Hair and Beauty offers an array of opportunities: meeting new people, building relationships, creating positive changes and potentially becoming your own boss.
Take your skills to the fashion industry, work in film or telly. Models, actors and celebs all need to look good, as well as work for companies. So let your artistic flair run wild as you help people feel younger, uncover their true personality, express a creative side or unleash a rebellious streak. Hair and beauty are a fast-moving industries and you must stay on top of new trends and techniques. It can give you a platform to make a name for yourself on a local, national or global stage. Learn the latest hair and beauty techniques in The Hair and Beauty Lounge with West Lancashire College.
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Hair and Beauty at West Lancashire College
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Meet our Hair and Beauty students and tutors
Neil Farrell
Head of Curriculum for Creative Service IndustriesHaving studied Sport and Exercise Science through college and university, I began my career in the sport and active leisure industry before moving into the education sector. During my time at West Lancashire College, I have managed a wide breadth of Curriculum areas and different types of learning provision. This has included 16-18 provision, adult education, apprenticeship provision, Higher Education, community learning programmes through to provision for adults and young people with SEND. I strongly believe that education has the power to transform lives and that everyone should have access to high quality educational opportunities.
Emma Forgie
Hairdressing LecturerI am a passionate, experienced educator with a wealth of knowledge and experience in industry, with Master Colour Expert status. I love being a part of students' success and creativity for the ever-growing industry, as well as helping create hairdressers of the future.
Alison Barford
Hairdressing LecturerI have worked in the hairdressing industry for over 30 years, with 15+ years as a hairdressing educator. I enjoy seeing our students reach their potential and progressing in the hairdressing industry. I also enjoy developing my own skills and passing this on to students. As a lecturer, I ensure students reach their full potential and achieve their hairdressing qualifications by managing and providing an effective learning environment. Students will gain the essential knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare them to work in the hairdressing sector.
Daniel Rawlinson
Barbering LecturerI decided to set into the Barbering industry after a stint of working as a Hairdressing in 2000 as the industry was taking off. I began to work in men's grooming in a well-known Liverpool shop called Voodoo, in their shaving department and it was from there, that I embarked on education. I went to Southport College for my Level 2 and Berry College for my Level 3 in 2009, for 2 years where I completed my assessments. Once I was qualified as a teacher, I was head hunted to work in India and Sri Lanka for various brands. Afterwards, I came to West Lancashire College in 2019 to teach barbering full time here.
Natascha
Hairdressing Level 2 StudentI am currently studying the Level 2 Hairdressing course at West Lancashire College, where I am really enjoying learning new skills that I never thought I would have. Both of my tutors, Emma and Alison, have supported me throughout and they have shown me how to conquer my fears and my ‘I can’t do it’ frame of mind. I was selected to take part in a Creative Hair Team within my course and since being in that team, my skills have improved more and more. I am excited to see what my future in the Hairdressing industry looks like.
Maisie
Hairdressing Level 2 StudentI chose to study on the Level 2 Hairdressing course as you are able to be creative, whilst you learn. My tutors are very supportive and have helped to me progress, as well as gain confidence in all aspects of the course. At the start of the year, I was selected to be part of the Creative Hair Team and because of that, I’ve seen a big improvement in myself and the hairdressing skills that I have. In the future, after completing Level 3, I would like to work in a salon and eventually have my own business.
Claire Procter
Beauty Therapy LecturerI have been in the Spa and Beauty industry for more than 20 years. I completed my training at Skelmersdale College and enjoyed every minute of it. My career started working on board a cruise ship as a Spa and Massage Therapist. This enabled me to travel around the world visiting many countries doing the job I love. After this I lived and worked abroad finally returning to the UK being self-employed. I have worked at West Lancashire College for 19 years and teach level 1 – 4 in beauty therapy. This is a growing and ever-changing industry where there is always new treatments and techniques to learn. Being a teacher is very rewarding especially when seeing the learners achieve their qualifications and move on to employment within our industry
Samantha Pillai
Beauty Therapy LecturerI have worked in the Beauty industry since 2001 in which I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge to pass onto our students. I joined Steiner Transocean and became a senior spa therapist on board their luxury cruise liners, before turning to teaching for the last 13 years. I have a strong passion for the beauty industry and a keen eye for detail in everything that I do
Lilly-Mae
Beauty Therapy Alumni StudentI studied Beauty Therapy at West Lancashire College and received great care from my teachers Claire and Sam. I am now working as a Beauty Therapist at Ragdale Hall Health Spa.
Sophie
Beauty Therapy Level 2 StudentI chose to study Beauty Therapy because I really enjoy the topics that the course offers. The practical elements of the course are what I really enjoy the most, as I can see where to improve my skills. The support that I receive from my tutor’s is great. In the future, I would like to work in a salon.
What can I do with a qualification in Hair and Beauty?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Upcoming events
Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 1st May 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm
Parent/Carer Information Evening
West Lancashire College
Tuesday 24th June 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm
