Hairdressing - Level 3

Level up your skills and get prepared for life after education with a Level 3 Hairdressing course at Hugh Baird College. This advanced course is packed with opportunities to perfect the services you offer, with practical sessions in our client-facing salon, and insights from employers and industry professionals.

What will you learn?

The Level 3 Hairdressing qualification gets more technical, covering editorial styles that are harder to master, such as disconnected cuts, asymmetrical cuts, bobs and hair-ups. You’ll also try your hand at advanced colour techniques and corrections, working on in-demand styles such as vivid shades, balayage, face-framing and baby lights.

You’ll get access to online learning and communication platforms, including Pivot Point and Microsoft Teams. You’ll be able to use this technology to save learning resources, and to send and receive assignments. You can also chat with your tutors here, for full support whenever you need it.

Boost your employability

Get ready for a successful career with a focus on salon management skills. You’ll undertake tasks that emulate real life, from promoting a salon to managing a column, running your own salon, and acting as head stylist with assistants to manage.

You’ll be expected to provide a top-quality salon experience to clients in the Hugh Baird College salons. During every appointment, you’ll learn to work to commercial timings, make sure you’re not wasting product, and improve your communication skills.

Industry talks and enrichment activities

Throughout the year, enrichment activities take place to enhance your portfolio and round out your knowledge of the hairdressing industry. You’ll be invited to events with guest speakers, see demonstrations from employers, and be offered discount prices on products from wholesalers. The primary range we use is L'Oréal, so you’ll become familiar with products that are widely used throughout the industry.

Is this course right for you?

To qualify for this course, you’ll need a Level 2 Hairdressing qualification or relevant industry experience. Our new timetable includes evening sessions, "The Twilight Shift" to support adult learners - so you can fit learning around your life if you have another job or family responsibilities.

How will you be assessed?

Students can choose which assessment route they’d prefer to go down.

• The VRQ (vocationally related qualification) option involves a set of small exams spread throughout the course. This is a diploma-level qualification, where you’ll need Maths and English at grade 3 and above. If you don’t have this already, you can sit them alongside your Level 3 Hairdressing course.
• For the technical assessment, students will complete both written and practical tests. For each unit, you’ll carry out a holistic practical assessment. This involves bringing a particular concept to life in a set time, while under observation. It’s the kind of trade test you might do in an interview post-study, so it’s a great way to prepare.

Student success stories

The Level 3 Hairdressing course opens a number of exciting career doors for students. Previous Hugh Baird College students have gone on to work in hair and makeup for ITV, appeared on Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star, and been placed in prestigious salons and cruiseliners around the world.

Discover what’s next for you

Perfect your skills and gain real-world experience before moving to the next stage in your career. It’s all happening at Hugh Baird College.