ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing
The beauty and hairdressing industry is one of the most dynamic and creative fields, offering endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. The ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing serves as a gateway for individuals aspiring to establish themselves in this vibrant sector. This comprehensive course is designed to equip learners with the essential skills, techniques, and knowledge required to excel as a professional hairdresser.
This diploma is a nationally recognized qualification tailored for individuals passionate about hairdressing. The program covers all fundamental aspects of the profession, including cutting, styling, coloring, and customer service. Learners are introduced to both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training, ensuring they develop a deep understanding of the craft. Additionally, the course incorporates modules on health and safety, client consultation, and sustainable working practices, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and care in delivering high-quality services.
The hairdressing industry demands a high level of skill, creativity, and adaptability. This course stands out by combining industry-relevant content with practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet employer expectations. Enrolling in the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma opens the door to a fulfilling career where creativity and customer satisfaction take center stage.
Employability is another key advantage of this program. The diploma is widely recognized by employers across the hairdressing sector, making it a valuable credential for those seeking to work in salons, spas, or even start their own business. The inclusion of sustainability practices aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly services, giving learners a competitive edge. Moreover, the course fosters soft skills like communication and teamwork, which are crucial in building strong client relationships and thriving in a collaborative environment.
The ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing is more than just a qualification; it is a stepping stone into a rewarding and dynamic career. With its blend of technical training, creative exploration, and industry alignment, this course prepares learners to excel in their chosen field. Whether your goal is to join an esteemed salon or launch your own brand, this program equips you with the tools to succeed. Take the first step towards transforming your passion for hairdressing into a professional pursuit with this comprehensive diploma.
Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing
Entry requirements for an ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing may vary depending on the institution offering the program. However, typical entry requirements for such a course may include:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the start of the course.
- A minimum of Grade 4 (C) in English and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent qualifications is recommended.
- Previous experience or a basic understanding of hairdressing is advantageous but not mandatory.
- A passion for the hairdressing industry and a commitment to learning are essential.
- Candidates may be required to attend an interview or submit a portfolio showcasing their interest or prior experience in hairdressing.
- A willingness to adhere to professional standards of conduct and appearance during training is expected.
To achieve this qualification a learner must successfully complete Total Qualification Time (TQT): 720 Hours, 72 credits, Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 555 Hours, five mandatory units, and at least three optional units:
Mandatory Units – Candidates must complete all units in this group
- Professional Standards for Working in a Salon Environment (Credits: 2)
- Conducting Thorough Client Consultations as a Hair Professional (Credits: 3)
- Shampooing, Conditioning, and Treating Hair to Maintain Health and Vitality (Credits: 4)
- Precision Cutting Techniques for Hairdressing (Credits: 13)
- Expert Styling and Finishing Techniques for Hair (Credits: 14)
Optional Units – Candidates must complete three units in this group
- Advanced Techniques in Hair Colouring and Lightening (Credits: 14)
- Perming and Neutralising Hair for Long-Lasting Results (Credits: 14)
- Permanent Hair Relaxation Techniques (Credits: 14)
- Delivering Expert Hair Extension Services (Credits: 8)
Learning Outcomes of the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing:
Mandatory Units
Professional Standards for Working in a Salon Environment
- Adhere to industry professional standards, including punctuality, dress code, and communication skills, to create a positive salon environment.
- Implement health and safety protocols to ensure client and staff safety in the salon.
- Provide excellent customer service, demonstrating professionalism in all interactions with clients and colleagues.
- Maintain salon cleanliness and organization to ensure an efficient working space.
Conducting Thorough Client Consultations as a Hair Professional
- Conduct comprehensive consultations to assess client hair needs, preferences, and health history.
- Recommend appropriate hair services and products based on individual client requirements, ensuring satisfaction.
- Build rapport with clients through effective communication, creating an atmosphere of trust and comfort.
- Accurately record client information for future reference and personalized service delivery.
Shampooing, Conditioning, and Treating Hair to Maintain Health and Vitality
- Perform professional shampooing and conditioning techniques to maintain the health and vitality of clients’ hair.
- Select and apply the right products based on hair type, condition, and client needs, enhancing the overall appearance and health of the hair.
