Hairdressing Training Duration: How Long Does It Really Take to Become a Hairdresser?

When you think about hairdressing training duration, the time it takes to learn how to cut, color, and style hair professionally. Also known as hairdressing course length, it’s not just about sitting in a classroom—it’s about building hands-on skills that clients will pay for. The truth? You can start cutting hair in as little as 6 weeks with a short course, but becoming a qualified, employable hairdresser usually takes longer. Most people go for a full NVQ hairdressing, a UK vocational qualification that proves you can do the job in a real salon, which typically runs 1 to 2 years. These aren’t just theory classes—you’ll be working on real clients, learning how to handle different hair types, manage appointments, and follow health and safety rules.

Some choose the hairdressing apprenticeship, a paid on-the-job training route where you earn while you learn. That’s common in the UK, especially if you’re under 25. Apprenticeships often last 12 to 24 months and combine weekly college sessions with daily salon work. Others go the full-time college route—intensive courses that run 6 to 12 months, then jump straight into a job. The key isn’t speed, it’s competence. Salons don’t care how long you trained—they care if you can deliver a good cut, handle a client’s request, and keep your station clean.

There’s a big difference between finishing a course and being ready for real work. Many beginners think once they get their certificate, they’re done. But the real learning starts when you walk into a salon. That’s where you learn how to talk to clients, manage time, upsell products, and handle last-minute cancellations. The best training programs don’t just teach you how to blow-dry—they teach you how to run a business. That’s why some courses include modules on customer service, retail sales, and even basic bookkeeping.

If you’re serious about this career, don’t just pick the shortest option. Look for a program that gives you real client experience, not just mannequin heads. Check if the course leads to a recognized vocational hairdressing, a government-approved qualification that employers trust. NVQ Level 2 is the standard entry point in the UK, and most salons won’t hire you without it. You can upgrade to Level 3 later, but you need the foundation first.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories from people who’ve been through these programs—how long they trained, what surprised them, where they struggled, and how they landed their first job. No fluff. Just the facts from those who’ve done it. Whether you’re looking to start fast or build a long-term career, the answers are here.