Age

16-18

Start Date

September 2026

Entry Requirements

Recommended minimum Grade 3 in GCSE English & Maths

Duration

1 year

Fees & Funding

Fully funded for 16-18; Uniform & kit fees: £240*

Level 2 Diploma

Hairdressing

Start your career in hairdressing with this course that teaches you the fundamental skills and techniques required for hair stylists and colourists, including fashion cutting and learning how to style and finish African hair.

Full details Apply Now
Open quote marks

Level 2 is the foundation of hairdressing; you learn your basic principles of cutting and colouring

Stacy, LCBT Hairdressing Tutor

Course Overview

Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing

Our Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing course is the ideal starting point for those wanting to pursue a career in hairdressing. You’ll learn a range of fashion cutting, styling and colouring techniques for both women’s and men’s hair and develop skills in shampooing, conditioning and dressing hair as well as how to create an image for your client. We’ll also teach you about client care and communication, health and safety in the workplace and the promotion of products and services to clients. 

We will provide you with a uniform to wear whilst you are at college. You will need to purchase the hairdressing kit to practice techniques for a small fee. 

NEW CAMPUS

You’ll be taught at our brand new Fashion Street campus in Shoreditch – find out more about it here. Your practical learning will take place in our purpose-designed hairdressing rooms.

Units 
  • Cutting Women’s & Men’s Hair 
  • Colouring & Lightening Hair 
  • The Art of Dressing Hair
  • Client Consultation 
  • Styling Men’s Hair 
  • Shampoo & Condition Hair 
  • Create an Image 
  • Health & Safety in the Salon 
  • Styling & Finishing African Hair 
Enrichment 

You’ll gain practical industry experience and have the opportunity to attend or take part in beauty industry shows, events and careers fairs to help build your knowledge, experience and professional network. 

Assessment 

Practical assessment, task assignments and online examination.  

Awarding Body & Qualification  

City & Guilds of London Institute 

Level 2 Diploma in Women’s and Men’s Hairdressing

Entry Requirements

Aged 16-18

We recommend a minimum of grade 3 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English.  

We believe in education for all, and that grades should not limit your choices. If you don’t think you will achieve the recommended minimum grades, you can still apply – we’ll review your achieved grades and may be able to offer you an alternative.

If you haven’t achieved a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will need to complete the relevant GCSEs alongside your studies for half a day per subject, per week. This will be embedded into your course and is a mandatory government requirement.

There are limited GCSE resit places available.

Overseas Applicants 

Evidence of your legal right to study in the UK will be required. LCBT is unable to provide any assistance with visa applications. 

Important Information 

We are a diverse college and you may be in a group with students of all genders. You will be required to perform and receive all treatments with students on your course.  If you cannot have certain treatments performed for medical reasons please ensure you let us know when you apply. 

Start Dates 

September 2026

Duration & Timetable 

One year, two days per week.

Due to very high demand for our courses, this course will run on a weekday and a Saturday. 

If you need to resit GCSE English or Maths, you will study for an extra half a day per subject, per week. 

TERM DATES 2025/26

AUTUMN TERM

Academic transition week = Week commencing 1st September 2025

Term starts = Week commencing 8th September 2025

Half term = Week commencing 27th October 2025

Term ends = Week commencing 15th December 2025

Winter break = Week commencing 22nd December 2025

SPRING TERM

Term starts = Week commencing 5th January 2026

Term ends = Week commencing 23rd March 2026

Spring break = Week commencing 30th March 2026

SUMMER TERM

Term starts = Week commencing 6th April 2026

Term ends = Week commencing 6th July 2026

TERM DATES 2026/27

TBC

16-18

Course fees: fully funded

Materials & kit fees: £205*

Uniform fees: £35

*Kit fees and contents shown are a guide based on the kit supplied for 2025/26 and may be subject to change for 2026/27. 
Your kit includes:*
  • Haito styling razor, includes 10 disposable blades
  • Hair Tools water spray small, black 250ml
  • Hair Tools tint bowl, black
  • Head Jog 201 cutting comb black
  • Head Jog (various accessories)
  • Hair Tools shoulder cape black PVC
  • Hair Tools tinting apron 5 pockets, black
  • Hair Tools tint brush standard black and section clips
  • Hair Tools butterfly clamps, large black
  • Hair Tools cutting collar magnetic fastening
  • Hair Tools highlighting cap with metal hook
  • Hair Tools eco neck brush, black
  • Hair Tools training head medium 16-18″
  • Nitrile gloves medium, purple
  • Hair Tools hair grips waved, brown 2″
  • Hair Tools curl clips, double prong
  • STR S scissor 5″ and STR thinner 5.5″
  • Hair bag with shoulder strap, black with LCBT logo

For more information, see our Fees & Funding page.

The Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing gives you an excellent foundation in the skills required to work in a professional salon. On successful completion of the course you’ll be ready to start work as a Junior Stylist, and you can progress onto a Level 3 course to further your career and expand your knowledge and experience.

Our careers advisors can help you decide on the route that is right for you and offer coaching and guidance to support you in securing a job in the hairdressing industry. They will also help you access current vacancies across the UK, working with over 700 industry partners.

Progression options include: 

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