The health, beauty and spa industry has seen growth in recent years. Hairdressing and therapy workers generally use their skills to help people look well groomed and attractive and feel their best. Jobs in this sector require creative flair and good hand-eye co-ordination.

Employment opportunities for hairdressers and barbers exist in urban and rural locations throughout the country. Hairdressers also work in various other places, including hotels, hospitals, cruise liners, health clubs and spas, film and photographic studios, and armed forces’ bases. Self-employment is common for experienced hairdressers.
There are good career prospects for beauty therapists and complimentary therapists, including management of a salon, health farm, and spa or leisure club. There are also opportunities to work overseas on board a cruise ship, at holiday destinations or for major airlines. You could also become a trainer or lecturer, a make-up artist or a field sales representative working for a cosmetics or health company.

The college has invested in a new, multi-million pound training complex to give local people the skills and experience to succeed in the Hairdressing, Therapy and Hospitality industries. The new complex, which opened in September 2011, includes both training and commercial hairdressing and therapy salons known as The Salon, plus two training kitchens and a 50 cover restaurant called The Kitchen.

The Salon offers a range of services to the general public at minimal cost. Working with the clients is invaluable work experience for students, developing professional skills, including technical ability, customer service, client relationship development, time management, team work and building self-confidence.

Full-time courses:

• Hair and Beauty Entry Level Foundation Pathway
• Introduction to Beauty Therapy Level 1 Diploma
• Introduction to Hairdressing Level 1 Diploma
• Ladies Hairdressing Level 2 Diploma
• Beauty Therapy Level 2 Diploma
• Barbering Level 2 Diploma
• Hair and Media Make-up Level 2 Diploma
• Beauty Therapy Level 3 Diploma
• Hairdressing  Level 3 Diploma

Visit our course search page for further information.

Part-time courses:

• Barbering Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Beauty Therapy Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Beauty Therapy Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Hairdressing Level 2 Apprenticeship
• Hairdressing Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology C&G Level 3 Diploma
• Aromatherapy C&G Level 3 Diploma
• Body Massage Techniques C&G Level 3 Diploma
• Ear Piercing Level 2 Award C&G 3003-92 Unit 217
• Eyelash Perming Level 2 C&G 3003-92 Unit 218
• Health and Safety in the Salon Level 2 C&G 3003-92 Unit 202
• Indian Head Massage C&G Level 3 Diploma
• Reflexology Techniques C&G Level 3 Diploma

• Bridal Hair Styling Level 3 Award C&G 3002-81 Unit 311
• Colouring Hair Level 3 Award C&G 3002-81 Unit 306
• Cutting Women's Hair Level 3 Award C&G 3002-93 Unit 304
• Gents Barbering NVQ Level 2 C&G 3008
• Hair Colour Correction Level 3 Award C&G 3002-81 Unit 410
• Hairdressing NVQ Level 3 Diploma
• Perming Hair Level 3 Award C&G 3002-81 Unit 308
• Styling and Finishing African Type Women's Hair Level 3 Award C&G 3002-81 Unit 315

Visit our course search page for further information.

Case study:

Jady Green
Hairdressing Level 3 Diploma

Why this course?

I came to Reading College eighteen years ago to study the Level 2 Hairdressing course. Since then I have worked as a successful and busy stylist but I wanted to build on my skills and come back to do the Level 3 course. It’s a fantastic course with exceptionally supportive and knowledgeable teachers – I have made some great friends too. The people on the course are of varying age so we all learn from each other’s experiences and offer advice. There are plenty of opportunities to visit other salons to learn different treatments and methods of hairstyling.

What next?

Completing the Level 3 course has opened a lot of doors for me. I have accepted a more senior role at a salon which I am able to fit round my young family.