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Adults

Hair and Beauty

Our Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses are career-focused and designed to develop the practical skills, creativity and industry knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting sector. Learners will benefit from hands-on training delivered by experienced industry professionals, including our Wella Hairdressing Colour Masters, who provide specialist instruction in the latest colouring, styling and beauty techniques.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable commercial experience in our professional Hair and Beauty Lounge. Working with real clients in a realistic salon environment, you will develop the confidence, customer service skills and technical expertise required by employers. Our courses combine practical learning with industry-standard training, helping you prepare for a successful career or further progression within the hair and beauty industry.

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October Open Event

West Lancashire College Monday 12th October 2026 4:30pm - 7:00pm Find out more

Hairdressing Level 2

Our Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing aims to provide students with a range of essential practice skills and knowledge, which will ultimately help you to seek employment or further training.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Full Time
Start date: 2nd September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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Nail Technology Level 3

The purpose of our Nail Technology Level 3 course is to develop your skills in nail treatments to a high level of occupational ability, to enable you to perform your own salon services.

Length: 1 Year
Study: Part Time
Start date: 7th September 2026
Location: West Lancashire College

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100%*

pass rate for Beauty Specialist Techniques Diploma Level 2

*data from Proachieve September 2024

100%*

pass rate for Barbering Diploma Level 2

*data from Proachieve September 2024

100%*

pass rate for Nail Technology Diploma Level 3

*data from Proachieve September 2024

Phone: 01695 52300

Email: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk

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Neil Farrell

Head of Curriculum for Creative Service Industries

Having studied Sport and Exercise Science at both college and university, I began my career in the sport and active leisure sector before moving into education. During my time at West Lancashire College, I have managed a diverse range of curriculum areas and learning provision. My experience has included 16 to 18 provision, adult education, apprenticeships, Higher Education, community learning programmes, and provision for young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This broad experience has given me a deep understanding of the varied educational pathways available and the importance of creating opportunities for all learners to succeed. I firmly believe that education has the power to transform lives and that everyone should have access to high-quality learning opportunities. I am passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals, realise their potential, and progress towards successful futures, regardless of their starting point.

Emma Forgie

Hairdressing Lecturer

I am a passionate and experienced educator with a wealth of industry knowledge, holding Master Colour Expert status. I take great pride in supporting students as they develop their creativity, skills, and confidence for a career in this ever-evolving industry. Helping to inspire and shape the hairdressers of the future is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

Alison Barford

Hairdressing Lecturer

I have worked in the hairdressing industry for over 30 years, including more than 15 years as a hairdressing educator. I am passionate about helping students reach their full potential and progress into successful careers within the hairdressing industry. I also enjoy continuously developing my own skills and knowledge, which I am able to pass on to my students. As a lecturer, I strive to create an effective and supportive learning environment that enables students to achieve their hairdressing qualifications and develop their confidence. Through their studies, students gain the essential knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours needed to prepare them for a successful career in the hairdressing sector.

Samantha Pillai

Beauty Therapy Lecturer

I have worked in the beauty industry since 2001, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge that I am passionate about sharing with our students. Early in my career, I joined Steiner Transocean and progressed to become a Senior Spa Therapist on board its luxury cruise liners, developing both my technical expertise and customer service skills while working in a fast-paced international environment. For the past 13 years, I have dedicated my career to education, helping learners develop the skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to succeed within the beauty industry. I have a strong passion for the sector and a keen eye for detail, which I bring to every aspect of my teaching. Supporting students as they achieve their qualifications and progress towards rewarding careers is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.

Claire Procter

Beauty Therapy Lecturer

I have worked in the Spa and Beauty industry for more than 20 years. After completing my training at Skelmersdale College, I began my career as a Spa and Massage Therapist on board a cruise ship. This role gave me the opportunity to travel the world, visit many different countries, and gain valuable industry experience while doing a job I loved. Following this, I lived and worked abroad before returning to the UK to become self-employed. I have now been teaching at West Lancashire College for 19 years, delivering all Beauty Therapy qualifications. The Spa and Beauty industry is constantly evolving, with new treatments, techniques, and innovations emerging all the time. Being a teacher is incredibly rewarding, particularly when I see learners achieve their qualifications, develop their confidence and skills, and progress into successful careers within the industry.

Claire

Hairdressing Alumni Student

Having completed Level 1 Hairdressing while still at school, I wanted to further develop my skills and pursue my passion for the industry. I thoroughly enjoyed the work experience I gained in the on-site Hair and Beauty Lounge, where I had the opportunity to learn new techniques, work with real clients, and build my confidence in a professional salon environment. The experience also allowed me to develop new friendships and gain valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of working in the hairdressing industry. It helped me strengthen my practical skills, increase my confidence, and prepare for a future career in the sector.

Alex

Hairdressing Alumni Student

Learning from Emma and Alison, my tutors, has been amazing. They have really pushed me out of my comfort zone during lessons. I have had the opportunity to participate in the Concept Hair Magazine competition, which opened the door for me to apply for a scholarship competition with the House of Vidal Sassoon. Working in the on-site Hair & Beauty Lounge has given me the experience needed to work in a salon, including dealing with clients and handling any issues that may arise in day-to-day salon life.

Ellie

Beauty Therapy Alumni Student

Beauty Therapy was the right course for me, as I had always been interested in skincare and had already practised a wide range of beauty treatments on myself, friends, and family. My favourite parts of the course were facials and brow treatments, as I found them both relaxing and rewarding and felt that these were areas in which I excelled. I also enjoyed learning about the anatomy, physiology, and biology behind beauty treatments, which I found extremely interesting. Completing work experience in the Hair and Beauty Lounge gave me the opportunity to work with real clients, helping me build confidence in booking appointments, answering telephone calls, and developing an understanding of what it is really like to work in the beauty industry.

Sarah

Nail Technology Alumni Student

I decided to enrol on the course because I wanted a new career and hoped to develop nail skills that I could incorporate into my counselling work. I have loved learning throughout the course and gaining new knowledge and practical techniques. Sam, my tutor, has been incredibly engaging and supportive, making every session enjoyable and informative. My peers have also been very welcoming, helping me feel part of the group from the start and making my learning experience even more positive.

Alicia

Beauty Therapy Alumni Student

I chose to study Beauty Therapy because it is a therapeutic subject and I have a strong interest in pursuing a career within the spa industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the course, and my confidence has grown significantly throughout my time at college. I have built a fantastic relationship with my tutors, and I particularly enjoy the massage elements of the course. Completing work experience in the Hair and Beauty Lounge has helped me develop my client care skills and further enhance my practical abilities. My goal is to work within the industry, and over the coming months I will be focusing on further developing my massage skills to support my future career ambitions.

Samantha

Beauty Therapy Alumni Student

I have always had a strong interest in skincare, which inspired me to pursue a Beauty Therapy qualification. I decided to study Level 3 Beauty Therapy to further develop my skills and expand my knowledge of the industry. The course has given me the opportunity to build my confidence, enhance my practical abilities, and gain valuable experience that will support my future career aspirations.

Grace

Beauty Therapy Alumni Student

I originally completed a Hair and Lashes course, so studying Beauty Therapy was the perfect opportunity to expand my skill set and develop my knowledge of the industry. I have particularly enjoyed learning body massage techniques and gaining hands-on experience throughout the course. Thanks to the skills and confidence I have developed, I have secured full-time employment at Bodhi Spa in Burscough, where I carry out facials and massages as part of my role.