Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma in Hairdressing
The Hairdressing VRQ Level 2 course at York College is designed for individuals with a passion for hair and a desire to develop professional salon skills. This practical and creative course provides a strong foundation in a range of hairdressing techniques including cutting, colouring, styling, and client consultation. Delivered in our industry-standard salons by experienced tutors, the course combines hands-on experience with essential theory to prepare students for employment or further study in the hairdressing industry. This course offers an exciting pathway into a rewarding career.
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. Students must have achieved a level 1 Hairdressing qualification or be able to demonstrate that they have skills and knowledge at this level.
Course units
The Hairdressing VRQ Level 2 qualification at York College typically includes a combination of mandatory and optional units designed to equip learners with the core skills and knowledge required to work as a junior stylist. The units may include:
Core Mandatory Units:
Working in the Hair Industry
Health and Safety in the Salon
Client Consultation for Hair Services
Shampoo and Condition the Hair and Scalp
Promote Products and Services to Clients in a Salon
Technical Units:
Cut Women’s Hair
Colour and Lighten Hair
Style and Finish Hair
Set and Dress Hair
Optional Units (will vary depending on College delivery):
Plaiting and Twisting Hair
Create an Image Based on a Theme within the Hair and Beauty Sector
The Art of Dressing Hair
Display Stock to Promote Sales in a Salon
Assessments
The assessment methods for the City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hairdressing include a combination of the following:
Practical Assessments
Learners demonstrate their skills by completing practical tasks on 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-£2820
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 2 Hairdressing can progress their skills and continue onto L3 Hairdressing. This course is currently taught alongside our full-time students during the day.
Dates & course durations
10th September 2025 - 24th June 2026.
Additional costs
Students are generally 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.
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.
Study methods
The study methods for the City and Guilds Level 2 Hairdressing 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 clients / models 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.
Career progression
Upon successful completion of the Hairdressing VRQ Level 2 course, learners are prepared to begin a career in the hair industry or continue their professional development. Typical progression routes include:
- Employment as a Junior Stylist in salons, barbershops, or freelance settings
- Level 3 in Hairdressing to advance technical skills and knowledge, including creative cutting, advanced colouring, and client care
- Specialist Courses such as barbering, hair extensions, bridal and occasion hair, or colour correction
- Self-employment or Salon Assistant Roles with the potential to build towards managing or owning a salon
This qualification is a key stepping stone for those aiming to build a long-term, successful career in the dynamic and creative hairdressing industry.
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