The Hair Ministry Academy in partnership with Achievement Training & Skills (ATS) is the passion project of Hair Ministry director, Donna Garnham. Based in the heart of our Foxhall Road salon, it’s a dedicated learning environment in the setting of an active salon, offering a wide range of expertly led hairdressing courses including NVQ levels 2 and 3, specialist courses in balayage and bleach, and bespoke options for hairdressers with skills gaps and salon owners looking to upskill their team.

Offering certified training, one-to-one tuition, and hands-on experience with some of the industry’s best tools and products, there couldn’t be a better place to kickstart or level up your career.

In the UK, most hairdressers choose to start their career with some variation of a professional diploma in hairdressing – as this is a basic standard required by most salons when hiring. Common options include:

NVQs/SVQs: Most hairdressers start by completing a Level 1, 2 and 3 NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ in Scotland. These work-based qualifications help future hairdressers gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the industry within a working environment. Hair Ministry is proud to offer both NVQ Level 2 and 3 courses.

BTEC and City & Guilds: BTEC and City & Guilds also offer hairdressing diplomas. These qualifications typically involve more classroom-based learning than their NVQ equivalents.

Advanced Qualifications: Those who have completed the above courses can opt to complete more advanced diplomas, for example, Level 4 Salon Management, or progress their skills to an advanced level by working through specialist courses and workshops.

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 in Hairdressing is a UK-based certification undertaken by many aspiring junior hairdressers. It’s designed to equip individuals with the basic skills needed to build a career in the hair industry, and typically covers:

• Shampooing and conditioning
• Basic cutting techniques
• Styling and finishing (such as blow-drying and setting)
• Colouring and lightening

The course also covers knowledge and skills relating to client communication, health and safety, and the general work environment. It’s a work-based qualification, meaning that the majority of the training is done on the job, in a real salon environment, and assessments are often practical demonstrations of skills. Some theoretical learning is involved as well, such as understanding the science of hair and scalp, and the principles of hair colour.

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 3 in Hairdressing is an advanced qualification in the UK designed for those who have passed their NVQ qualification and want to further their skills, or who are already working as a qualified hairdresser and want to specialise.

Advanced skills covered during this work-based course include:

• Advanced cutting techniques
• Colour correction
• Creative cuts and styling
• Creative colouring and lightening
• Hair extensions

Client consultation skills are also built upon further. Much like Level 2, this course includes both practical assessments and theoretical learning, such as advanced colour theory, and managing client expectations.

Hairdressing is a hands-on job, meaning both in-salon training and traditional learning are needed to shape your skills. UK hairdressers typically follow a path similar to the below – but don’t be put off if you’d like to do things differently! Some providers, like Hair Ministry, offer bespoke training in line with your needs:

Education: Start with your GCSEs/National 5S. Some courses and salons will require you to have base-level qualifications in English and maths.

Training: Enrol in a hairdressing course at a college or training academy. This could be an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), SVQ in Scotland, or a City & Guilds Diploma. Your choice should ultimately come down to your personal preferences and learning style – if you’d like to get hands-on experience in a salon environment whilst learning, an NVQ could be for you. If you go the classroom learning route, you’ll likely start your career as an apprentice or assistant.

Further Qualifications: After completing your initial training, you might wish to do some more advanced courses like an NVQ level 2 or 3.

Continued Learning: Hairdressing is an ever-changing industry. Stay on top of your training with continued learning in the form of specialised courses or learning new techniques as they come into fashion.

The amount of time it will take you to become a hairdresser depends on your personal journey, specifically, the method of learning you choose.

For example, completing a full-time hairdressing course, such as an NVQ Level 2 or Level 3, generally takes about one to two years. Of course, this varies in line with your provider’s method of delivery.

After your initial training, it’ll take time to settle into the salon environment as a junior stylist. Be patient with yourself whilst you develop your foundational and specialised skills, and remember – continue to learn! The best hairdressers further their skills and knowledge by completing professional development courses, learning from experienced colleagues, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

Hairdressing is a dynamic, fulfilling career path perfect for those looking for an opportunity to express their creative skills and build rewarding client relationships. The field is ever-growing and evolving, packed full of new trends and techniques to put your hands and mind to.

The perfect option for those looking to shape their own schedules or even become entrepreneurs, hairdressing offers significant career progression opportunities, from senior stylist roles to salon management. At Hair Ministry, we support our stylists’ growth from the very beginning, providing a vibrant academy environment with a hand-selected range of professional courses.

16 is the perfect age to start your hairdressing journey with training! Many salons, including Hair Ministry, are enthusiastic about nurturing young talent.

We offer educational plans tailored for young learners aged between 16-18 who have a passion for hairdressing. These programs are designed to lead our aspiring hairdressers towards gaining their NVQ level 2 or 3 qualifications, setting them on the right track for success in the hairdressing industry. If you’re 16 and dreaming of a career in hairdressing, we’d be thrilled to help you turn that dream into reality. Register your interest with us today and we’ll be in touch with more information!

While there’s a wealth of hairdressing tutorials and guides available online, teaching yourself to be a professional hairdresser isn’t the best route into the industry, and may result in gaps in your proficiency as a stylist.

Ultimately, hairdressing isn’t just about mastering various techniques and styles; it also involves understanding health and safety regulations, hair and scalp anatomy, customer service, and potentially even business management if you plan to run your own salon one day.

In gaining a professional certification, you’ll be able to master the above, gaining favour with both clients and salons (accredited qualifications are usually a requirement for employment within established hair salons and for liability insurance).

At Hair Ministry, we offer structured training programmes that provide comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience, led by experienced professionals. To learn more, read our Academy page above!

You can learn to become a hairdresser in various locations, from dedicated hairdressing schools and academies to colleges. Both offer Level 2 and 3 NVQ Diplomas in Hairdressing.

At Hair Ministry, we’re committed to offering comprehensive training that equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the hair industry. Our dedicated team of professionals lead young hairdressing students through their chosen courses in an engaging salon environment, helping them gain practical experience while working towards an NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.