Course overview
The Hairdressing Professional programme is designed for individuals working in the hair and beauty sector, providing services in salons of varying sizes, styles, and environments, from small independent salons to high street or luxury establishments. This programme equips learners with the skills to deliver a wide range of hairdressing services, including shampooing, conditioning, cutting using a variety of techniques, styling, finishing, and colouring or lightening hair for both ladies and men. Hairdressing professionals play a vital role in providing high-quality, client-focused services while maintaining professionalism, safe working practices, and the reputation of their workplace.
Throughout the programme, learners will develop essential skills in client consultation, hairdressing techniques, and business operations. They will gain knowledge of how to work with all hair types, from straight to very curly or wiry hair, follow legal and industry requirements, and apply safe working practices. The programme also emphasises the importance of professional values, effective communication, and exceptional client care, ensuring learners can work independently or collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals.
Hairdressing professionals must be able to work without supervision, applying precision, creativity, and attention to detail in every service. This programme also supports learners in developing the confidence, professionalism, and client management skills necessary to deliver outstanding hairdressing services. By the end of the programme, participants will be fully equipped to provide a variety of high-quality hair services, maintain professional standards, and ensure an excellent client experience.
The learner journey
1. 18 months* on-programme – This is when the individual will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will support them for their End-Point Assessment. The learner could partake in a combination of activities, such as classroom based sessions, mentoring, shadowing, bespoke resources and off-site visits in order to support their learning and development.
From 1 August 2025, apprentices must complete at least 187 hours of off-the-job (OTJ) training over a minimum of 8 months, with some standards requiring more for those without prior learning. Learn more about OTJ training hours.
2. Gateway – After the 18 months* teaching and learning, you, your training provider and the learner will review the learners journey and decide whether it is the right time for the on-programme assessment.
3. End-Point Assessment – This is when your learner will need to demonstrate they have learnt the required knowledge, skills and behaviours, through an on demand knowledge test, a professional discussion, practical observation and business project.
* Programme subject to change in January 2026.
Eligibility
Those with an annual wage bill of less than £3m do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Instead, 95% of each apprenticeship is funded by the government whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer to enhance the skills of their employee.
- Employers are also be eligible for a £1000 incentive payment if the apprentice is aged 16–18.
- Employers with less than 50 employees and where the apprentice is aged 16–18, the government will fund 100% of the apprentice and are eligible for a £1000 incentive payment.
- Employers with those aged 19+ the government will continue to fund 95% of the apprenticeship programme whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer.
Businesses can manage this through the Apprenticeship Service online account.
Find out more
To learn additional information about this apprenticeship, you can explore our Course Sheet or the Learner Journeys for each route: Hair Extensions, Hair Relaxing or Perming Hair.
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