ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing
In the fast-evolving world of beauty and personal care, gaining recognized qualifications is essential for anyone seeking to excel in the industry. The ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing provides individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to pursue a successful career in hairdressing. This comprehensive course is designed for beginners, as well as those looking to formalize their experience in the field, equipping them with industry-relevant techniques and understanding.
The ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing is a qualification aimed at individuals who are looking to establish themselves in the hairdressing profession. It covers a wide range of hairdressing skills, including cutting, styling, coloring, and basic salon management practices. The course focuses on developing practical expertise alongside theoretical knowledge, ensuring students are fully prepared to meet the demands of the industry. Students will gain hands-on experience through a combination of practical training, assignments, and assessments, all tailored to provide a strong foundation in hairdressing.
This diploma is highly valued in the beauty industry for several reasons. First, it provides learners with the opportunity to gain an accredited qualification that is recognized by employers and professional bodies. With a growing demand for skilled hairdressers in both the private and commercial sectors, this course offers individuals the chance to enhance their employability. By learning a variety of techniques and understanding the latest trends in hairdressing, students can stay ahead in an industry that continuously evolves. Furthermore, the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma offers flexibility, allowing learners to tailor their studies to match their career aspirations, whether they want to work in salons, freelance, or even pursue a path in hairdressing education or management.
The ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing is an excellent stepping stone for anyone serious about entering the hairdressing industry. It offers a well-rounded education that combines both practical and theoretical aspects of the profession. With this diploma, students can confidently pursue a variety of career opportunities in a dynamic and rewarding field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this qualification provides the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the competitive world of hairdressing.
Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing
To enroll in the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing typically need to meet the following entry requirements:
- Minimum age requirement: 16 years or older.
- No prior hairdressing experience is required, but a passion for the industry is essential.
- Basic understanding of English and math is recommended to ensure effective communication and comprehension during the course.
- A keen interest in learning practical hairdressing techniques and working with clients in a salon environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as the course includes both individual and group tasks.
- Commitment to maintaining professional standards and hygiene practices in a salon setting.
- Access to a salon or a suitable environment for completing practical training may be required.
To achieve this qualification a learner must successfully complete 65-68 credits, nine units, all eight mandatory units, and at least one unit from the optional section:
Mandatory Units
- Study of Hair Science (Credits: 7)
- Health, Safety, and Hygiene Practices in Hairdressing (Credits: 6)
- Client Consultation and Personalised Hair Assessment (Credits: 7)
- Shampooing and Scalp Treatment Techniques (Credits: 4)
- Precision Hair Cutting Skills (Credits: 11)
- Blow-Drying and Finishing Techniques for Styling (Credits: 6)
- Hair Setting and Dressing Methods (Credits: 6)
- Hair Colouring and Lightening Techniques (Credits: 12)
Optional Units
- Perming Techniques for Hair (Credits: 9)
- Smoothing and Strengthening Hair Treatments (Credits: 8)
- Hair Relaxing Techniques (Credits: 9)
- Application and Integration of Hair Extensions (Credits: 9)
- Essential Business Practices for Hairdressers (Credits: 6)
- Professional Advice on Haircare Products and Services (Credits: 6)
- Freelance Hairdressing Practices (Credits: 6)
- Promotional Strategies and Activities for Hairdressers (Credits: 9)
Learning Outcomes fo the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing:
Mandatory Units
Study of Hair Science
- Understand the structure and function of hair, including hair growth cycles and composition.
- Identify factors that influence hair health, including genetics, diet, and environmental factors.
- Apply knowledge of hair science to enhance hairdressing practices and improve client outcomes.
Health, Safety, and Hygiene Practices in Hairdressing
- Implement safe and hygienic practices in the salon environment to ensure client and practitioner safety.
- Understand and apply salon health and safety regulations, including proper sanitation and infection control.
- Maintain a clean and sanitary workspace to prevent contamination and ensure a professional environment.
Client Consultation and Personalised Hair Assessment
- Conduct thorough client consultations to assess individual hair needs, preferences, and concerns.
- Develop personalized treatment and styling plans based on client profiles and desired results.
- Provide expert recommendations based on a client’s hair type, lifestyle, and personal style preferences.
Shampooing and Scalp Treatment Techniques
- Master the techniques for effective shampooing and conditioning to maintain healthy hair and scalp.
- Apply scalp treatments to address specific concerns such as dandruff, dryness, or scalp irritation.
- Tailor shampooing and scalp treatments based on individual client needs.
Precision Hair Cutting Skills
- Perform precise and accurate hair cutting techniques to create well-defined, customized styles.
- Understand the principles of cutting hair according to different face shapes, hair types, and personal styles.
- Use various cutting tools and techniques to achieve a wide range of haircuts, from basic trims to complex styles.
Blow-Drying and Finishing Techniques for Styling
- Apply professional blow-drying techniques to achieve smooth, voluminous, and long-lasting styles.
- Use finishing methods such as straightening, curling, or adding texture to create polished, finished looks.
- Tailor blow-drying techniques to suit different hair types and client preferences.
Hair Setting and Dressing Methods
- Master various techniques for setting and dressing hair, including rollers, curling irons, and braids.
