SVQ Hairdressing SCQF level 4

What is special about this course?

This SVQ Hairdressing course will provide you with the basic knowledge, skills and understanding to be a hairdressing assistant in preparing clients for hair services and maintaining work areas. You will learn how to shampoo and condition hair and to blow dry hair. You will also learn how to work as part of a team and assist with salon reception duties.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to this course but an interest in hair and fashion is recommended. Students should be well presented and will undergo an interview prior to being given a place on the course.

You will learn basic practical hairdressing skills in this first year of study.  It is equally important that you learn skills for dealing with customers, such as spoken communication whilst carrying our treatments, and working in reception and taking telephone bookings. This will all take place in the college salon, which operates 3 days a week as a commercial salon. 

The SVQ 1 Hairdressing at SCQF level 4 consists of four mandatory units:

  • Prepare for Hair Services and Maintain Work Areas
  • Contribute to the Development of Effective Working Relationships
  • Blow Dry Hair
  • Shampoo and Condition Hair

You will also complete 2 optional units from the following list:

  • Assist with Relaxing Services
  • Assist with Salon Reception Duties
  • Assist with Hair Colouring and Lightening Services
  • Plait and Twist Hair using Basic Techniques
  • Assist with Perming Hair Services
  • Remove Hair Extensions
  • Assist with Shaving Services

Equipment

You will be expected to wear a uniform when working in the salon. If you are in receipt of a bursary this may be provided by the college along with a basic hairdressing kit.

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time
  • Vocational Pathway

You will be taught face to face in the college salon 3 days a week, where you will be given demonstrations in all aspects of hairdressing. You will be expected to encourage clients to come to the salon to allow you to undertake practical tasks and assessments, and this is a mandatory requirement of the course. 

From the end of October onwards, you will spend one day a week in work placement in a local salon. This can be with a salon with which you already have links, or otherwise the lecturers will identify a suitable employer with which you can be placed.

How long will my course last?

1 Year

The full-time course runs from September to June, and allows complete beginners to develop basic techniques and customer care skills.  Students who make good progress will commence development of some SVQ 2 skills before the end of their SVQ 1 year, and may continue with enrolment for SVQ 2 the following September.

There is also a short full-time course which runs from January to June, during which those who are highly motivated to make a start on their hairdressing career will have the opportunity to complete SVQ 1, with a view to commencing SVQ 2 in September,

Where can I study my course?

    • Dunoon Learning Centre

Fees

For the latest information on fees please see our fees policy.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply to progress to SVQ 2 Hairdressing at SCQF level 5

Is there more information available online?

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Apply for SVQ Hairdressing SCQF level 4

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24

I want to start in 2024/25

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Argyll. UHI Argyll operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.