Hairdressing and barbering

The hair industry never stands still.

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.

A cut above the rest

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 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.

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.

3002 Qualification

Hairdressing

5450 Qualification

Technical Salon Management

6002 Qualification

Hairdressing and Barbering

9036 Apprenticeship

Hairdressing Professional EPA

9037 Apprenticeship

Barbering Professional EPA

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

Stay a cut above the rest

With over 140 years of experience, City & Guilds is proud to support the hair industry with training that keeps learners as sharp as their scissors. Explore how we’re driving progress and innovation to help shape the future of hair education.

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

News and insights

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

Beyond the straight and narrow- Teaching textured hair with confidence

This upcoming webinar will explore how to teach textured hair with confidence and inclusivity. Featuring guest speaker Erica Liburd, it’s your chance to gain practical insights to support learners and strengthen your teaching.

Register now

Watch Denise McAdam RVM: Skills Change Lives

Royal hairdresser and session stylist Denise McAdam shares how her apprenticeship and a chance to style Grace Kelly launched a career that has spanned Vogue, Tatler, and the Royal Family.

Watch the video

Skills That Open Doors: Lewis’s Story

From a City & Guilds trade show at 17 to styling celebrities and TV presenters, Lewis’s journey shows the power of skills. Hear how he built his career in hairdressing and why he believes these skills can take you anywhere.

Watch the story