- Address common hair concerns, such as dryness, oiliness, or scalp issues, with tailored treatments.
- Provide clients with aftercare advice to maintain healthy hair between salon visits.
Precision Cutting Techniques for Hairdressing
- Master precision cutting techniques using scissors, clippers, and razors to create various hairstyles according to client preferences.
- Achieve clean, sharp lines and precise shapes while maintaining consistency throughout the haircut.
- Tailor cuts to suit individual client facial features, hair textures, and lifestyles, ensuring the most flattering results.
- Understand and apply advanced cutting techniques for contemporary and classic styles.
Expert Styling and Finishing Techniques for Hair
- Master expert styling techniques, such as blow-drying, straightening, curling, and texturizing, to create polished and professional results.
- Select and apply suitable styling products to achieve long-lasting hold, volume, and texture for various hair types.
- Finish haircuts with precise, well-executed styling to enhance the final look.
- Educate clients on styling techniques and product usage for home maintenance.
Optional Units
Advanced Techniques in Hair Colouring and Lightening
- Apply advanced colouring and lightening techniques, such as balayage, ombré, and highlights, to achieve natural or dramatic hair colour transformations.
- Understand and apply the science of hair colouring to prevent damage and ensure long-lasting, vibrant results.
- Tailor hair colour applications to suit individual client skin tones, hair types, and personal preferences.
- Advise clients on hair care and colour maintenance to extend the life of colour-treated hair.
Perming and Neutralising Hair for Long-Lasting Results
- Master the technique of perming to add texture and volume to clients’ hair, selecting the appropriate perm type for different hair types and desired outcomes.
- Apply neutralizing solutions to ensure the longevity and integrity of permed hair, preventing unwanted chemical reactions.
- Provide aftercare advice to maintain the health and longevity of permed hair, including suitable products and styling tips.
- Assess hair condition prior to perming to avoid damage and achieve the best results.
Permanent Hair Relaxation Techniques
- Apply permanent hair relaxation techniques to smooth and straighten curly or frizzy hair, ensuring a long-lasting result.
- Select the appropriate products and tools for different hair textures to achieve a smooth, manageable finish.
- Understand the chemical processes involved in hair relaxation and implement safety protocols to prevent damage.
- Educate clients on how to care for their relaxed hair to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant.
Delivering Expert Hair Extension Services
- Master the application of various hair extension methods, including tape-in, clip-in, fusion, and microbeads, ensuring seamless integration with the natural hair.
- Select the right extension products based on client preferences, hair type, and desired outcome.
- Ensure proper maintenance of hair extensions, including aftercare advice and periodic touch-ups for lasting results.
- Provide expert guidance on choosing and caring for extensions, enhancing the client’s overall look and experience.
Future Progression for ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing:
- ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing
After completing the Level 2 Diploma, learners can progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing. This advanced qualification deepens skills in areas such as creative cutting, advanced color techniques, and salon management, preparing individuals for senior roles in the industry. - Specialist Hairdressing Courses
Graduates may choose to specialize in specific areas of hairdressing, such as hair extensions, bridal hairstyling, or advanced coloring techniques. Specialist courses offer the opportunity to gain expertise in niche fields, expanding career options. - Apprenticeships in Hairdressing
With the Level 2 Diploma, learners are well-positioned to undertake an apprenticeship in a professional salon. Apprenticeships offer on-the-job training while earning a wage, allowing for hands-on experience and further development of practical skills. - Salon Management or Ownership
With experience and additional training, hairdressing professionals can move into management roles or even open their own salons. Business-related qualifications or courses in salon management can complement technical skills and support career growth in these areas. - Teaching and Training Roles
Experienced hairdressers may choose to pass on their knowledge by pursuing teaching and training qualifications. This enables them to teach future generations of hair professionals in colleges, training academies, or through private tuition. - Freelance Hairdresser
After gaining sufficient experience, individuals may decide to work as freelance hairdressers. This career path offers flexibility, allowing professionals to work in a variety of settings, including clients’ homes, events, or in collaboration with other beauty professionals.
These progression routes open doors to a wide range of opportunities, allowing graduates to develop their careers further and explore new areas within the hairdressing industry.
