Hair & Beauty Therapy

This programme is aimed at 16-18-year-olds who wish to begin a career working in the hair and beauty industry, and have a keen interest in learning creative skills, and developing their communication and customer service skills.

The Level 1 Hair and Beauty course is designed to provide you with a broad range of skills and knowledge in both hair and beauty, and to provide the information needed for you to choose a specialist pathway in preparation for Level 2 study. Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career as a professional Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, Nail Technician or Barber.

This course provides an introduction to the basic knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work in a commercial Hair or Beauty Salon with a focus on the following four mandatory, theory-based units:

1. Introduction to the hair and beauty sector
2. Presenting a professional image in a salon
3. Following health and safety in the salon
4. Working with others

You will also complete optional units to develop your practical skills which may include:

• Styling Women’s Hair
• Styling Men’s Hair
• Plaiting and Twisting hair
• Basic Make-up Application
• Themed Face Painting
• Nail Art Application
• Providing Basic Manicure Treatments
• Providing Basic Pedicure Treatments
• Colour hair using temporary colour
• Create a hair and beauty image
• Salon reception duties

You will learn through a combination of theory-based sessions in the classroom, live demonstrations and practical assignments, working on headblocks and peers in our fully equipped working salons. You will work with top industry standard product lines including Wella, and will gain a real-world learning experience through carrying out services on the Buxton & Leek College client base.

Your progress will be fully supported and tracked by our highly experienced tutors who have worked as industry professionals themselves. You will benefit from their vast experience in their area of expertise and their understanding of the industry. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in work experience with local employers across Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

At BLC we offer an enhanced student experience with the opportunity to take part in a trip to the Wella Salons/Studios, enrichment activities and visits from guest speakers who provide workshops and offer invaluable advice on the industry.

At the end of the programme, you will be able to show your competence in a broad range of professional hair and beauty skills and demonstrate responsibility for your work and an ability to work independently.

Level 1 Diploma in Hair and Beauty

Depending on your chosen pathway you could progress on to;

• Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing,
• or Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis and in a variety of ways, including observation, practical skills assessment, oral questioning of knowledge and online multiple-choice tests.

Grade 1 or above at GCSE in English and maths.

This programme is aimed at school leavers or adults who have a keen interest in learning the foundation beauty therapy skills and wish to begin a career working in the beauty industry. 

The Level 2 in Beauty Therapy course is designed to provide you with the communication, customer service and practical skills required to enter employment, Level 3 study or an apprenticeship. Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career as a professional Makeup Artist, Nail Technician, Aesthetic Practitioner or Spa Therapist. 

This course will help you to develop and practise the skills required to provide a variety of beauty services with a focus on the following seven mandatory units: 

1. Ensure responsibility for actions to reduce risks to health and safety 

1. Promote additional services or products to clients 

1. Develop and maintain your effectiveness at work 

1. Provide facial skin care treatment 

1. Enhance the appearance of eyebrows and lashes 

1. Carry out waxing services 

1. Provide manicure services 

1. Provide pedicure services 

In addition, you will also complete optional units to further develop your practical skills which may include: 

• Fulfil salon reception duties 

• Carry out ear piercing 

• Provide make-up services 

• Enhance appearance using skin camouflage 

• Assist with spa operations 

• Provide threading services 

You will learn through a combination of theory-based sessions in the classroom, live demonstrations and practical assignments working on your peers in our fully equipped working salons. You will work with top industry standard product lines including Dermalogica and Nailtiques, and will gain a real-world learning experience through carrying out services on the Buxton & Leek College client base. 

Your progress will be fully supported and tracked by our highly experienced tutors who have worked as industry professionals themselves. You will benefit from their vast experience in their area of expertise and their understanding of the industry. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in work experience with local employers across Derbyshire and Staffordshire. 

At BLC we offer an enhanced student experience with visits from guest speakers and the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities and study trips. You will also have the chance to gain additional qualifications and training, for example gel nails, spray tans, ear piercing, catwalk make up and professional beauty exhibitions. 

At the end of the programme, you will be able to show your competence as a junior therapist in a broad range of beauty skills, whilst also demonstrating responsibility for your work and an ability to work independently. 

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy 

Depending on your chosen pathway you could progress on to;  

• an apprenticeship in Hairdressing, 

• a Level 3 qualification, 

• or employment in a beauty salon, luxury spa, hotel, cruise ship, or as a freelance beauty therapist. 

You will be assessed on an ongoing basis in a variety of ways, including observation, practical skills assessment, oral questioning of knowledge and online multiple-choice tests. 

You will need a minimum of three Grade 3/D GCSEs, including English and maths. If you do not meet these minimum requirements individual cases will be considered. Please speak to your interviewer.