Hairdressing Training Length: How Long It Really Takes to Become a Hairdresser

When you're thinking about becoming a hairdresser, the biggest question isn't hairdressing training length—it's whether you have the time to make it happen. The truth? There’s no single answer. A full-time NVQ Level 2 can wrap up in under a year, while part-time evening classes might stretch to two years. It all depends on how you learn, where you train, and what level of qualification you need to get hired. NVQ hairdressing, a UK vocational qualification that proves you can do the job in a real salon, not just pass a test is the most common path, and it’s built around real work, not classroom theory. You don’t need to sit exams—you prove your skills as you go, which means your pace is tied to your experience, not a fixed calendar.

Most people start with a Level 2 qualification, which covers basics like cutting, coloring, and styling. That’s what most salons look for when hiring new stylists. If you’re doing an apprenticeship, you’ll usually spend 12 to 18 months working in a salon while studying part-time. If you’re taking a full-time course at a college, you might finish in 6 to 12 months. But here’s what no one tells you: finishing the course is just the start. Many new hairdressers spend another 6 to 12 months shadowing senior stylists before they feel confident working solo. hair stylist training, the hands-on learning that happens in salons, not just on textbooks is where real skill builds. And if you want to specialize—say, in extensions, bridal styling, or men’s cuts—you’ll need extra modules, which can add another few months. beauty therapy courses, often paired with hairdressing to broaden job options can extend your training further, but they also open doors to higher pay and more client types.

You might be tempted to look for a quick online course that promises certification in weeks. But real salons don’t hire based on online videos. They want people who’ve handled real clients, used real tools, and learned from real mistakes. That’s why the most respected paths—apprenticeships and college NVQs—take time. They’re not just about learning how to cut hair. They’re about learning how to talk to clients, manage your time, handle cash, and keep a clean, safe workspace. All of that matters as much as the scissors in your hand. The good news? Once you’ve got your qualification, you can start working right away. And if you’re smart, you’ll keep learning. The best hairdressers never stop training—they just do it while they’re on the job.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve walked this path—whether they trained full-time, squeezed classes into nights after work, or learned through an apprenticeship. No fluff. Just what actually happens when you start from zero and end up with a salon chair of your own.