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Your Study Options

Hairdressing, Beauty & Barbering

  • Hair and Beauty
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Hairdressing

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Our Hair and Beauty courses are for those dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate about making clients look and feel amazing. Throughout your time at Harlow College you will develop the knowledge and practical skills to break into this successful, growing industry. You will study in our contemporary commercial suite of salons and treatment rooms and have the benefit of our strong links with the hair and beauty industry.

WHAT WILL I DO?

As a student in the Hair and Beauty team, you will gain the practical skills and extensive knowledge you need to perform to high industry standards. You’ll also get real work experience in a commercial environment. You will have the opportunity to try out your practical skills on your fellow students and the final assessment of these skills will be carried out by applying treatments to paying members of the public.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?

Hairdressing and Beauty courses can lead straight into a job, an Apprenticeship, or enable you to progress to higher levels, including a university degree. You could work in a salon, become self employed or go on to work as a hair and make-up artist in the television or fashion industries.

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  • Level: 1
  • Study Mode: Part-time
  • Start Date: Variable
  • Start Date: Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Basic Nail Treatments Level 1 Award

This course is designed to develop your practical skills in providing basic manicure and pedicure treatments whilst working towards a recognised qualification. 

It’s ideal for those with little or no experience and are looking take their first steps into the beauty industry. 

You will develop a sound knowledge of health and safety practices in a salon environment, along with client care and communication skills required for working within the beauty industry.

One unique advantage of this course is the opportunity to learn within Harlow College's two state-of-the-art hair and beauty salons. These salons are conveniently located on the Harlow College campus and in Harlow Town Centre, offering a real-world learning environment equipped with industry-standard equipment. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your practical skills but also expose you to the professional atmosphere of a salon, preparing you for a successful career in the hairdressing industry. 

Successful completion of this course will not only set a strong foundation for your Beauty career but also prepare you for progression onto a Level 2 course or our Level 2 LED Gel Polish course.

Beauty Therapy Level 2 Diploma

Learn the basic skills and techniques of Beauty Therapy. You have the opportunity to try out your practical skills on your fellow students and the final assessment of these skills will be carried out by applying treatments to paying members of the public.

Beauty Therapy Level 2 Diploma – Part-time

Learn the basic skills and techniques of Beauty Therapy. You have the opportunity to try out your practical skills on your fellow students and the final assessment of these skills will be carried out by applying treatments to paying members of the public.

Beauty Therapy Level 3

This course is ideal for therapists looking for a career in all aspects of the beauty industry, potential entrepreneurs aspiring to set up a small business or for those looking to work within the spa/leisure industry.

This course is ideal for therapists looking for a career in all aspects of the beauty industry, potential entrepreneurs aspiring to set up a small business or for those looking to work within the spa/leisure industry.

Beauty Therapy Level 3 – Part-time

This course is ideal for therapists looking for a career in all aspects of the beauty industry, potential entrepreneurs aspiring to set up a small business or for those looking to work within the spa/leisure industry.

Hair and Beauty Level 1 Diploma

The Level 1 Diploma in Hair and Beauty is designed to build on your interest and passion for the hair and beauty industry, covering a wide range of skills from styling, plaiting and twisting to make-up or nail art.

This qualification is designed for those who wish to prepare for further learning or training in the hair and beauty sector. It will also enable you to perform your own basic services and to assist others in the salon.

Hairdressing – Level 2 Women’s Hairdressing (Full-time)

This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to provide basic shampoo and condition, styling men's and women's hair, plaiting and twisting, the art of dressing hair and, salon reception duties. You will gain an insight into working in the sector and knowledge of the health, safety and hygiene requirements. It will support progression onto a Level 2 course.

Hairdressing – Level 2 Women’s Hairdressing (Part-time)

This Level 2 Hairdressing course is the perfect starting point for aspiring hairdressers. It will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge required for basic shampooing and conditioning, styling men's and women's hair, braiding and twisting and fulfilling salon reception duties. Throughout the course, you will also gain insight into the workings of the industry and develop a solid understanding of health, safety and hygiene requirements.

One unique advantage of this course is the opportunity to learn within Harlow College's two state-of-the-art hair and beauty salons. These salons are conveniently located on the Harlow College campus and in Harlow Town Centre, offering a real-world learning environment equipped with industry-standard equipment. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your practical skills but also expose you to the professional atmosphere of a salon, preparing you for a successful career in the hairdressing industry. 

Successful completion of this course will not only set a strong foundation for your hairdressing career but also prepare you for progression onto a Level 3 course, ensuring you are well-equipped to excel in the field.

Hairdressing – Level 3 Hair Services (Full-time)

Do you want to be a senior hair stylist, colourist or even run your own hair salon? If you are already working as a hairdresser and have a level 2 qualification, this course is the perfect next step. You can build on the skills you have already gained to become creative and highly skilled in a wide range of hairdressing services, including colour, bridal hair, creative hairdressing and the promotion and selling of products. When you complete this course you will have all the essential skills you need to gain employment or start your own business in the hairdressing industry!

Hairdressing – Level 3 Hair Services (Part-time)

Do you want to be a senior hair stylist, colourist or even run your own hair salon? If you are already working as a hairdresser and have a level 2 qualification, this course is the perfect next step. You can build on the skills you have already gained to become creative and highly skilled in a wide range of hairdressing services, including colour, bridal hair, creative hairdressing and the promotion and selling of products. When you complete this course you will have all the essential skills you need to gain employment or start your own business in the hairdressing industry!

LED Gel Polish Level 2 Award

The VTCT Level 2 Award in LED Gel Polish Techniques is a single unit award qualification about applying, maintaining and removing LED gel polish products to the nails.

This qualification also covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare for the service and maintain effective health, safety and hygiene working practices throughout the treatment.

Salon Management Level 4 Diploma

This course has been specifically designed for existing or aspiring managers who work in a spa, beauty therapy,hairdressing or nail salon environment. The course is also for those wishing to set up or enhance their own business.

Funding Your Course

If you're aged 19 or over and you want to study A Levels, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 to 6 Vocational Qualification, you could be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.