- Style hair for various occasions, from casual to formal, ensuring that styles are durable and flattering.
- Use setting and dressing methods to achieve volume, texture, and long-lasting results.
Hair Colouring and Lightening Techniques
- Apply a range of hair colouring techniques, including highlights, balayage, and full-colour applications.
- Master lightening methods, such as bleaching, to achieve lighter shades while maintaining hair health.
- Understand colour theory and how to mix and apply colours to achieve desired results while minimizing damage.
Optional Units
Perming Techniques for Hair
- Apply perming techniques to create long-lasting curls or waves in clients’ hair.
- Understand the chemical processes involved in perming and their impact on hair texture and health.
- Customize perm treatments based on hair type and desired curl or wave effect.
Smoothing and Strengthening Hair Treatments
- Use advanced treatments to smooth frizzy or unruly hair and restore strength to damaged hair.
- Apply products such as keratin or protein treatments to improve the texture and health of hair.
- Tailor smoothing and strengthening treatments to address individual client concerns and hair conditions.
Hair Relaxing Techniques
- Master techniques for relaxing hair, including chemical and non-chemical methods, to achieve straighter textures.
- Understand the science behind hair relaxing and its effects on hair structure and health.
- Ensure safe and effective relaxing treatments for various hair types and textures.
Application and Integration of Hair Extensions
- Apply and integrate different types of hair extensions, such as tape-in, clip-in, and fusion extensions.
- Understand the process of choosing, applying, and maintaining hair extensions to blend seamlessly with natural hair.
- Provide expert advice on the care and maintenance of hair extensions to ensure long-lasting results.
Essential Business Practices for Hairdressers
- Understand the basic business practices necessary for running a successful hairdressing business.
- Learn how to manage appointments, inventory, and finances in a hairdressing setting.
- Develop skills in customer service and building strong client relationships to ensure repeat business.
Professional Advice on Haircare Products and Services
- Provide expert advice on the selection and application of haircare products based on client needs and hair types.
- Stay informed on the latest trends and innovations in haircare products and services.
- Educate clients on proper haircare routines and the benefits of specific products to maintain healthy hair.
Freelance Hairdressing Practices
- Learn the essentials of running a freelance hairdressing business, including managing clients and marketing your services.
- Understand the challenges and rewards of freelance work and develop strategies for success.
- Build a strong personal brand and client base while maintaining professional standards.
Promotional Strategies and Activities for Hairdressers
- Develop effective marketing strategies to promote hairdressing services and attract new clients.
- Utilize social media, online advertising, and traditional marketing methods to increase visibility.
- Create promotional offers and loyalty programs to retain clients and boost business growth.
Future Progression for ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing:
- Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing: After completing the Level 2 diploma, individuals can progress to the Level 3 qualification to further develop their skills and knowledge in advanced hairdressing techniques, including creative cutting, coloring, and styling. This qualification also offers the opportunity to specialize in areas such as bridal hair or high-fashion styling.
- Specialist Hairdressing Courses: Learners can choose to specialize in specific areas of hairdressing, such as hair extensions, barbering, advanced color techniques, or wig making, through additional training or certification programs. These specialized courses can help individuals become experts in niche areas, enhancing their career prospects.
- Hairdressing Management: Those interested in taking on leadership roles within a salon can pursue management qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing and Salon Management. This progression focuses on salon operations, staff management, and customer service, equipping individuals with the skills to manage and run a successful salon.
- Freelance and Self-Employment: With the skills gained in the Level 2 Diploma, learners may choose to start their own hairdressing business, work as a freelance stylist, or provide mobile hairdressing services. This route allows for greater flexibility and independence in career choices.
- Teaching and Assessing Hairdressing: For those who wish to share their knowledge and skills, there are opportunities to pursue a career in education by gaining qualifications in teaching and assessing hairdressing, such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. This allows individuals to teach and assess other students entering the industry.
- Beauty Therapy Qualifications: For those looking to expand their services beyond hairdressing, pursuing a beauty therapy qualification, such as the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, allows individuals to offer a broader range of beauty services, including skincare, makeup, and massage therapy.
These progression routes provide various opportunities for career advancement, skill enhancement, and specialization, ensuring that graduates of the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing have the flexibility to tailor their careers according to their interests and aspirations.
Even if a centre is already registered with ICTQual AB, it must meet specific requirements to deliver the ICTQual Level 2 Diploma in 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 significant industry experience and a teaching or 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 practical expertise in hairdressing techniques and client services.
- Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs): Must hold an IQA qualification and have experience in monitoring assessments for hairdressing qualifications.
3. Learning Facilities
Centres must have access to appropriate learning facilities, which include:
- Classrooms: Equipped with multimedia tools for theoretical instruction on topics such as hair science, health and safety, and client care.
- Practical Areas: Fully equipped salons with professional tools, including hairdryers, cutting shears, combs, styling brushes, and color application tools. Ergonomic workstations with mirrors, salon chairs, and proper lighting to replicate real-world environments.
- Technology Access: Online learning platforms and e-resources to support blended learning and access to supplementary training materials.
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 in Hairdressing.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For candidates who already have relevant work experience in Health and Wellness Coaching 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 in 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 in Hairdressing. This flexible approach caters to both new learners and experienced professionals seeking formal certification.