Hairdressing Course Duration: How Long Does It Really Take in 2025?

When you’re thinking about becoming a hairdresser, the first question isn’t usually about scissors or shampoo — it’s hairdressing course duration, the time it takes to earn a recognized qualification and start working in a salon. Also known as hair stylist training length, this isn’t just about classes — it’s about building real skills you can use on real clients. In the UK, most professional hairdressing paths lead to an NVQ, a work-based qualification that proves you can do the job, not just talk about it. This is different from a classroom-only diploma — NVQs are earned by showing you can cut, color, and style hair under real conditions. That’s why the time it takes varies so much. Some people finish a full-time NVQ Level 2 in under a year. Others stretch it out over two or three years while working part-time in a salon.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because hairdressing training, the process of learning to cut, color, and style hair professionally depends on your goals. If you want to start working fast, a 12-week intensive course can give you basic skills — but you won’t be qualified to work in most salons yet. For a full qualification, you’ll need at least Level 2, which usually takes 6 to 12 months full-time. Apprenticeships, which mix paid work with classroom learning, often last 12 to 24 months. And if you’re aiming for Level 3 — the advanced level that lets you become a senior stylist or trainer — add another 6 to 12 months on top. beauty therapy courses, broader programs that include skin care, nails, and makeup alongside hair can take longer because they cover more ground.

What you’re really buying isn’t just time — it’s experience. The best hairdressers aren’t the ones who finished fastest. They’re the ones who practiced on enough heads to know how different hair behaves, how clients react to color, and how to manage a busy chair. That’s why even after your course ends, many stylists spend months shadowing others, practicing on friends, and building their portfolio. The good news? Once you’ve got your NVQ, you can start earning while you keep learning. You don’t need to wait until you’re "perfect" to begin. In 2025, salons are still hiring people who are eager, reliable, and willing to grow — and that’s where your journey really starts.