Hairdressing, Holistics & Wellbeing
Do you have a creative flair and a passion for making people look and feel their best? Our hair courses in hairdressing, barbering, holistics and wellbeing are designed to train you to the highest standard and prepare you for employment in this thriving sector. Whether you're pursuing recognised hairdressing qualifications as an adult learner or school leaver, exploring barbering, or looking to train in wellbeing and mindfulness, our hair courses mean we have the perfect pathway 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 an industry 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 the exciting world of hairdressing, holistics and wellbeing? Our hair courses are designed to give school leavers the practical skills, professional knowledge and confidence needed to progress straight into employment or higher-level study. With hair courses available from Level 1 through to Level 3, you'll gain industry-recognised hairdressing qualifications in outstanding, professional-standard facilities, supported by experienced tutors who are passionate about helping you succeed. Whether you're aiming for a career in hairdressing, salon work, holistic therapies or the wider wellbeing industry, our hair courses provide a strong foundation and clear progression routes, with hairdressing qualifications respected by employers across this fast-paced and rewarding sector.
I am an
Adult Learner
Our hair courses for adults are ideal for those looking to enhance their current skill-set, earn recognised hairdressing qualifications or even just have some fun! Whether you're beginning a new career or building on existing experience, explore our full selection of hair courses below.
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.”
Meet our tutors
Tracy Caton
Hairdressing tutor Tracy Caton has been working in the hairdressing industry for the past 36 years and has been teaching for the past 18 years. After achieving an NVQ in hair, nails, beauty and wig making, Tracy also gained certification in education and assessing, as well as working as an artistic director in salons in Liverpool. Tracy enjoys working in the community of hairdressing and especially enjoys working at the college to ensure students gain the best possible opportunities in the sector.
“I love nurturing the students and watching them develop their skills from basic cuts to stylistic techniques. Passing on my knowledge and expertise to the next generation is the most special to me.”
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."
Explore our facilities
The Academy
All students will learn in The Academy, the college's dedicated hair salon. By providing treatments to real clients, you will be able to build up your practical experience and enhance your communication skills. The Academy houses the very latest industry-standard equipment, including a hairdressing salon.
Choosing a career based on Hairdressing, Holistics & Wellbeing Back to top
4 November 2025
Warrington & Vale Royal College hairdressing academy raises over £1000 in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
18 February 2025
Studying an apprenticeship with Warrington & Vale Royal College: Olivia Stanton
24 January 2025
Meet Tom, Level 2 Certificate Barbering student who realised its never too late to pursue your passion
5 March 2024
Level 3 Hairdressing student Aaron claims first-prize in the Cheshire & Warrington Skills Competition
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