Level 2 VTCT Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing and Men’s Barbering Fast Track Full Time
(32 weeks)
Next Start Date at Longcross Studios: 21 September 2026
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Hair Dressing and Barbering Course
Our Fast Track Full-Time Course Level 2 VTCT diploma trains students in Women’s hairdressing and Men’s Barbering. Are you passionate about becoming a multiskilled hairdresser? At Brushstroke, we are recognised with our teaching team of experienced tutors and leading industry professionals as the ultimate in modern hair education, in-depth cutting and colouring techniques, barbering, styling and textured hair. The course is unit based, where students have continuous assessments throughout with portfolio building and online theory exams.
As with all our courses at Brushstroke, we add extra content that is required in the industry. Productions are currently crying out for properly-trained hair specialists, so over the 32 weeks, students of this course benefit from the comprehensive knowledge of tutors steeped in hairdressing and barbering. Attendees of the course leave with skills invaluable to them as superior stylists in hair salons as well as the film, theatre and TV industries.
Industry Relevant Hair Dressing, Colouring and Barbering
Properly trained hair artists are highly sought-after in the industry. For the committed make-up artist working in film and TV, our 32 Week Hairdressing and Barbering Course gives students a chance to really develop extra skills. With Brushstroke expertise and support, you will enter the world of entertainment as a versatile, professionally-trained artist, able to do both jobs.
The Level 2 VTCT Women’s Hairdressing and Mens’ Barbering course is also an ideal extension to our 2 year or 7-month makeup training course, but also as a stand-alone course if interest is mainly in hairdressing.
Students in a real-life Barber Shop
Full-time practical training within a film studio
Course Fees
Deposit: £2,000 + VAT
Fees: Deposit + VAT plus 3 Instalments of £2,500 + VAT
We can arrange payment plans to suit your individual circumstances.
In accordance with new government legislation, all courses are now subject to VAT as of January 1st. 2025.
Qualification: VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing and Men’s Barbering
Duration: fast track full-time 32 weeks
Course Dates Longcross Studios:
21 September 2026
Course Dates Elstree Studios:
Awaiting dates
Times: Monday-Thursday, 10.30-16.00
Fees: Deposit £2,000 followed by 3 instalments of £2,500
Interest-free payment plans are available on all our full-time BTEC and ITEC courses.
You will NOT be required to pay the full fees before the start of the course.
A deposit is required to secure your place, followed by the remaining balance divided into instalments spread over the duration of the course.
Methods of payment: BACS, cheque, bankers draft and debit/credit card
Complimentary Equipment: Brushstroke Make-Up and Hair Kit
Study Progression: 2 Year Make-up and Hair (BTEC) or 7 Month Make-up and Hair (ITEC)
Course Content
This is an in-depth, fast-track, full-time 23-week Hairdressing and Barbering Course for students wanting specialist hair styling skills. Take a look at the syllabus:
Client Consultation Skills
We start with the all-important ability to put your client at ease so you can get to work as quickly as possible. This means getting to know your clients and any issues they may have because you want to achieve the best results every time. We also include data protection in this part of the course.
Hair & Scalp Fundamentals
The more you understand hair and the scalp, the more success you’ll have as a stylist. For this reason, we teach you the basics about treating hair and scalp conditions and selecting and applying the right products. We also train you in massage techniques.
Cutting & Styling Hair
You’ll be working on women’s and men’s hair both long and short. You’ll be taught specialised layering and graduation techniques, etc. Understanding necklines, male patterns of baldness and the factors that influence the choice of styling are also included.
Hair Treatment
This part of the course focuses on colouring and lightening, perming and neutralising. We help you get used to the tools, equipment and products, as well as the skills and techniques you need as a hair stylist.
Facial Hair Techniques
Looking at the texture, density, length and growth pattern of facial hair is the focus of this session. Also, you’ll be taught about face shapes and outlines in order to apply contemporary and traditional looks successfully.
The Art of Dressing Hair
This session is all about perfecting the techniques of setting and dressing all types and lengths of hair – and it really is an ‘art’. Naturally, this includes developing a familiarity with the tools, equipment and products. We also help you manage the challenges that your working environment will pose, such as the effects of weather on hair.
FAQ's About 32-Week Hair Dressing & Barbering Course
Longcross Studios: starts 15 September 2025 (ends 14 May 2026)
Elstree Studios: dates to be confirmed
Attend an interview.
No prior experience required; training starts from fundamentals and builds progressively.
If you haven't achieved grades in English or Maths, you can still enrol and retake those GCSEs concurrently.
Client Consultation Skills:
Client care, consultation techniques, data protection
Hair & Scalp Fundamentals:
Hair and scalp analysis, treating conditions, product selection, massage techniques
Cutting & Styling Hair:
Specialised layering and graduation techniques, working with long and short hair for both men and women, understanding necklines and male baldness patterns
Hair Treatment:
Colouring and lightening, perming and neutralising, mastering tools and equipment
Facial Hair Techniques:
Understanding facial hair texture, density, and growth patterns, contemporary and traditional barbering looks
The Art of Dressing Hair:
Setting and dressing techniques for all hair types and lengths, managing environmental challenges
All necessary equipment and products for the practical training are provided as part of the course.
Practical assessments on real clients and models
Portfolio building to document your skills and progress
Online theory exams covering technical knowledge
Regular feedback from experienced tutors and industry professionals
Active participation in practical sessions and hands-on training
Professional attitude and adherence to health & safety protocols
Completion of portfolio work and theory assignments
Participation in continuous assessments and online theory exams
Commitment to developing both technical skills and client consultation abilities
This qualification is respected by employers in both traditional salon environments and the entertainment industry.
2-Year Make-up and Hair (BTEC Level 3) course
7-Month Make-up and Hair (ITEC Level 3) course
Direct entry into the hairdressing and barbering industry
Work in film, theatre, and TV as a specialised hair artist
Further study in advanced hairdressing or related beauty therapy qualifications
Longcross Studios: Chobham Lane, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0EE
Elstree Studios: Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG
This provides students with real-world experience in professional settings where they may later work in the entertainment industry.
Balance: 3 instalments of £2,500 + VAT each
Total course fee: £9,500 + VAT
VAT has applied to all courses as of 1 January 2025 in line with government legislation. The deposit is part of the total fee.
Interest-free payment plans are available to suit your individual circumstances.
You are not required to pay the full balance upfront—the deposit secures your place, and the remainder is divided into instalments spread over the course duration.
All necessary tools, equipment, and products for practical training
Expert tuition from experienced hairdressing and barbering professionals
Access to industry-standard facilities at Longcross or Elstree Studios
Portfolio development support throughout the course
Career guidance and industry insights
Training in both traditional salon techniques and specialist skills for film, theatre, and TV industries
Ongoing support and advice post-graduation
Our Other Makeup and Hair Diploma Courses
Information
2 Year Makeup & Hair Course BTEC Level 3
(Optional HNC + ITEC Qualifications)
HND Level 5 Diploma: Performing Arts- Make-up
7 Month Makeup & Hair Course (ITEC Level 3 Diploma)
6 Month ITEC Makeup & Hair Course for International Students Only