Hairdressing Techniques for Beginners Level 1


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
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Are you passionate about hairstyling and dreaming of making a mark in the ever-evolving world of hairdressing?

Join our professional team and be part of a growing industry of hairdressers at our state-of-the-art salon Botanica.

Our comprehensive training programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive hairdressing industry.

At Botanica, you’ll benefit from a curriculum that mirrors the latest trends and techniques in the industry, offering you a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

To boost your confidence and practical skills, you’ll also have the opportunity to work one day a week in a salon, gaining valuable work experience and exposure to real-world salon operations.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn in our hairdressing programme: Shampoo and Conditioning – Learn how to perform professional shampooing and conditioning treatments that cleanse and prepare the hair and scalp for further services. Follow Health and Safety in the Salon – Understand essential salon health and safety protocols to ensure a safe and hygienic working environment for both clients and staff. Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector – Gain insight into the hair and beauty industry, its career opportunities, and what it takes to succeed as a hair professional. Styling Women’s Hair – Master the art of styling women’s hair using a range of tools and techniques to create both everyday and special occasion looks. Presenting a Professional Image in the Salon – Develop your personal presentation and professional conduct to reflect industry standards and build client trust. Plaiting and Twisting Hair – Explore creative styling techniques such as plaiting and twisting to add texture, dimension, and flair to your hair designs. The Art of Colouring Hair – Learn how to apply colouring techniques to transform hair using semi-permanent and temporary colour products, while understanding the science behind colour selection. Styling Men’s Hair – Discover how to style men’s hair using modern techniques and tools to create on-trend, personalised looks for male clients. Salon Reception Duties – Gain practical experience in managing salon reception responsibilities including client bookings, telephone handling, and customer service. The Art of Dressing Hair – Learn how to design and create elegant and fashion-forward updos and styled looks for weddings, events, and editorial settings. Create a Hair and Beauty Image – Collaborate with others to design and produce a complete hair and beauty look, showcasing your creativity and technical skills in a themed photoshoot or event. Working with Others – Develop strong teamwork and communication skills that are vital in a salon environment, enhancing collaboration and client care.

Required Entry Qualifications

Three GCSE grades 1-3, preferably including maths and English.

Plus an informal interview with a member of our teaching team.

You will be continually assessed throughout your programme with practical assessments performed in our state of the art hair salons.

Theory is assessed through written assignments.

All courses are delivered by highly skilled and experienced salon team who design their sessions to accommodate all different learning abilities, wherever possible.

An important part of your course will be an industry placement.

This is your chance to see the industry and get some real-life experience, which is always good for your CV!

You will also get to work with our various partners who come to college to share their experiences and can inspire your career path.

Check out how we are embedding sustainability throughout our hair and beauty courses:

  • We’re a part of the Green Salon Collective, a company that offer Zero-to-Landfill Salon Recycling Solutions for Hairdressers.
  • Our hair, foils and metal tubes are recycled.
  • We use eco-heads, shower heads that reduce water use by around 70%.
  • Our beauty supplier is Eve Taylor and for every product we buy, they plant a tree.
  • We don’t print our learning portfolios, they’re all online.
  • We use the Wella Hero platform, which helps the students gain knowledge on all aspects education in the hair industry including sustainable salon operations.

You will require a kit and uniform, which will allow you to present a professional image and develop your skills in our own salon Botanica, we will invite you to our summer open event where we share all the information on how to get your hands on everything you need.

After the course, you’ll be able to progress onto level 2 in hairdressing or onto an apprenticeship.

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School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026