City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate Hairdressing & Barbering
This introductory course is designed for those who are passionate about the hairdressing industry and want to take their first steps toward a career in hairdressing. You’ll develop basic skills in areas such as shampooing, styling, and customer care, all within a professional salon environment.
Through a combination of practical workshops and classroom learning, you'll gain the confidence, experience, and foundational knowledge needed to progress to higher-level qualifications (for example L2 Hairdressing or L2 Barbering) or support roles in salons. This course is ideal for someone exploring a new career path, offering a supportive and hands-on start to your journey in hairdressing.
Entry requirements
Students must be 19 years of age or over, with a good understanding of the English language. Effective communication skills (both written and verbal) are essential to successfully complete the assessment requirements. Hairdressing can be a physically demanding job, with the need to stand for long periods of time, often working in fixed positions. It also requires good manual dexterity.
Course units
The NVQ Level 1 Certificate in Hairdressing and Barbering typically includes core units designed to introduce learners to the basic skills and knowledge required in a salon environment.
Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector
An overview of career paths and roles within the industry.
Presenting a Professional Image in a Salon
How to maintain personal presentation and deliver excellent customer service.
Shampoo and Condition Hair
Techniques for washing and treating clients’ hair correctly and hygienically.
Styling Hair
Basic blow-drying and styling techniques for various hair types and styles.
Health and Safety in the Salon
Essential practices for maintaining a safe working environment.
Working with Others in the Hair and Beauty Sector
Communication skills and teamwork within a salon setting.
For the list of units offered at York College, it's best to check with the College’s Hairdressing department directly as this can change depending on employers needs/ demand.
Assessments
The assessment methods for the City and Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Hairdressing and Barbering include a combination of the following:
Practical Assessments
Learners demonstrate their skills by completing practical tasks on each other and on blocks. More confident students will extend their skills by working on real clients
Written Assignments or Projects
Some units require learners to complete written tasks that show understanding of theory, such as health and safety practices.
Online or Paper-Based Tests
Multiple-choice or short-answer tests assess underpinning knowledge of topics covered in the units.
These are externally set by the awarding body and usually completed under exam conditions.
Oral Questioning
Tutors may ask verbal questions during or after practical tasks to assess knowledge and understanding.
Portfolio of Evidence
Learners compile a portfolio showcasing completed assessments, observations, and supporting documentation, which must meet City and Guilds standards.
All assessments are internally assessed and externally verified to ensure consistency and quality.
Course fees
£0-£1,248
Contact our Info team if you have any course fee-related questions regarding funding eligibility etc: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Course progression
Students who have demonstrated the necessary skills in Level 1 Hairdressing can progress their skills and continue onto L2 Hairdressing or Level 2 Barbering.
Dates & course durations
10th September 2025 - 24th June 2026, Wednesday evenings.
Study methods
The study methods for the City and Guilds Level 1 NVQ in Hairdressing and Barbering are designed to provide a balanced mix of theory and hands-on practical experience. They include:
Practical Salon Sessions.
The majority of learning takes place in York College’s professional salon environment, where students develop and refine their hairdressing techniques on each other, on training heads and (for some) on live clients under the supervision of experienced tutors.
Classroom-Based Learning
Theory lessons support the practical work and cover essential topics such as hair structure, health and safety, and client consultation. These sessions may involve group discussions, demonstrations, and workbook activities.
Independent Study
Students are expected to complete assignments, research tasks, and revision outside of scheduled class hours to reinforce their learning and prepare for assessments.
Students will need to practice skills at home to build confidence and speed. Students who excel on this course are those that continue to practice outside of college hours. Students are encouraged to photograph this work to put in their portfolio.
Demonstrations and Tutor-Led Workshops
Tutors provide step-by-step demonstrations of hairdressing techniques, followed by supervised practice where students replicate the skills.
Portfolio Development
Students compile evidence of their progress and completed assessments in a portfolio, often supported through guidance sessions and reviews with tutors.
This combination of practical training, theoretical study, ensures learners are prepared for entry-level roles in the hairdressing industry.
Facilities
York College offers outstanding facilities designed to support and inspire students in the Hair, Beauty, and Media Make-up industries. Our Hair & Beauty department features two large, fully equipped hairdressing salons and four professional-standard beauty therapy salons, providing real-world environments for students to refine their skills. A welcoming commercial salon reception area enhances the professional experience, while three dedicated media make-up workshops offer creative spaces for students to bring their artistry to life using industry-standard tools and products.
Beyond the Hair & Beauty department, all students can enjoy the wider College’s outstanding facilities, including the modern Learning & Research Centre, quiet study hubs, well-equipped computer areas, multi-function printers, and expert support from the on-site helpdesk team—ensuring the perfect environment for both practical learning and academic success.
Additional costs
Students may be required to purchase a kit; however, we are currently reviewing this situation.
All students will be required to wear a uniform. The full details of this will be provided closer to the time of enrolment.
As this course requires additional study from home, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning.
Career progression
The Level 1 Certificate in Hairdressing and Barbering provides a strong foundation for entering the hairdressing industry and opens up career progression pathways, including:
Employment as a Junior Hairdresser or Barber
Students can begin working in a barbershop or salon as an assistant, gaining real-work experience while continuing to build their skills.
Self-Employment or Freelance Work
With further experience, learners can become self-employed, rent a chair in a salon, or offer mobile hairdressing services.
Salon Management or Ownership
With additional qualifications and business experience, some may choose to move into salon management or open their own hairdressing business.
This qualification is a gateway to a wide range of exciting and creative career opportunities in the barbering and wider hair and beauty industry.
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