such as barbering techniques, plaiting and twisting, styling and finishing Afro-textured hair, and scalp massage.

The qualification provides learners with a broad foundation of practical salon skills, professional behaviours and industry knowledge to support progression to further study or employment.

After the course

Careers

Learners may progress towards roles such as junior stylist, salon assistant, barber, salon receptionist or retail advisor, depending on their further training and experience.

The qualification also provides a foundation for developing specialist skills in areas such as styling, barbering, colour, textured hair and other salon services.

Continuing study

Successful students can progress on to:

Teaching

How the course is taught

Additional Information

Dress code