Course information

If you’re enthusiastic about hair, style, and helping others feel their best, the VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing offers the perfect foundation for a career in the hairdressing industry. This practical, skills-based course is ideal whether you're starting out, looking to return to learning, or aiming to formalise existing experience. It provides the knowledge and confidence you need to step into the salon environment and begin your professional journey.

Throughout the course, you'll develop a solid understanding of hairdressing techniques including cutting, colouring, styling and finishing. You’ll also learn how to provide excellent client consultations, follow health and safety procedures and deliver professional salon services. With access to professional salon equipment and expert tutors, you’ll gain hands-on experience that mirrors real industry practice.

This course prepares you for a rewarding future in the hair industry—whether that’s in a salon, freelance, mobile hairdressing, or progressing to more advanced qualifications.


When courses start

Date: Thursday 18 September 2025 to Thursday 9 July 2026
Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm
Duration: 35 weeks (1 class per week)

Date: Friday 19 September 2025 to Friday 10 July 2026
Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm
Duration: 35 weeks (1 class per week)


What you will learn

This diploma is designed to provide a wide range of professional hairdressing skills within a salon setting. You will be trained to a high standard through practical sessions and theory, covering the following key areas:

  • Cut women’s hair
  • Learn how to cut and shape hair using various techniques to suit different styles and client preferences.

  • Colour and lighten hair
  • Gain the skills to apply a variety of colouring techniques including full head, regrowth, highlights and lowlights, with focus on safety and precision.

  • Style and finish hair
  • Use professional tools to style and finish hair for a range of looks, from everyday wear to special occasions.

  • Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp
  • Develop the skills to assess hair types and apply the correct shampooing, conditioning, and treatment techniques.

  • Set and dress hair
  • Master the art of using rollers and dressing techniques to create volume, shape and lasting styles.

  • Client consultation for hair services
  • Learn how to communicate with clients effectively, carry out needs assessments, and give appropriate aftercare advice.

  • Follow health and safety practice in the salon
  • Understand salon safety standards and how to maintain a clean, secure working environment for clients and staff.

  • Working in the hair industry
  • Explore the structure of the hair and beauty industry, including career pathways, professionalism, and expectations of the workplace.


    How you will be assessed

    Assessment is carried out through a combination of practical observations in a realistic working environment, written assignments and exam. You’ll demonstrate your competence through real client work under supervision.


    Progression opportunities

    After completing this course, you can progress to a Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing or related advanced qualifications. You may also move into employment as a junior stylist in a salon, begin freelance work, or take the first steps toward opening your own business.


    Entry requirements

    Before enroling you will need to complete a short English and Maths assessment to make sure this course is suitable for you.

    If you’d prefer to speak with someone, you can also book an assessment session by contacting our Learning Support team on 0208 496 2974.


    Get in Touch

    Whether you need to get in touch to join a course, let us know if you're unable to attend your course, raise a query, let us know your feedback or anything else, contact us using the options below. You can also talk to an adviser live by clicking on the green speech bubble in the bottom right of the screen.

    Phone

    020 8496 2974

    Address

    Queens Road Learning Centre
    97 Queens Road
    Walthamstow
    London
    E17 8QR