Hairdressing and barbering

The hair industry never stands still.

A cut above the rest

From embracing all hair types and prioritising wellbeing, to going green and growing online, it’s changing rapidly. But with change comes opportunity. A chance to help learners gain an exciting career and be a part of a modern and inclusive industry.

At City & Guilds, we offer qualifications and apprenticeships in hairdressing and barbering that are grounded in real-world experience. Our goal? To help you stay a cut above the rest. We create training that meets today’s industry standards while helping learners build strong roots, so they can thrive.

Making waves in the hair industry

Shaping the future of the hair industry together.

Our wrap-around service is about more than qualifications — it’s about giving you the reassurance of a trusted partner at every stage. Backed by expert support, resources, and quality assurance, we help create a learning environment where educators feel confident and learners gain the skills they need to succeed.

Our qualifications and apprenticeships

Qualifications

Our hairdressing and barbering qualifications focus on delivering practical, career-ready training at from levels 1 to 3. Designed with industry input, they build technical skills, creativity, and client care to prepare learners for success.

View the qualifications

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with formal assessment, ensuring learners develop and prove their skills in a real workplace. Fully aligned with industry standards, they prepare apprentices to meet employer expectations and thrive in the modern hair sector.

View the apprenticeships

Talk to us today

Do you have questions about qualifications, planning, or delivery? Let’s untangle it together. Our team is here to help every step of the way.

Contact us today to discuss

Resources and events

Explore our trusted resources, expert guidance, and technical support designed to help you deliver exceptional training. From comprehensive guides to insightful webinars, we’re here to keep you informed, inspired, and confident in meeting the evolving needs of the industry.

Guide

Cutting Edge skills that shape futures

Skills unlocked: Explore webinars designed to build confidence across the sector.

Download the guide

Rooted in Industry to Raise Standards

With over 140 years of experience, City & Guilds is proud to work alongside the hair industry to shape training that reflects real employer needs. By staying rooted in industry insight, we’re helping to raise standards, build stronger skills, and prepare learners for the future.

Our industry board

Find out how we work with industry experts through our Employer Industry Board to ensure our training meets employer needs and supports young people’s success.

Discover our industry board

Qualifications reforms

Post-16 qualifications in England are changing to support clearer routes into jobs and higher education.

Explore our resources

Support qualification development

We’re inviting technical experts and senior decision-makers to join our Employer Register.

Register your interest

Discover the latest insights, sector news, and updates, enabling you to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving hair industry.

Webinar

Beyond the straight and narrow - Teaching textured hair with confidence

Learn how to teach textured hair with confidence and inclusivity. With guest speaker Erica Liburd, gain practical insights to support learners and your teaching.