Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing studies

Applications Open - Monday 2 November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Folkestone College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Hairdressing is a creative, fast-moving industry where no two days are the same. It’s all about developing technical skill, building confidence, and helping people look and feel their best. This Level 2 course is designed to give you the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to begin your journey as a hairdresser, with a focus on Women’s Hairdressing. If you’re interested in hairdressing, you probably enjoy meeting new people, experimenting with styles, and seeing the transformation your work can create. On this course, you’ll learn how professional hairdressers deliver high-quality services in salon environments. You’ll build your confidence with unique experience in our industry-standard salon, working on paying clients while learning from experienced lecturers. As you develop your technical ability and client care skills, you’ll be ready for your first role in a salon, an apprenticeship, or further specialised study.

On this Level 2 Hairdressing course, you’ll develop the basic skills and knowledge needed to begin your career in the hair industry. An important part of your studies is building your understanding of health and safety for yourself, your peers, and your clients. Learning how to carry out effective client consultations is also essential before beginning any service. Inside our commercial salon, you'll explore how different shampoos and conditioners impact the hair and scalp, and develop the ability to carry out basic cutting and styling techniques. In addition, you’ll gain knowledge of colouring and lightening products, as well as the techniques used to achieve a range of results. As part of the optional units within this qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a selection of ten areas to further develop your skills. These can include: • Perming hair • Scalp massage • Creating a total look • Promoting services and products to your clients Dedicated work experience opportunities are also available throughout the year. These enhance your learning and enable you to gain valuable insight into the industry, before your next steps.

All assessments are designed to ensure you can demonstrate your practical ability and understanding of professional hairdressing techniques. You’ll be assessed with practical observations in our salons, alongside written assignments and online tests that check your knowledge and understanding. Throughout the course, you’ll also build a portfolio of your work, giving you a visual record of your progress and achievements that you can use for future opportunities.

This programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships. You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get a skilled job at the end of the course but progressing to Level 3 will give you more career choices and improve your future earning potential. It also opens doors to further studies, like Higher Education and Higher or Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead you from advanced technician or supervisor roles at Level 3 to management or professional status as you continue studying. To join this programme, you'll need the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grade 3, ideally including English and maths.

After completing this Level 2 course, you’ll be ready to begin working in an entry-level position within the hair industry. You may also choose to progress onto further study, such as our Level 3 course, where you’ll develop advanced cutting, colouring and styling techniques. This level of study also strengthens your understanding of client consultation and salon management, helping to prepare you for more senior stylist roles or even self-employment. If you’re looking to broaden your skillset, you could consider progressing into Barbering, focusing on areas such as men’s grooming, shaving and clipper work. Another option is to move into an apprenticeship, where you can continue your learning while gaining new experiences in a different salon setting. With a Level 2 qualification, you could also explore a range of related areas such as hair and makeup for film and TV, wig making and styling, fashion styling, or trichology, which focuses on the study of hair and scalp health.