
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 programme is an ideal starting point to embark on a rewarding and creative career in the world of hairdressing. The course serves as a valuable introduction to the industry, and you will cover a wide range of topics related to hair care, styling techniques, colouring, cutting, and salon management. With a strong focus on practical trainin...
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
Occupations related to Hair and Barbering
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Level 2 Hair
Hair and Babering
LATEST NEWS
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{49}" paraid="1823456244" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma, the owner of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/blog-apprentice-salon-owner-new-careers-e… hair salon</a> in Weston-super-Mare, has been a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ceh-hair-and-beauty">Career Excellence Hub Endorser for our Hair and Barbering Department</a> for over a year now. As a solo artist in the world of hairdressing, Emma does it all. She not only styles and transforms hair but also manages the intricate details of her salon's operation. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{ca7b855d-8707-4051-bcaa-6372295572e4}{88}" paraid="1054092634" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma recently led a masterclass with hairdressing learners here at the College, in which she taught and demonstrated using effective and safe working methods when perming and neutralising hair, as well as the necessary preparation and aftercare. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f809bd92-21a0-43ed-90c3-98bd107f7f5c}{171}" paraid="998916816" xml:lang="EN-GB">We were lucky enough to catch up with her and reflect on her experience with the college so far. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{61}" paraid="2023585427" xml:lang="EN-GB">Working with the college is an opportunity to share her love for hairdressing and ignite the same passion in the next generation of hairstylists. Over the past year, Emma has had the pleasure of hosting numerous students from Weston College for work experience in her salon. These students are often a mixture of excited but nervous, but are gaining the hands-on experience in the industry that will be a huge help in their future careers. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{73}" paraid="897391264" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma shares that having these students at her salon has been an opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of their confidence. Their evolution is something Emma is proud to show her clients, who can see first-hand the impact of her mentorship. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{79}" paraid="114929536" xml:lang="EN-GB">The highlight for Emma is watching the incredible growth in these students. Many arrive uncertain, but by the end of their work experience, they have blossomed into more confident individuals. Emma's guidance and expertise create an environment where these training stylists can put into practice what they’re learning at college, and excel in the world of hairdressing. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{85}" paraid="1924076645" xml:lang="EN-GB">Emma's excitement for the future knows no bounds. She eagerly anticipates working even more closely with Weston College, nurturing fresh talent, and helping them find their unique style in the world of hairdressing. With her continued support and the college's education, we can expect to see even more incredible hairstylists emerging from Weston College. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{85}" paraid="1924076645" xml:lang="EN-GB">Unique Hair Salon forms part of the Hair & Barbering <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Careers Excellence Hub</a>. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches.</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3dc44760-5362-4404-8ea9-12560bc24aed}{85}" paraid="1924076645" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… out more about our Hair and Barbering courses, here.</a></p>

<p>The wonderful Level 1 Hairdressing learners were welcomed by Emma, the salon owner of <a href="https://www.uniquewsm.com/">Unique Hair</a>, for work experience in an industry standard salon. Unique Hair is an independently run hair salon, local to the college, currently underway to becoming a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> ambassador. This results in the college and the salon working very closely together to ensure the content in the course is of upmost importance to the learners, and even results in work experience opportunities which otherwise would not be offered to L1 learners!</p><p>Emma had six Level 1 learners in total spread over three Mondays, where she opened the salon especially for work experience days. Emma sourced her own clients for the learners to work on, undergoing treatments such as meeting and greeting clients, shampooing, conditioning and applying treatments, as well as blow-drying, curling and setting clients’ hair. This gave the students the chance to use industry-standard equipment, and experience first-hand, what a day working in the salon would be like.</p><p>While Level 1 learners would not usually gain the opportunity to have work experience, Emma was so keen to help out and allow the students to develop employability skills to increase success in their futures in the industry. The students commented, “It was such a great opportunity, and really helpful experience for what working day to day in a salon would be like. Emma was great at explaining everything, and really kind when explaining everything, including the new techniques. We’d absolutely love to go back!”</p><p>The learners’ tutor, Kelly, told us, “It has been amazing to see the development of their skills since this experience!”</p><p>Rachel Harrison, the Workplace Coordinator for Hair, Beauty and Hospitality commented: “The learners absolutely loved their time at the salon, and having the chance to try out new products; the opportunity was invaluable for the learners. Here at Weston College, we focus on finding the learner’s career aspirations first, then assist in how they can reach this. Having a whole day in an industry-standard salon is one of the most beneficial ways to help in reaching their dream jobs; I am so grateful to Emma for her kindness and hospitality towards the learners, and being their mentor for the whole day! I hope we are able to provide this work experience to Level 1 learners in the future!”</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… out more about our Hair and Beauty courses, here!</a></p>

<p>In the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…, Makeup and Prosthetics for Production (HMPP) three-year degree programme</a> at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">UCW</a>, there is a module which requires the learners to work to an industry brief. This year, <a href="https://www.puxton.co.uk/">Puxton Park</a> delivered the brief for the learners, for an event they held, called “Phobia”; a Halloween event that took place from 22nd – 29th October, consisting of five haunted attractions including a Haunted Tractor Ride, Doll House and the ‘Dark Wood’. The learners were required to design and apply makeup to a very high quality for this event, for up to 40 actors a night!</p><p>In total, 30 students across both HE & FE took part; the third year HMPP learners were in charge of running the event, and the first and second year HMPP learners also took part as assistants. The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… 2 Hair and media makeup</a> learners were also involved as further assistance on certain makeup zones. Every learner was there every night, from 4:30 – 10:30pm, to ensure every actor was ready for their performance. It was important that they planned and practiced every aspect before the event started, as they had to make sure they could carry out the same quality in a fast-paced environment, under time pressure!</p><p>As well as designing and applying the makeup on the nights, the 3rd year learners were also tasked with ordering the products and costumes, and keeping within a budget, as well as holding workshops for the Level 2 students to demonstrate the desired looks, and build their confidence in their abilities.</p><p>The feedback from everyone involved has been overwhelmingly positive – the learners absolutely loved the opportunity to work in a professional event, working with other students across multiple courses, and being given a true insight into the industry. Puxton Park have also commented on the creative talent of the learners, and praised them for their professionalism. The general public, who attended the event, have said it was “a fantastic, immersive experience, but very scary!”</p><p>Tara O’Hare, an HMPP lecturer, has commented “I would like to personally thank my third year HMPP students, with special thanks in particular to Holly and Beth, who acted as project managers on the event, liaised with the other groups who were helping out, and worked professionally and fully committed themselves to the project throughout.</p><p>Both the HE and FE makeup students worked with enthusiasm and confidence throughout They will be an absolute asset in the makeup industry, and without them, this project would not have been as successful. We can’t wait to be back next year!”</p><p>If you’re interested in a qualification in Hair and Makeup, you can find out more information, below!</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… Education</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… Education</a></li></ul>