Free Level 1 Hairdressing and Barbering Course in Birmingham. Classes run at South & City College Birmingham Hall Green Campus. You'll study full-time during the day, covering shampooing, blow-drying, styling, basic colouring, client care, and health and safety. The course takes one year. To enrol, you'll need at least an Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English qualification or GCSE Grade 1 in English. If you don't have evidence of a recognised English qualification, you'll take an initial assessment at the start.
Who this course is for
This introductory course is ideal for anyone starting their journey in the hairdressing industry. You�ll learn essential techniques, including shampooing, blow-drying, styling, and basic colouring, while also gaining an understanding of client care and health and safety. This course provides a solid foundation for progressing to more advanced qualifications and building a career in hairdressing.
Entry requirements
A positive attitude and a willingness to work hard.* Additionally, you should have at least a minimum of an Entry Level 3 qualification in Functional Skills English or GCSE Grade 1
What you will learn
You'll practise shampooing and conditioning techniques on training heads and live models.
You'll develop blow-drying and styling skills for different hair types.
You'll learn basic colouring techniques.
You'll understand how to care for clients throughout a salon service.
You'll apply health and safety practices in a salon environment.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical hands-on sessions in a salon environment, classroom-based theory lessons, and tutor demonstrations. You'll work on training heads and live models to build your practical skills. Assessment is through a combination of practical observation and theory work throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South & City College Birmingham Hall Green Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Salon assistant: support stylists in a professional salon setting.
Junior hairdresser: starting out in a salon after further training.
Barber: how to become a barber typically starts with a Level 1 or 2 qualification.
Hairdresser: how to become a hairdresser, progressing through Level 2 and beyond.
Shampoo technician: entry-level salon role focused on washing and conditioning.
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing: the natural next step, covering more advanced cutting, colouring, and styling techniques needed for a qualified stylist role.
Hairdressing Apprenticeship (Level 2): earn while you learn in a salon, combining on-the-job training with study toward a recognised qualification.
Level 2 Diploma in Barbering: if you want to specialise in barbering rather than hairdressing.
