Start: September 2026
Duration: 1 Year
Code: D1HADPF1KN
Start: September 2027
Duration: 1 Year
Code: D1HADPF1KN

Course Overview

The Hair VRQ Pre-technical Diploma is the perfect starting point if you're interested in a career in hairdressing but have little or no previous experience. Combining practical salon sessions with classroom learning, you'll develop the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to progress into further training within the hair and beauty industry.

This is a two-year Level 1/Level 2 programme designed to support learners in developing their knowledge, skills, and confidence progressively throughout the course. Learners begin at Level 1, developing the essential foundations required for progression to Level 2. Subject to successful completion of the Level 1 stage and meeting the progression requirements, learners continue onto the Level 2 stage. The full programme is two years in duration, with learners achieving a Level 2 qualification upon successful completion of the programme.

Based in Weston College's industry-standard commercial salons, you'll work with professional products and equipment while learning from experienced tutors who have enjoyed successful careers within the industry. Through hands-on practical sessions, you'll develop your technical abilities while gaining an understanding of how professional salons operate.

Alongside developing your practical hairdressing skills, you'll also strengthen your communication, customer service, teamwork, English, maths, and personal development skills, ensuring you're well prepared for your next steps.

As a member of Weston College's Hair & Beauty Career Excellence Hub, you'll benefit from employer networking opportunities, work experience, salon visits, guest demonstrations, and masterclasses delivered by industry professionals, helping you gain valuable insight into careers across the hair and beauty sector.

What will I study?

Throughout the course, you'll develop the practical skills and underpinning knowledge needed to begin your hairdressing journey.

Topics include:

• Creating hair and beauty images using colour • Health and safety within the salon • Customer service skills • Promoting hair and beauty products • Shampooing and conditioning hair • Blow-drying techniques • Winding techniques • Hair styling • Women's hair styling • Plaiting and twisting techniques • Retail display creation • Professional salon behaviours

You'll spend plenty of time developing your practical skills in our commercial salons while building confidence working with clients and professional equipment.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is varied and designed to reflect both practical and theoretical learning.

Assessment includes:

• Practical assessments • Online tests • Assignments • Creative projects • Electronic portfolio (e-portfolio)

Your e-portfolio will showcase your practical work while helping you monitor your progress and achieve the targets agreed with your tutor.

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you will benefit from:

• Membership of Weston College's Hair & Beauty Career Excellence Hub • Training in industry-standard commercial salons • Teaching from experienced hair professionals • Employer networking opportunities • Work experience within the industry • Guest demonstrations and masterclasses • Visits to local salons • Career planning and progression support

Working in a professional salon environment throughout the course will help you develop confidence, improve your practical skills, and understand the standards expected within the hairdressing industry.

Entry Requirements

• GCSE English at Grade 2 or above • GCSE Maths at Grade 2 or above

A positive attitude, enthusiasm for learning, and an interest in hairdressing are essential.

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion of this course provides an excellent foundation for further study within the hair and beauty sector.

You could progress to:

• Level 2 Hairdressing Technical Certificate • Hair and Media Make-up Diploma • Hair Professional Apprenticeship • Other Level 2 Hair & Beauty qualifications

Career opportunities following further study include:

• Hairdresser • Salon Assistant • Junior Stylist • Colour Technician • Freelance Hairdresser • Salon Owner

This course provides the skills, confidence, and experience needed to continue your journey towards a successful career in the hairdressing industry.

What do I do now?

Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.

Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 - COURSE FULL

This course is now full for September 2026. Please get in touch with our Admissions Team if you wish to be added to the waiting list or to discuss alternative course options