
Hair and Barbering
Hair and Barbering
STUDYING HAIR AND BARBERING AT WESTON COLLEGE
Are you artistic and looking for a creative outlet? Love to create unique hairstyles? With the right support and training, you could turn your personal passion into a successful career - you can open the door to a successful career in this fun and fulfilling sector! Skilled and qualified hairdressers and barbers have clear routes into the industry and the ability to upskill and retrain.
On average hairdressers and barbers start on a salary of around £14,000 per year, and with experience and higher qualifications this can go up to £30,000.
Former students have gone on to open their own hair salons and barbers, work on cruise liners, work in the fashion, film and television industry as stylists.
All courses are taught by industry experts in the Hair and Beauty Centre at the Knightstone Campus, where you will get real client experience.
There are two routes to choose from:
- Full-time - at the Hair and Beauty Centre
- Apprenticeship – work-based training in the surrounding area with regular sessions at the Hair and Beauty Centre
Job roles in the West of England currently include:
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We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.
Our beauty qualifications have been developed in conjunction with local and national employers, giving you qualifications that employers look for - opening the door to a successful career in this fun and fulfilling sector.
Taught by tutors with impressive industry careers, you will also benefit from our partnerships with: Dennis Williams Hair and Beauty Supplies, Eve Taylor, CKD (College Kits Direct), Florenceroby (The luxury uniform company for beauty, hair and spa) and VTCT.
Our programmes are endorsed by:
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This is an introduction into the industry, the course offers flexibility to those that require a slower more flexible pace. During this course learners will learn: Follow Health and Safety in the Salon Shampoo and Condition Hair Styling Women’s Hair Colour Hair using Temporary Colour Providing Basic Manicure Treatment Nail Art Application A...
Click HereThis is a dynamic and hands-on programme designed for individuals who are eager to pursue a career in the hairdressing industry. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to learn and earn simultaneously, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. As an apprentice, you will work closely with experienced professionals in a ...
Click HereOn this course, you will learn about cutting ladies hair, colour and lightening, styling and dressing hair, blow-drying and finishing as well as developing your knowledge and understanding of hair and scalp conditions, and health and safety. You will also learn about client care and consultation, shampooing and conditioning, and promoting and ...
Click HereThis qualification builds on existing skills, knowledge and understanding of hairdressing and enables the student to develop an enhanced repertoire of technical skills to prepare them for employment as a senior hairdresser or stylist. The aim of the course is to develop advanced hairdressing skills and knowledge including colour correction and...
Click HereTheatrical, Special Effects, Prosthetics and Make-up, Extended Diploma
If you’re looking to develop your passion and skills in media hair and makeup, this qualification will teach you all you need to help you achieve a career in the industry. This course will encourage you to be creative and inventive and try techniques you’ve never had the chance to before, while discovering what is most effective in differe...
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Hannah Hoskin-Love
The Beauty Spot
“Through Weston College’s Career Excellence Hub, we are able to get involved and support students....
Whether that be through delivering masterclass sessions, playing a part in the development of curriculum or offering work experience."
THE FACILITIES
All hair and beauty programmes are based in the Hair and Beauty Centre, at the Knightstone Campus.
- The Hair and Beauty Centre includes five purpose-built, industry standard salons including, hairdressers, barbers, beauty salon, a nail salon and a specialist media make-up facility
- The Hair and Beauty Centre is open to the public giving you regular, real client experience ensuring you are ready for the industry
- All the Hair and Beauty Centre lecturers have many years experience working in the sector, so you will be learning from experts with current and relevant knowledge
- Plus, you will have the opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques, displaying them at our end-of-year hair and beauty show.