Even if a centre is already registered with ICTQual AB, it must meet specific requirements to deliver the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing. These standards ensure the quality and consistency of training, assessment, and learner support.
1. Approval to Deliver the Qualification
- Centres must obtain formal approval from ICTQual AB to deliver this specific qualification, even if they are already registered.
- The approval process includes a review of resources, staff qualifications, and policies relevant to the program.
2. Qualified Staff
- Tutors: Must hold a qualification in Hairdressing at Level 3 or higher. Must have industry experience and a relevant teaching/training qualification (e.g., Level 3 Award in Education and Training).
- Assessors: Must hold a recognized assessor qualification (e.g., Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement). Must demonstrate expertise in hairdressing techniques and services.
- Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs): Must have an appropriate IQA qualification and experience in monitoring hairdressing qualifications
3. Learning Facilities
Centres must have access to appropriate learning facilities, which include:
- Classrooms: Spaces equipped with multimedia tools for delivering theoretical instruction on hair science, styling principles, and client consultation techniques.
- Practical Areas: Fully equipped salons with professional tools, including hairdryers, straighteners, curling irons, cutting shears, and color application equipment. Workstations with mirrors, ergonomic chairs, and appropriate lighting for hands-on training.
- Technology Access: Access to online learning platforms and resources for blended learning delivery.
4. Health and Safety Compliance
- Centres must ensure that practical training environments comply with relevant health and safety regulations.
- Risk assessments must be conducted regularly to maintain a safe learning environment.
5. Resource Requirements
- Learning Materials: Approved course manuals, textbooks, and study guides aligned with the curriculum.
- Assessment Tools: Templates, guidelines, and resources for conducting and recording assessments.
- E-Learning Systems: If offering online or hybrid learning, centres must provide a robust Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate remote delivery.
6. Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Centres must adhere to ICTQual’s assessment standards, ensuring that all assessments are fair, valid, and reliable.
- Internal quality assurance (IQA) processes must be in place to monitor assessments and provide feedback to assessors.
- External verification visits from ICTQual will ensure compliance with awarding body standards.
7. Learner Support
- Centres must provide learners with access to guidance and support throughout the program, including:
- Academic support for coursework.
- Career guidance for future progression.
- Additional support for learners with specific needs (e.g., disabilities or language barriers).
8. Policies and Procedures
Centres must maintain and implement the following policies, as required by ICTQual:
- Equal Opportunities Policy.
- Health and Safety Policy.
- Complaints and Appeals Procedure.
- Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy.
9. Regular Reporting to ICTQual
- Centres must provide regular updates to ICTQual AB on learner enrollment, progress, and completion rates.
- Centres are required to maintain records of assessments and learner achievements for external auditing purposes.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to the Hairdressing field and do not have prior work experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: The candidate enrolls in the program at an ICTQual Approved Training Centre.
- Training: The learner undergoes formal training, covering all the essential study units. Training will include both theoretical instruction and practical activities.
- Assessment: Learners will be required to complete and submit assignments based on the course’s learning outcomes. These assignments will test the learner’s understanding and application of the course material.
- Certification: After successfully completing the required assignments and assessments, the learner will be awarded the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For candidates who already have relevant work experience in Hairdressing industry, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: The candidate must have at least 2 years of verified experience in Hairdressing or a related field. This experience must be relevant to the learning outcomes of the qualification.
- Assessment of Competence: The candidate does not need to undergo the full training program. Instead, the ICTQual Approved Training Centre will assess whether the candidate’s existing knowledge and skills align with the learning outcomes of the course.
- Evidence Submission: The candidate must submit documentation and evidence of their work experience to demonstrate competence in the required areas. This can include job roles, responsibilities, and tasks performed that align with the learning outcomes of the course.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres must ensure that the candidate is familiar with all the course’s learning outcomes. If necessary, a skills gap assessment may be conducted to determine if any additional learning is required.
- Certification: Upon successful verification of experience and competence, the candidate will be awarded the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing without having to complete the full training course.
Both routes ensure that candidates either gain the necessary knowledge through training or demonstrate their existing competency to achieve the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals – Hairdressing. This flexible approach caters to both new learners and experienced professionals seeking formal certification.