SVQs in Hairdressing and Barbering (6009)

Depending on the level you choose, you will cover topics like:

• shampooing, blow drying, plaiting and twisting
• cutting and styling hair
• greeting customers and running the salon reception
• advising customers on hairstyles and colours that would suit them
• colouring and dressing long hair
• perming and hair extensions.

To earn these qualifications, you need to show you have got a particular set of skills. You usually work with your training provider to review your current skills and find the best way to gain new ones - perhaps by trying new things at work, or by studying.

SVQs are assessed at work or in a realistic working environment. For each unit, an assessor observes you carrying out different services and checks your understanding. This information will be recorded in your logbook, which then provides formal evidence of your learning.

For these qualifications, you will practise hairdressing, learn the knowledge required and organise your own study. You will record your achievements in a logbook packed with hints and tips from industry experts.

You might also use MHD Academy which provides you with high quality professional video based resources, step by step PDFs, fact sheets, handouts and glossaries.

Which level is right for me?

SCQF Level 4
You are looking to be a Hairdressing Assistant.

SCQF Level 5
You want to be a Junior Stylist.

SCQF Level 6
You already have hairdressing or barbering qualifications and want to become a Senior Stylist.

SCQF Level 7
You want a short specialist award to attain specific hairdressing and barbering skills.

A Hairdressing or Barbering SVQ can jump-start your career in Hairdressing or Barbering. With a SCQF Level 4 Hairdressing qualification you can get your first Salon Assistant job, and with the higher levels you could become a Stylist and go on to be a Salon Manager.

To run your own salon or specialise in particular hair types or hairdressing treatments, you might want to think about these other qualifications too:

• Level 3 Certificates and Diplomas in Hairdressing - update and learn new skills and techniques
• Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effect, Hair and Media Make-up - update and learn new skills and techniques
• Level 4 Diploma in Management Practices and Advanced Techniques in the Hair & Beauty Sector  - the skills to run your own hair salon.
• Award in Contact Dermatitis Prevention - the techniques to protect customers from infection.

To offer beauty treatments like Nail services and Spa therapy, take a look at our Beauty Therapy qualifications.

These qualifications are assess in the workplace or a realistic working environment.  The qualifications are likely to call for a variety of assessment methods and the national occupational standards define what is to be assessed.  Methods of assessment include: observation of performance, questioning and knowledge assignments, with both online e-assessment and paper tests.

You must provide learners with a realistic working environment where they can develop their knowledge and practise their skills.

Centres must also provide learners with resources. To help develop the learners' knowledge and skills, we have developed dedicated online support - MHD Academy - which offers high quality professional videos based resources, step by step PDFs and fact sheets,  schemes of work, lesson plans, individual learning plans, hand-out and worksheets.

To find all the resource requirements, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

There are no age limits or entry requirements to take these qualifications.

With a SCQF Level 6 hairdressing qualification you can get your first salon assistant job, and with the higher levels you could become a stylist and go on to be a salon manager.

To run your own salon or specialise in particular hair types or hairdressing treatments, you might want to think about these other qualifications too:

• Level 6 SCQF Certificates and Diplomas in Hairdressing - update and learn new skills and techniques
• Higher Professional Certificate / Diploma in Technical Salon Management - the skills to run your own Hair Salon.
• Award in Contact Dermatitis Prevention - the techniques to protect customers from infection.

To offer Beauty treatments like Nail Services and Spa Therapy, take a look at our Beauty Therapy qualifications.