OUR HAIR AND BARBERING VIDEOS
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Hair and Babering
Beauty Therapy, Level 2
LATEST NEWS

<p>Following the South West Regional heats of the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> <strong>Competition</strong> hosted at Weston College, some of our HE and FE students progressed to the AHT Final in Blackpool that took place over 2 days. </p><p>Throughout the competitions, our FE and HE learners showcased exceptional skill, determination, and passion across the two days in each category, and this was truly reflected in the fantastic results of our students. </p><p>Weston College Further Education (FE) students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; attended, as well as UCW Higher Education (HE) students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… and Prosthetics</u></a>.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Student made up in prosthetics as a green monster"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca0c738d-f939-4b29-a2c8-7670eab5fbdb" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>For the competition, the students and staff travelled up on the Saturday to explore Blackpool and settle in before the competition ahead. On the Sunday, learners competed in the direct entry competitions which included Spa Body Massage, Prosthetics, Nails, and Catwalk Hair. Within these categories, the learners managed to secure 1st place in Spa Body Massages and Prosthetics, a 3rd place in Prosthetics, and 4th place in Nails. </p><p>The National Finals took place on the Monday where both HE and FE students competed in a range of categories, including Body Painting, Create an Injury, Face Painting, Fantasy Make up, Cut and Blow dry, Fantasy Hair, and Hair styling. Similar to the direct entry competitions, the results for these competitions were amazing, with the Face Painting securing 1st place, Create an Injury achieving 3rd place, and Fantasy Makeup gaining 4th place out of 27 participants! </p><p>Throughout the competition, students were required to adhere to very strict guidelines and themes. This created a real-life, client-customer simulation for some students as it required learners to think creatively whilst remaining within the rules, regulations and requirements set by the competition. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Student wearing a flower headdress with foundation dripping from her eyes"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5502f9fc-8b29-44c8-9c05-a62a60e8a6f9" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p>This was a fantastic opportunity for learners to apply their skills and follow instructions whilst adding their own creative freedom to their work. Not only this, they also got the chance to meet like-minded individuals with a passion for hairdressing, makeup and beauty, as well as network with industry professionals and gain constructive criticism to further enhance their skills. </p><p>These types of competitions are great for building confidence in the next generation of professionals, whilst also giving them credited awards that they can include in their portfolio in order to show off their talent and ability to future employers. </p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, expressed the pride she felt for the students, saying, “to step onto the competition floor takes courage, but to medal among such outstanding talent is even more impressive! Many of our learners pushed well beyond the limits of their qualifications, proving just how committed and capable they are. </p><p>Competitions such as this allow students to gain hands-on experience of working with specifications in a pressured environment which only improves and develops their time-management, professionalism, and their general abilities. We couldn’t be prouder of how our students did and how they represented Weston College. It was a true testament to their hard work!” </p><p>Well done to all the students who participated in this competition! </p><p>If you are interested in applying to one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… & Prosthetics</u></a> or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… & Barbering</u></a> courses, click here. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… you are interested in applying to the UCW Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Degree course, click here.</u></a> </p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong> </p>

<p>Weston College have recently held an inter college competition for the South West Skills Challenge for Hair and Beauty – a competition which has been set up by colleges in the South West to support learners in their preparations for WorldSkills competitions.</p><p>At our Knightstone campus, we hosted Bath College, City of Bristol College, Yeovil College, New College Swindon, Gloucester College, and Bridgwater and Taunton College. The day consisted of various hair, foundation hair, beauty therapist and beauty practitioner competitions all judged by industry professionals, VTCT, AHT and WorldSkills judges.</p><p>The students that came in the top 3 of each competition were awarded prizes that were kindly donated by Dennis Williams, Ellisons, Capital, VTCT Skills, Wella.</p><p>Our Weston College learners came on top for the Foundation Hair and Beauty Practitioner awards, as well as coming second for the Beauty Therapist award! A big congratulations to the 30 talented competitors across all 7 colleges who pushed themselves outside their comfort zones, showcasing their amazing skills and creativity. The level of talent was truly inspiring!</p><p>We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Ellisons Hair and Beauty , VTCT Skills , Dennis Williams, and Wella UK for providing fantastic prizes, as well as a special shout-out to our fantastic panel of judges: David Bassett, Mark Rayment, Chloe Williams and Hayley Huxtable who helped make the competition run smoothly and provided valuable feedback for the competitors.