Hairdressing Certification Time: How Long It Really Takes to Get Certified

When you're thinking about becoming a hairdresser, the biggest question isn't just how to start — it's hairdressing certification time, the length of training required to earn a recognized qualification in the UK. It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Some people finish in six months. Others take two years. What matters is what kind of path you choose and what you want to do after.

The most common route in the UK is through an NVQ hairdressing, a work-based qualification that proves you can do the job, not just talk about it. NVQs come in levels — Level 2 gets you qualified to work in a salon, Level 3 lets you specialize or manage others. You don’t sit exams. You build a portfolio of real work with clients. That means your timeline depends on how often you’re cutting hair, not how many hours you sit in class. If you’re doing an apprenticeship, you’re working and learning at the same time — usually 12 to 24 months. If you’re studying part-time at night or online, it could stretch to 18 months or more.

There’s also beauty therapy certification, a broader qualification that includes hairdressing plus skin care, nails, and makeup. These courses tend to be longer because they cover more skills. But if you only want to cut and style hair, you don’t need the full beauty therapy route. Many people start with a short course to test the waters — a weekend workshop or a 12-week intensive — but those won’t get you certified to work legally in most salons. Real certification means meeting industry standards set by awarding bodies like City & Guilds or VTCT.

Time isn’t just about the course. It’s about practice. Even after you finish, you’ll need months of real experience to feel confident. Salons don’t hire you because you passed a test — they hire you because you’ve cut enough hair to know how different heads respond. That’s why many trainees work as assistants while finishing their certification. It’s not wasted time — it’s the best training you’ll ever get.

What you’ll find below are real stories and clear breakdowns of how long different paths take — from full-time college courses to weekend classes, from online learning to apprenticeships. Some people get certified in under a year. Others take longer because they’re balancing kids, jobs, or other commitments. There’s no rush. But knowing what’s realistic helps you plan, avoid scams, and stay on track. Whether you’re 17 or 47, the timeline is yours to shape — if you know what to expect.