Hair, Beauty, Holistics & Well-being
Do you have a creative flair and a passion for making people look and feel their best? Our exciting courses in hair, barbering, beauty, holistics and wellbeing are designed to train you to the highest standard and prepare you for employment in this thriving sector. Whether you’re looking for a hairdressing or barbering course as an adult learner or school leaver, or if you’re interested in taking up professional makeup classes, or you’re looking to train in wellbeing and mindfulness, we have the course for you.
Trips and visits
Students will have the opportunity to attend trade shows and exhibitions, including Pro Hair Live and Professional Beauty North. Such trips are a valuable chance for students to see live exhibitions, discover new products, and stay on top of industry trends and developments.
Past students have entered prestigious industry competitions including the Association of Hairdressing & Therapist Competition and WorldSkills UK.
Industry links
The college works closely with a huge range of local and national businesses, including industry giants Wella, Kaeso and Steiner Cruise Liners. Students are supported to find a work placement to complement their learning, giving them the opportunity to work for a real employer and enhance their practical skills.
Past students have gained experience at The Park Royal Hotel, Harmony Beauty Salon, Bride Be Lovely and Spa Beautiful.
I am
16-18 Years Old
Looking to take your first steps into this fast-paced industry? Our hair and beauty courses will provide you with all the practical skills and knowledge you need to secure employment or progress onto higher education. Whether you decide to study hairdressing, beauty therapy or hair & media make-up, you can rest assured that our outstanding facilities and supportive tutors will help you reach your goals.
Level 1 Beauty Therapy
Full Time
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Level 1 Hairdressing
Full Time
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Level 2 Beauty Therapy
Full Time
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Level 2 Hair & Media Make-Up
Full Time
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Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 2 Hairdressing
Full Time
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Level 2 Nail Services
Full Time
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Level 3 Beauty Therapy
Full Time
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Level 3 Hairdressing
Full Time
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Level 3 Nail Services
Full Time
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I am an
Adult Learner
Our adult hair and beauty courses are ideal for those who are looking to enhance their current skill-set, begin a new career or even just have some fun! With plenty to choose from, including hairdressing and barbering courses to facial skin care and cosmetic makeup classes. We also have wellbeing, mindfulness and holistic training. Explore our selection below.
Health and Wellbeing: Introduction to Mindfulness
Part Time
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Health and Wellbeing: Next Steps in Mindfulness
Part Time
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Introduction to Barbering
Part Time
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Introduction to Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments
Part Time
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Introduction to Facial Massage and Skincare
Part Time
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Introduction to Holistic Therapies: Reflexology & Head Massage
Part Time
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Introduction to Hot Stones
Part Time
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Level 1 Certificate Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Sector
Part Time
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Level 2 Award Eyelash & Eyebrow Treatments
Part Time
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Level 2 Award Facial Massage & Skincare
Part Time
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Level 2 Certificate Barbering
Part Time
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Level 2 Certificate Beauty Specialist Techniques
Part Time
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Level 2 Certificate Hairdressing
Part Time
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Level 2 Certificate Nail Technology
Part Time
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Level 2 Hair Professional Apprenticeship
Part Time
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Level 3 Diploma Hairdressing
Part Time
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Next Steps in Holistic Therapies: Reflexology & Head Massage
Part Time
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I am looking for an
Apprenticeship
Are you looking to embark on your hairdressing career, but would like to go down the apprenticeship route? Our Hair Professional Apprenticeship could be the right course for you. You will gain a range of skills and knowledge to prepare you for a successful career as a hairdresser.
Meet our students
"I'm really enjoying my course, especially colouring hair. The facilities here are fantastic and getting to work with real clients has helped my confidence grow."
Shannon has always wanted to become a hairdresser and her goal is to open her own salon. Shannon, former Birchwood Community High School pupil, is loving the variety of her course, and feels she is learning lots of new skills. Shannon also works in the Academy reception part-time, at the college's in-house salon, and this is helping her to gain a valuable insight into the workings of a real salon.
Jamie was in the army for seven years before working full-time as a ground worker and is now rediscovering his original passion for barbering. He chose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College as it was local to him and the course fits perfectly around all of his commitments. He says that his tutor is brilliant, very knowledgeable and is always giving useful advice.
He recently opened his own barber shop in Newton-le-Willows, something the course content and college facilities thoroughly prepared him for. Jamie also plans to progress on to our Level 3 Barbering course to further develop his skills and sow the seeds for success in his new business venture.
Emilie Walker, a former pupil of Penketh High School, discover her passion for all things beauty related during her school’s Taster Day visit. Not long after, she realised that becoming a hairdresser would be the perfect career for her, and she has been well on her way to achieving this ambition ever since.
“I’d recommend this course to anyone. I have absolutely loved my time at college, especially due to my fantastic tutors! I am so glad I chose to study here, and I am even coming back in September to further my skills on a barbering course.”
"My tutors have been amazing and provide lots of feedback on how to improve. We get free rein to be creative and bring our ideas to life."
Since joining Warrington & Vale Royal College two years ago, Layla has learnt a wealth of new skills, won the college's first ever social media competition, 'WVR Glow Up', and started her very own beauty business alongside her studies.
Through her course, Layla has been able to participate in a lucrative industry placement at Pure Hair & Beauty in Earlestown. It was here that she impressed her colleagues and was offered a chair to run her make-up business from. Layla now has big plans for her business venture, using the invaluable skills and knowledge she learnt at college as a head-start in her career in the £36billion health & beauty industry.
"On my course I've made new friends, gown in confidence and had fun!"
Former Rudheath Senior Academy pupil Emily Hayes, is really enjoying her course and learning about the different aspects of beauty.
Emily hopes to open her own salon one day and feels that her studies, alongside the industry placement opportunities at the college, are invaluable to helping her achieve this goal.
Meet our tutors
Lisa Lindsay
Experienced Hairdressing Tutor Lisa Lindsay has worked in the industry for over 25 years and even owned her own salon.
She loves sharing her vast experience with her students, saying: "It is immensely rewarding watching the students develop and grow in confidence. Every day, it inspires me to see the students learning new skills."
Camelia Nicolaou
Beauty Therapy Tutor Camelia Nicolaou brings over twenty years of industry experience to the classroom, having previously taught in various colleges and for private academies, as well as owning her salon for 10 years.
Camelia enjoys teaching at the college and says: “Developing and guiding students onto an exciting career path in the beauty industry and seeing them achieve their goals is my favourite thing about my job.”
Explore our facilities
The Academy
Choosing a career based on Hair, Beauty, Holistics & Well-being Back to top
24 April 2023
We caught up with Beth Verry and Diana Francis, both Level 3 Beauty Therapy students who have embarked on lucrative industry placement with salons across Warrington that ended with job offers
4 February 2023
Level 2 Barbering student Jamie opens his own barbering shop in Newton-le-Willows
27 January 2023
Warrington & Vale Royal College’s ‘Glow Up’ competition winner starts new business venture following her achievement
16 December 2022
Students create jaw-dropping Christmas looks in college hair & beauty competition: ‘WVR Glow Up’
4 July 2022
Hair & Media Make-up students impress runway models with their professionalism and talent at local charity fundraiser
31 August 2021