Hairdressing Futures Level 2

Entry requirements

You will ideally have four GCSEs grade 4 or above. These should include English at grade 4 or above and maths at grade 3 or above, a science is also preferred, along with one other. Alternatively, you will have a Level 1 Certificate in Hair or Beauty with a teacher recommendation. 

Course Overview

For students looking to study beauty therapy and hairdressing in Southampton and the New Forest, our Beauty Therapy Futures Level 2 course is ideal if you want to learn the essential beauty therapy techniques. Through this course, you will be trained to work as a therapist in salons, spas, working independently or hotels, our course is designed to support you. 

You will gain the confidence and ability to apply the techniques and theory behind a wide range of beauty treatments. From the beginning, you’ll work in our state-of-the-art Opus Salon, working with real clients to deliver commercial standards with the support of our highly qualified tutors.  

This course covers a wide range of salon skills, such as shampooing, cutting and styling and includes basic colouring and lightening in a real working environment. You will be trained in using salon standard equipment, working with paying clients, and will be introduced to how the industry works. Developing your customer skills and broaden your skillset for the sector.  

You will also be able to demonstrate your skills at our Open Events and support with external enrichment events such as Totton Carnival.  

What will I learn?

Our hairdressing courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you to gain the critical and transferable skills that you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV.  

As part of this course, you will learn a broad range of skills, including customer communication and teamwork in both a practical and theoretical context. You will be taught the underpinning knowledge and science behind the services you provide and be able to apply in practical sessions. Our course delivers set routines and experiential learning, leading to you developing personalised and creative techniques. 

As part of your course, you will also learn from industry professionals within the beauty field to talk about their careers and provide insight to support your portfolio and professional development.  

In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn maths and English as part of this course. 

Work Experience

As part of the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, we encourage all students to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning.  

You will be required to complete 60 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday.  

Our work experience department is there to help you obtain a suitable work experience placement. You will receive weekly progress coaching to ensure that you are up to date with each course unit, together with help to move towards the work sector. 

In addition, you will also have the opportunity to engage in a range of enrichment activities, including having the opportunity to visit Excel, where industry experts will hold competitions, manufacturers will be promoting the latest fashion ideas, products or new techniques to hit the market. There will also be hands-on experience in-house, as different companies come into the salon to showcase what is on offer and students will get the opportunity to take part and build on the current skills they have. 

Modules

Modules for the Hairdressing Futures Level 2 will take place in both practical sessions and theoretical lessons. These include:  

Working in the hairdressing industry 

This module provides students with an understanding of working practices within the hairdressing and barbering industries. The unit will investigate job roles, career opportunities and roles and responsibilities.  

Health and safety 

This module will investigate how to work safely in the workplace, which legislation must be followed and applied in the salon and your rights and responsibilities as an employer/employee.  

Client consultation 

This unit will look at the science and make-up of hair and skin, the factors which may impact the services you can perform and how to consult with clients to gain trust and gain a returning clientele. 

Shampoo and condition 

In this module, students learn the science behind the service, matching products to hair and scalp types, as well as understanding how the different types of products, equipment and techniques can be adapted to the needs of the client. 

Hair cutting  

This module provides students with the skills and knowledge to cut hair using basic techniques. To design styles, create shapes and provide styling services to a range of clients.  

Colour and lighten 

This module will investigate changing hair colour, how the colours and lighteners work on the hair and how the chemicals change the structure of the hair. 

Style and dress 

This module will look at the science behind hair styling services and how to create professional finishes to meet the needs of the clients.  

Assessment

At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Hairdressing Level 2 qualification.  

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work; this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments.  

Written and practical-based assessments will take place throughout the year. Your knowledge is assessed by an exam or an assignment, with a pass or fail marking scheme. The practical elements will be judged against a set of criteria and graded pass, merit, distinction per unit. All practical assessments will be assessed on paying clients, friends and family. 

You will be supported with all your work. Your teacher will go through all this when you sign up for the course. 

Enrichment Opportunities

Students will have an opportunity to visit Excel, where industry experts will hold competitions, manufacturers will be promoting the latest fashion ideas, products or new techniques to hit the market. There will also be hands-on experience in-house, as different companies come into the salon to showcase what is on offer and students will get the opportunity to take part and build on the current skills they have. 

Career and Progression

After successfully passing this course, you will have the core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and move forward towards your chosen career.

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing, and you will be able to progress onto the Level 3 Hairdressing course. 

You may also wish to discuss career options with the college careers advisor prior to completion of the course to investigate possible apprenticeships or entry-level employment. During careers week, there will be guest speakers who will talk about their careers and how to gain entry into higher education or on cruise ships.

During my course, I’ve learned how important it is to make clients feel comfortable, which has helped me improve my communication skills and ensure they’re happy with their treatment. I’ve also gained hands-on experience using hairdressing tools for washing, cutting and styling hair. I enjoy working with clients and finding it rewarding when they leave happy with their hair. My proudest achievement at Totton College was earning a distinction in my Level 2 Health and Social Care course, which boosted my confidence and motivation. My advice to new students joining Totton College is to be open to new ideas and be confident in yourself. After college, I hope to become a childcare worker, using the skills I’ve developed in communication and creativity.

Emily Simpson

Hair & Beauty Level 1 Student

Funding and bursaries

Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.

Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Contact a tutor