Entry Requirements:

Apprentices must be employed in a suitable salon before they start the qualification

What will I learn?

CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND BEHAVIOUR REQUIREMENTS  

KNOWLEDGE 

Apprentices will develop knowledge of:  

Professionalism and values: Industry codes of practice and ethics; quality assurance systems; time management principles; self-management principles; commercially viable times for the completion of services; industry and organisational standards of appearance; the importance of continuing professional development, equality and diversity.

Behaviours and communications: Industry standards of behaviour; how to meet and greet clients; verbal and non-verbal communication techniques; client care principles and practices; how to maintain rapport with clients; the role of the reception area; making appointments; taking payments; who to refer to with different types of enquiries; Sale of Goods and Services Act and the Data Protection Act; how to provide advice and recommendations on the products and services provided in the salon.

Safe working practices: Legal and organisational requirements; use of tools, equipment, materials and products; adherence to workplace cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, supplier or manufacturer’s instructions; waste disposal; client preparation and protection; direct and indirect cross- infection; methods that promote environmental and sustainable working practices; reducing  risk of injury to self and others; posture, personal hygiene, protection; health and safety legislation and practice.

Consultation: Visual aids for client consultation; salon procedures and manufacturers’ instructions for conducting tests; the types and purposes of tests; how lifestyle factors limit or affect services; incompatibility of previous services and products used; hair, skin and scalp problems; suspected infections or infestations; hair characteristics and classifications; basic structure of hair and skin; the growth cycle of hair; services or products available for use in the salon or for retail; legal responsibilities; salon pricing structures.

Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp: How shampoos and conditioning products affect the hair and scalp, when and how to use different massage techniques, and the various effects of conditioning treatments.

Cut hair using a range of techniques to create a variety of looks: How and when to use different cutting techniques and relevant tools and the effects achieved, weight distribution and working with the natural growth patterns of the hair, cutting angles and resulting weight distribution, and balance and the degree of graduation.

Style and finish hair using a range of techniques to create a variety of looks: Colour and lighten hair using a range of techniques: The principles of colour selection, how the natural pigment within hair affects the choice of colour and colouring products, the effect of different colouring and lightening products on the hair structure, and when to use the different types of lighteners and toners available.

In addition, apprentices will also have the option to choose one of the following modules:  

Perming hair: Effects of perms and neutralisers on the hair structure, products and equipment, contra- indications to perming hair and tests required throughout the perming and neutralising processes.

Hair relaxing treatments and techniques: Effects of relaxers on the hair structure, products and equipment, application and development of relaxers and post relaxing products; contra-indications to relaxing hair and tests required before and throughout the relaxing and post relaxing processes.

Hair extension services: Hair growth, influencing factors and contra-indications, types of hair extensions and products, application and removal techniques, principles for blending hair.

SKILLS  

Apprentices will gain skills in the following area:  

Professionalism and values: Demonstrate professionalism and a passion for the industry; have a commitment to quality, a positive attitude and team working; work under pressure; observe time management and self-management; show a willingness to learn; complete services in a commercially viable time and to a high standard; meet organisational and industry standards of appearance; observe professional ethics.

Behaviour and communications: Greet clients in a friendly manner; choose the most appropriate way of communicating with clients; be helpful and courteous at all times; adapt behaviour in response to each client; respond promptly to clients seeking assistance; establish client expectations and needs; explain clearly any reasons why the client’s needs or expectations cannot be met; willingly undertake wider salon duties, including reception duties where appropriate

Safe working practices: Maintain effective, hygienic and safe working methods; adhere to workplace, suppliers’ or manufacturers’ instructions for the safe use of equipment, materials and products; meet legal and organisational requirements; maintain the client’s modesty, privacy and comfort; minimise risks of cross-infection, injury or fatigue;  promote environmental and sustainable working practices; ensure personal hygiene and protection meets industry, organisational and local authority requirements; and correctly use Personal Protective Equipment.

Consultation: Creatively assess the client’s requirements; examine the hair, skin and scalp; facial characteristics including face shape, skin tone, hair colour, lifestyle and suitability; conduct visual checks and any necessary tests on the hair, skin and scalp; advise clients on services or products; identify the client’s hair characteristics and hair classification; advise clients on hair maintenance and management.

Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp: Use products and tools, use massage techniques, use shampoo and conditioning products.

Cut hair using a range of techniques to create a variety of looks: Use a range of cutting techniques including one length, fringe cutting, precision cutting techniques, scissor over comb, texturising, layering techniques, graduation and clipper work.

Style and finish hair using a range of techniques to create a variety of looks: Use a range of styling tools and equipment to create a look including blow drying, hair-up styles, setting and dressing, finger drying, plaiting/braiding and twisting and using additional hair.

Colour and lighten hair using a range of techniques: Complete a range of woven highlights including T-section, half head. Full head using temporary, semi-permanent, quasi-permanent, permanent colour application, and basic colour change (depth and tone) techniques.

In addition, apprentices will also have the option to choose one of the following modules: 

Perming hair: Use a range of products and techniques including sectioning and winding, taking into account critical influencing factors.

Hair relaxing treatments and techniques: Use a range of products and techniques including sectioning, winding, relaxing and post relaxing products.

Hair extension services: Attach a range of extensions; cutting and finishing extensions; maintaining and removing extensions.

How will I be assessed?

Once all on-programme assessments are complete, along with English and maths functional skills, learners will be able to go through the gateway and prepare for end point assessment. This is a six-hour practical assessment along with oral questions assessed by an independent assessor.

What can I do next?

Full-time employment in the sector