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East Coast College 2026 NJW2495
Hairdressing & Barbering

Overview

Our Hairdressing course is designed to help students develop the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed for a career in the hair industry. Available at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, the course covers essential techniques including cutting, colouring, lightening, styling and finishing, with training delivered by experienced tutors who have strong industry backgrounds. Students gain hands-on experience in professional on-site salons, working with members of the public to build real salon skills. 

Alongside practical training, students have opportunities to gain industry insight through work experience placements, masterclasses, competitions and career events. The course supports progression into employment, apprenticeships or further study, with previous students moving into roles such as salon stylists, trainers, product specialists and self-employed hair professionals. 

Find a course

Hairdressing FAQs

You will learn a range of professional hairdressing skills, including cutting, colouring, lightening, styling and finishing techniques. The course also develops customer service, salon professionalism and practical experience working with clients.

The course is available at East Coast College campuses in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Students train in dedicated on-site hair and beauty salons where they can practise their skills in a real salon environment.

No previous salon experience is needed for entry-level study. Entry requirements depend on the level you apply for, with higher levels requiring previous qualifications or relevant salon experience.

After completing the course, you can progress into salon employment, apprenticeships, further hairdressing study or related careers such as working in product companies, training, cruise ships or becoming self-employed.

Great Yarmouth Campus Open Day

Great Yarmouth Campus Open Day

29th Aug 26 10:00 – 12:00

Explore our Facilities

Hair Salon

Hair Salon

The Hair Salon at East Coast College’s Great Yarmouth Campus provides students with a professional, industry-inspired environment to develop their hairdressing skills. Equipped with modern facilities, the salon allows learners to gain practical experience in cutting, styling, colouring, and customer care while working with real clients in a supportive setting. The space helps students build confidence, creativity, and the technical skills needed for a successful career in the hair and beauty industry.

Barbering Salon

Barbering Salon

The Barbering Salon at East Coast College’s Great Yarmouth Campus gives students the opportunity to develop their barbering skills in a realistic working environment. Featuring professional equipment and salon-style facilities, the space supports learners in mastering techniques including cutting, styling, shaving, and client consultation, while building the confidence and professionalism required for a career in modern barbering.

Student Stories

Sophie Cassidy Sophie Cassidy

"T Level Health was crucial in helping me discover my passion for nursing. I'm no successfully pursuing my degree in paediatric nursing, all thanks to this course!"

Great Yarmouth

Health and Social Care Academy

Jessica Brooks Jessica Brooks

"I found college to be very accepting and has provided me with new experiences including trips and placement, which will help me with my next steps."

Lowestoft

Childcare and Education

Logan Clarke Logan Clarke

"I've had the opportunity to work on live projects where my work has been displayed at The Time and Tide Museum and the Ice House."

Great Yarmouth

Creative Media

Jasmine Antonellou Jasmine Antonellou

"The best thing about my time at college is learning new skills and how it can set me up for my career. I have learnt bricklaying skills that I did not know beforehand, which has opened up amazing opportunities."

Great Yarmouth

Brickwork

Callum Drewery Callum Drewery

"College has been a really valuable experience for me, being hands-on and learning with industry-standard facilities has helped me secure a job in a garage."

Great Yarmouth

Automotive

Phoebe Wakefield Phoebe Wakefield

"My time at East Coast College has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing me to study a subject I am passionate about and providing opportunities to travel during the course and pursue global career opportunities."

Lowestoft

Travel and Tourism

Skye Quinney Skye Quinney

"My time at ECC has been the best experience of my life! Meeting new people and furthering my education with animals has opened up new doors for a career in the industry."

Great Yarmouth

Animal Care

Your Future Starts Here

Explore the gallery below to see our Hairdressing students learning in action and discover the exciting practical training, salon experiences and industry-focused skills that can help shape your future career. From developing essential cutting, colouring and styling techniques to building the creativity, confidence and professionalism needed in a salon environment, see how our course prepares you for opportunities across the hair and beauty industry.

Trips & Guest Speakers

Our Hairdressing students take part in practical salon sessions, client services and industry-focused experiences that develop their technical skills, creativity, confidence and professionalism. Through hands-on training, demonstrations and workshops with experienced hairdressing tutors and industry professionals, they learn the latest cutting, colouring, styling and finishing techniques, as well as the standards and practices used in professional salons. From working in realistic salon environments and taking part in industry events to gaining valuable career experience, every opportunity helps prepare students for a successful future in Hairdressing.

Benefit from a range of industry talks and masterclasses throughout the year
Collaborate with other learners and participate in renowned competitions
Masterclass from celebrity hairstylist, Andrew Barton

Employer Partnerships

"We love our partnership with East Coast College. It provides the opportunity for young people to come into the industry in a professional manner. We value this method of training, delivered at a high quality standard."

Noir Hairdressing