When you're thinking about becoming a hairdresser, a professional who cuts, styles, and treats hair in salons and barbershops. Also known as a hair stylist, it's one of the most hands-on, creative, and in-demand trades in the UK. The big question isn't just whether you can do it—it's how long is hairdressing school? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. Some people finish in six months. Others take two years. It all depends on the path you choose.
Most people start with an NVQ, a nationally recognized qualification that proves you can do the job, not just talk about it. Also known as a National Vocational Qualification, it's the standard in UK salons. An NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing—what most beginners aim for—usually takes 6 to 12 months if you're doing it full-time in a salon. If you're learning part-time while working or studying, it can stretch to 18 months or more. There's no final exam. Instead, your trainer watches you cut, colour, and style real clients over time. You build a portfolio of real work, not just textbook answers.
Another common route is the apprenticeship, a paid job where you learn hairdressing on the job while earning your qualification. Also known as a hairdressing apprenticeship, it combines real pay with real training. These typically last 12 to 24 months. You're working in a salon, getting paid, and slowly building your skills under supervision. By the end, you’re not just certified—you’re already employed. Some people skip the formal route entirely and start with short courses, like a 6-week intensive, then work their way up. But without an NVQ or equivalent, most salons won’t hire you as a full stylist.
What about advanced training? If you want to go beyond basic cuts and colour, you can move up to NVQ Level 3. That’s where you learn advanced techniques like complex colouring, men’s cutting, and salon management. It usually takes another 6 to 12 months after Level 2. Some even go for specialist diplomas in extensions, bridal styling, or barbering—but those are add-ons, not requirements to start.
And yes, you can learn bits of hairdressing online or from YouTube. But if you want to get hired, work in a real salon, or charge clients properly, you need the official qualification. Salons don’t just care if you can cut hair—they care if you’ve been assessed, certified, and proven you can do it safely and consistently. That’s what the NVQ is for.
So how long is hairdressing school? If you’re serious about making it your career, plan for at least a year. But the good news? You don’t need to quit your job or go into debt. Part-time options, apprenticeships, and flexible schedules make it possible for people of all ages to start. Whether you’re 17 or 47, the path is clear: learn by doing, get certified, and keep building. Below, you’ll find real stories, timelines, and step-by-step guides from people who’ve been there—no fluff, just what actually works.
4 Dec 2025
How long does a hairdressing course take? Learn the real time commitment for certifications, apprenticeships, and career paths in the UK, US, and beyond. No shortcuts-just clear facts.
