Hairdressing

Hairdressing can really take you places, with constant demand worldwide for skilled barbers and stylists. Past hairdressing students have set up their own mobile business or even full-blown salons after completing their course at Redbridge College.

What next?
You can gain employment in session work on a film set, work in a hairdressing salon or - if you like a challenge - be your own boss and run your own mobile hairdressers. You could also continue your studies in further education and become a teacher or assessor.

Potential careers:
Colour therapist: £30 - £6 per hour
Hairdresser: £10k - £30k per year
Hairdressing lecturer: £20k - £30k per year

Seventeen-year-old Haseeb Iftikhar won the curriculum award for Hairdressing at Redbridge College's annual Student Awards ceremony in 2012.

Haseeb decided to study Hairdressing at the college after moving to the UK from Pakistan in 2011.

Haseeb says: “My teachers have helped me so much. They are amazing and so supportive.

“My experience of college has been completely different to school – there is more freedom to make decisions for yourself.

“The facilities are also really good – it’s just like working and training in a real salon.

“I was so shocked when I found out I had won an award at the college. My family were very proud of me when I told them.

“Hairdressing is definitely my future. My ambition is to work in a professional salon.”

As part of all beauty courses at the College students have the chance to work in our fantastic Hairdressing Salon where members of the public receive quality treatments from you under full supervision from our qualified tutors. You can view the Evolution Salons web pages by clicking here.

Cool, warm or neutral tones? Semi-permanent colour or full colour applications?

These are just two of the decisions a junior stylist providing colouring services to paying clients has to make.

In one of Redbridge College’s spacious, industry-standard training salons, Hairdressing learners have been paying close attention to an expert demonstration of semi-permanent colour application by their lecturer Susan. 

Learners are then able to practice the colouring techniques on individual head blocks while Susan provides support, encouragement and answers to individual questions.

Within a matter of weeks the learners will be practising their skills on real-life paying clients in the college’s Evolution salons.

Learners studying Hairdressing qualifications at the college undertake practical units in cutting, colouring, highlights and styling.

On successful completion of NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing learners are qualified to junior stylist level and able to work in a professional salon.

Susan says:  “Within weeks of enrolling at the college learners are able work on paying clients, shampooing and blow-drying. They also start cutting and colouring almost straight away.”

Eighteen-year-old Toni McCarthy attended Jo Richardson Community School in Dagenham before enrolling on NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing.

She said: “I love learning practical techniques like colouring. College is completely different to school, it’s much more hands-on.”

Seventeen-year-old Amy Harrison adds: “Within my first year at the college I’ve been able to cut and colour hair for paying clients.

“It’s been a great experience and I’ve also gained a lot of confidence in myself.”

Meanwhile 17-year-old Bernadette Russell, who attended Dagenham Park Church of England School before enrolling at the college, said: “Studying on this course you learn the techniques, practice them in class and then get to work on real-life paying clients.

“Anyone who is leaving school and thinking of doing hairdressing at the college should definitely go for it.”

What to study:

• VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing
• Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing - combined Hair types
• VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing

Joanne Bardouille: Hairdressing lecturer

Joanne has worked for one of the UK’s leading private hairdressing training academies, whose clients include Lady Gaga and Britain’s Next Top Model.

How did you get started in the industry?

I started out aged 20 as a junior stylist, before working my way up as a sessional stylist for a big company within the hairdressing industry.

How did you get in to teaching?

I’ve taught at several colleges and also at one of the UK’s leading private hairdressing training academies based in the West End. While there I worked with the academy’s specialist creative team, who travel the world to provide styling for models, bands and pop stars including Lady Gaga.

What type of person is suited to working in the hair industry?

Choosing to study hairdressing suits anyone who is interested in fashion and the latest trends. If you enjoy thinking creatively, have a friendly persona and good communication skills then it’s definitely the industry for you! It’s a great industry to work in, if you are prepared to work hard. 

What’s it like to be a hairdressing learner at Redbridge College?

Our learners get hands-on experience of working in a salon environment while achieving industry-recognised qualifications. We also have a lot of fun along the way too!

What sort of fun?

Our learners get to take part in annual competitions judged by industry experts and the opportunity to show off their skills to family and friends. There are also great trips, including days out to Salon International and the Clothes Show plus even educational trips to Paris and New York to see top stylists in action!