Hairdressing
Find your cutting edge at City of Portsmouth College
Hairdressing students train in brand-new, professional-standard salons, gaining real client experience from day one. They showcase their creativity through in-house Style Studio Challenge, judged by leading brands such as Schwarzkopf, VTCT, and GHD, and compete in the national Concept Hair Learner of the Year competition. With industry experience, hands-on training, and the chance to shine in live competitions, learners graduate ready to create their signature style and launch a confident, creative career.
HAIRDRESSING
Subject overview
What's on offer
Hair is a huge part of a person’s personality, sometimes identity. Straight hair, curly hair Locs, thinning hair, dyed hair, post-chemotherapy hair, Afro and textured hair – all types have differing care needs.
So, learning about cutting and styling hair is more than just that – you’ll need customer service, product knowledge, the latest techniques in your armoury, and health and safety updates too. Here at City of Portsmouth College, we’ll provide all this and more, in our professional working salon where you’ll be cutting, styling and colouring real customers’ hair.
Be a cut above the rest with us.
Subject highlights
- develop fundamental skills so you can progress into a rewarding career
- gain specialist skills in the latest trends and techniques with our one-day courses
- choose advanced routes covering more complex styles, for a future as a specialist
- explore topics like customer service and business management on our enrichment programme.
Course: VTCT Diploma in An Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector
- Vocational
- Highbury Campus
- 1 year
- Free
Course: VTCT Diploma in Hair & Beauty
- Vocational
- Highbury Campus
- 1 year
- Free
Course: Diploma in Barbering
- Vocational
- Highbury Campus
- 1 year
- Free
Course: VTCT Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing
- Vocational
- Highbury Campus
- 1 year
- Free
Course: VRQ Diploma in Barbering
- Vocational
- Highbury Campus
- 1 year
- Free
Our facilities
Study hairdressing at our Highbury Campus and you’ll train in a £450,000 facility, where you’ll also get real-world experience working with customers.
Key facilities include:
- brand new state-of-the art salons on campus
- the most up-to-date equipment used by professionals
- train on real clients’ hair, as part of a commercial salon
- tools for cutting, styling, colouring and more.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“I loved college, the teachers are the best! I regularly offer students work experience placements in the salon and love helping them develop their skills and grow their confidence.”Jess Kennelly
Studied: Level 3 Apprenticeship in Hairdressing
Currently: Owner of award-winning salon, The Parlour
Careers within the hairdressing industry
Hair Stylist
Hair Stylists cut, colour and style clients’ hair in salons or their own homes.
Main responsibilities:
- Discuss stylising ideas with customers
- Wash, cut and style hair to achieve a clients’ desired look
- Apply colours, tints, braids and hair extensions
- Use hair products to give the perfect finish
- Schedule appointments, take payments and order stock
Salary range:
£19,000 - £30,000
Colour Specialist
Colour Specialists use expert skills to colour, tint or highlight customers’ hair.
Main responsibilities:
- Talk about what customers want and advise on the best approach
- Manage clients’ expectations about what can be achieved
- Select the right products and shades to suit each customer
- Use specialist techniques to apply colouring products
- Explain care and maintenance to customers
Salary range:
£23,000 - £35,000
Salon Manager
Salon Managers lead on customer service, operations and inventory at a hair salon.
Main responsibilities:
- Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised salon
- Manage stock and budgets for the salon
- Handle customer enquiries and resolve any complaints
- Hire, train, schedule and supervise salon staff
- Develop and deliver marketing activities to attract customers
Salary range:
£24,000 - £44,000
Barber
Barbers specialise in cutting, styling and fading men’s hair, and grooming beards.
Main responsibilities:
- Discuss styling ideas with customers
- Wash, cut and style hair to achieve a clients’ desired look
- Use hair products to give the perfect finish
- Trim and shape beards and moustaches
- Schedule appointments, take payments and order stock
Salary range:
£19,000 - £30,000
Scalp Specialist / Trichologist
Scalp Specialists (Trichologists) use expertise to treat hair-loss and find solutions for clients.
Main responsibilities:
- Help clients with issues like hair-loss and scalp psoriasis
- Examine hair and scalps visually, or with tools such as digital microscopes
- Diagnose conditions and likely causes
- Recommend treatments, from specialist products to lifestyle changes
- Request tests or refer clients to other specialists, such as a GP
Salary range:
£22,000 - £43,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
The refugee salon owner who braided for Hollywood
Marie Josee came to the UK as a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She barely spoke a word of English. Growing up, braiding hair was her hobby. Today, she runs a braiding studio whose clients range from local residents to celebrities. Her braiding technique was used to make Cynthia Erivo’s wig in the hit movie, Wicked. When the producers realised they needed a finer braid for the character of Elphaba, Marie’s team saved the day, braiding the perfect wig.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will be provided with a uniform list at the end of your welcome day.
No previous experience is required, just the enthusiasm and desire to learn!
Yes, our Retreat Salon is a fully functional salon open to the public. As part of your training, and at the right time, you will liaise with and practice your newly acquired skills on real people!
You will be trained by a team of professionals who have years of experience in salons, so you will be learning from the best. We also offer discounted hair and beauty treatments for all students at COPC, so you can feel your best for less.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
After submitting your application or enquiry, you will receive confirmation along with details about the next stage of the process.
Depending on the course, this may include an interview, informal discussion, assessment activity or enrolment guidance. These stages allow us to understand your interests, goals and suitability for the programme, while also giving you the opportunity to ask further questions.
Our aim is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported and confident as you move closer to starting your course.
If you are unsure which course is right for you, our admissions and curriculum teams are here to help.
They can talk through subject options, entry requirements, career ambitions and progression routes, offering personalised advice based on your interests and strengths. Whether you are deciding between pathways or exploring a completely new direction, you wi'll receive clear and practical guidance.
We are committed to helping you choose a course that challenges you, supports you and gives you the space to grow, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.
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