</p><p>Below are the results of each of the competitions:</p><p> </p><p><strong><u>Foundation Hair: </u></strong></p><p>🥇Weston College </p><p>🥈Bridgwater & Taunton College </p><p>🥉Bridgwater & Taunton College</p><p><strong><u>Hair: </u></strong></p><p>🥇Gloucestershire College </p><p>🥈Gloucestershire College </p><p>🥉New College Swindon</p><p><strong><u>Beauty Practitioner: </u></strong></p><p>🥇Weston College </p><p>🥈New College Swindon</p><p><strong><u>Beauty Therapist: </u></strong></p><p>🥇Yeovil College </p><p>🥈Weston College </p><p>🥉Yeovil College</p><p> </p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, said, <em><strong>“Weston College are super proud to have hosted the South West Skills – Hair and Beauty Competition, and we are delighted with the outcomes of our Weston College learners! They have all put considerable amounts of dedication into their work, which was evident during the competition.</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>“Hosting events like these gives learners across colleges the opportunity to gain real industry experience which will help them immensely with their transition from college into employment, and it is important that we continue to give these opportunities to our learners throughout their time at college.”</strong></em></p><p>If you would like to find out more about our Beauty courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… here.</a></p><p>If you would like to find out more about our Hairdressing courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… here.</a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the regional heats of the <strong>Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT)</strong> <strong>Competition</strong>. As one of several heats held across the UK, the event welcomed Further and Higher Education students, adult learners, and apprentices from </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup & Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses across Weston, Bristol, and Bath to compete for a spot in the national finals. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The all-day event featured a wide range of competitions spread throughout the college, challenging students in both technical skill and creativity. From haircuts and styling to makeup and prosthetics, each category pushed learners to demonstrate their expertise while showcasing their artistic flair. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> competitions were exclusive to Further Education students and varied in difficulty. Tasks ranged from commercial and feminine blow-dries, and cut and finish challenges, to more complex categories like freestyle work on textured hair and fantasy hairdressing. Each competition gave learners the opportunity to work independently, competing against their peers from across the South West under time pressure in a professional setting. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Students giving the model a skin fade"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b857d37-dab1-4404-9b9d-76b8a0475df9" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><drupal-entity alt=""Student giving the hair mannequin a blow out"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8373e7c3-a07f-4c09-b6c5-5ad8c1cc4491" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Meanwhile, the </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup & Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> categories welcomed both FE and HE students, offering unique themes and complete creative freedom. Competitions included body painting, face painting, Editorial Vogue-inspired makeup, and Moulin Rouge designs. The diverse range of tasks allowed students to experiment with different techniques and media, creating original and innovative designs beyond the typical curriculum. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Student completing Moulin Rouge makeup on a model"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dd3f3f4-b578-486c-806e-70f108e98c3f" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hospitality and Catering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students also played an important role in the event, providing a delicious buffet that was praised by visiting colleges and guests. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">After a day of impressive displays of talent and creativity, the results were counted, and a small awards ceremony was held. Out of 90 students competing from across the South West, 13 Weston College learners secured their place in the finals, which will be held in Blackpool this May. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, highlighted the importance of competitions like this for students’ personal and professional development. She shared, “The AHT Competition helps to support our learners' careers, allowing them to meet like-minded people aspiring for the same career. It provides them with hands-on experience that enhances their skills and prepares them for the future.” </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">A huge thank you goes to <strong>VTCT </strong>for sponsoring and judging the competition,<strong> Stylebook Directory</strong> for their support, and all the AHT judges and industry specialists who dedicated their time and expertise to the day. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Congratulations to every student who took part in the competition, and best of luck to those heading to the finals. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in applying to one of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Makeup & Prosthetics</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> or </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Hairdressing & Barbering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> courses, click here. </span></p>