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Thanks in some part to the growth in celebrity culture and the rise of social influencers, the UK Hair & Beauty industry is now worth an astounding £6.2 billion.

Many of our students have gone on to work for major employers in the travel and tourism trade, including Center Parcs, luxury hotel groups, and cruise ship operators, as well as owning their salons and businesses. You may also progress to degree-level studies, such as foundation degrees in Salon Business Management or apprenticeships with fantastic salons. Our level 3 Barbering course allows students to maximise their skills, learn the art of cutthroat wet shaving, and create more creative looks in the industry.

Our YouTube playlist

Hear from our students, tutors & alumni on our Barbering, Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy playlist.

Navigate through the films by clicking on the top right icon!

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Our students are uniquely positioned to get hands-on learning and work experience in the college’s commercial salon. The college is well respected in the area for producing high-quality industry professionals proficient in using industry-standard facilities and equipment and understanding the day-to-day running of a busy salon environment. You will develop your skills to a high level and teach skills that will help maximise client retention.

As expected, our courses are convenient, with many opportunities to enhance the experience through work placements, beauty shows, studio visits, and participating in industry events and national competitions. College students have a successful history of showcasing their talents at the WorldSkills UK Finals, which see them develop new skills and confidence.

There is a wide range of part-time and full-time courses, plus a choice of Apprenticeships, on offer in barbering, hairdressing, beauty & integrated therapies at Kendal College.

We have done manicures and pedicures, waxing and facials and we are just going on to make up now. It’s been very interesting.

Brodie Lake, Beauty Level 2

Meet your tutors

Anna Harrison

I have a great passion for the industry and a thirst for self-development. I still work at the 4* Spa where I meet and treat clients from around the world and at the Beauty & Aesthetic salon in Kendal where I provide treatments to local customers.

The spectrum of the clientele and a variety of services keeps me abreast of the latest industry developments, trends, client needs and also employers’ expectations. This experience enables me to provide the essential training for our students (Level 1 up to Level 4), and to assist them in developing necessary skills needed to embark on a glowing career within the beauty industry.

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Meet your tutors

Abigail Knowles

I have 15 years' experience working in the Hair Barbering Industry and have studied up to Level 4 at Kendal College whilst completing an apprenticeship. Within our department, we use professional products and have facilities that reflect the modern industry. We also work to open up opportunities for students to develop a well-rounded skill set, including social media, marketing and photography, alongside the hair practitioner skills, to help enable students to run their businesses in the future if they so wish.

We regularly have guest speakers in various roles, including arts and media, brand reps, and wedding hair specialists. We also travel to compete in national competitions and take trips to places like Paris and Barcelona to show students different practices, product releases, and new techniques and network with other professionals within the industry.

View our courses

Beauty Therapy
Full-time 3 4th Sept 2024 2 Years

This course will give you the qualifications and experience necessary to enter the field of beauty therapy and go on to work in beauty salons, spas, as a sales representative, on cruise ships, in health centres, or even start your own business.

You will work alongside enthusiastic and experienced staff and use up-to-date facilities and equipment. The department runs a variety of trips throughout the year, for example, an overseas spa trip. Students also have the opportunity to compete in WorldSkills competitions.

Beauty Therapy
Full-time 2 4th Sept 2024 1 Year

This course will give you the qualifications and experience necessary to enter the field of beauty therapy and go on to work in beauty salons, spas, as a sales representative, on cruise ships, in health centres, or even start your own business.

You will work alongside enthusiastic and experienced staff and use up-to-date facilities and equipment. The department runs a variety of trips throughout the year, for example, an overseas spa trip. Students also have the opportunity to compete in WorldSkills competitions.

Hairdressing
Full-time 2 4th Sept 2024 1 Year

On this programme you will study various aspects of hairdressing or barbering which will include shampooing, conditioning, setting and blow-drying, cutting, perming and colouring. For barbering: cut men's hair and beard artistry. You will work alongside enthusiastic and experienced staff and use up-to-date facilities and equipment.

Barbering
Full-time 2 4th Sept 2024 1 Year

This course is suitable for complete beginners, or for hairdressers who are looking to expand their skills. This is a nationally recognised qualification, and will prepare you to be work ready for a barbershop.

Hairdressing (including Barbering)
Full-time 2 4th Sept 2024 1 Year

On this programme you will study various aspects of hairdressing or barbering which will include shampooing, conditioning, setting and blow-drying, cutting, perming and colouring. For barbering: cut men's hair and beard artistry. You will work alongside enthusiastic and experienced staff and use up-to-date facilities and equipment.

Hair & Beauty
Full-time 1 4th Sept 2024 1 Year

On this programme you will study various aspects of hairdressing and beauty which will include shampooing, conditioning, setting and blow-drying, make up and manicure. You will also work alongside the higher level students to assist in the commercial salon settings where you will assist in hair and beauty services. You will work alongside enthusiastic and experienced staff and use up-to-date facilities and equipment.

Beauty Therapy
Full-time 3 4th Sept 2024 2 Years

This course will give you the qualifications and experience necessary to enter the field of beauty therapy and go on to work in beauty salons, spas, as a sales representative, on cruise ships, in health centres, or even start your own business.

You will work alongside enthusiastic and experienced staff and use up-to-date facilities and equipment. The department runs a variety of trips throughout the year, for example, an overseas spa trip. Students also have the opportunity to compete in WorldSkills competitions.

Barbering
Part-time 2 16th Sept 2024 33 Weeks

You will be taught all of the essential skills needed in modern day barbering, including skin fading, layering, scissor over comb, creating lines and patterns in the hair, shampooing, drying and styling hair.