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    Hair and Beauty

    Our Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses are career focussed and have an emphasis on practical and vocational projects. You will be taught by industry experts including our Wella Hairdressing Colour Masters who will offer specialist training in the very latest techniques.

     

    In addition, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in our Hair and Beauty Lounge. This salon ensures high levels of training, commercial expertise and industry standards to prepare you for this exciting, creative career.

    Hairdressing and Barbering students will benefit from an exciting collaboration with Andrew Barton London Education (ABLE), a highly regarded VTCT-endorsed initiative founded by Andrew Barton, celebrity hairdresser. The partnership provides students with exclusive industry insights, expert-led training and career focused skills to prepare them for success in the sector.

    Next Event

    February Open Event

    West Lancashire College Monday 2nd February 2026 4:30pm - 7:00pm Find out more

    What can I study?

    Barbering Level 2

    The Level 2 course in Barbering is a work ready qualification and is ideal for new learners, as well as those already working in the industry.

    Length: 34 Weeks
    Study: Part Time
    Start date: 8th September 2026
    Location: West Lancashire College

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    Beauty Services Level 2

    Our Beauty Services Level 2 will develop the knowledge and skills to prepare learners for employment as a junior beautician or beauty specialist.

    Length: 14 Weeks
    Study: Part Time
    Start date: 9th February 2026
    Location: West Lancashire College

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    Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments Level 2

    The VTCT Skills Level 2 Award in Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills in shaping (tweezers) and colouring (tinting eyelashes and eyebrows).

    Length: 6 Weeks
    Study: Part Time
    Start date: 23rd January 2026
    Location: West Lancashire College

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    Facial Massage and Skincare Level 2

    The VTCT Skills Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skin Care is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills in how to provide facial skin care.

    Length: 6 Weeks
    Study: Part Time
    Start date: 20th January 2026
    Location: West Lancashire College

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    Hairdressing Level 2 (Part Time)

    Our part time Hairdressing Level 2 course covers all aspects of hair care and prepares students for a career in the industry.

    Length: 34 Weeks
    Study: Part Time
    Start date: 8th September 2026
    Location: West Lancashire College

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    Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Beauty Therapy and Nail Services Level 2

    The VTCT (ITEC) Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Beauty Therapy and Nail Services is a knowledge-based qualification aimed at beauty therapists and nail technicians.

    Length: 1 Week
    Study: Short Course
    Start date: 26th January 2026
    Location: West Lancashire College

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    Nail Technology Level 2

    The Level 2 certificate in Nail Technology is a programme that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills in: how to provide and maintain nail enhancements and manicure treatments.

    Length: 17 Weeks
    Study: Part Time
    Start date: 8th September 2026
    Location: West Lancashire College

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    UV Gel Polish Techniques Award

    The VTCT Skills Level 2 Award in LED Gel Polish Techniques is a single unit award qualification about applying, maintaining and removing LED gel polish products to the nails.

    Length: 1 Week
    Study: Short Course
    Start date: 26th January 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

    Contact our team

    Phone: 01695 52300
    Email: enquiries@westlancs.ac.uk
    Apply Now Visit us at an event

    Meet our Hair and Beauty students and tutors

    Neil Farrell, Head of Curriculum for Creative Service Industries

    Neil Farrell

    Head of Curriculum for Creative Service Industries

    Having 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 Lecturer

    Emma Forgie

    Hairdressing Lecturer

    I 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 Lecturer

    Alison Barford

    Hairdressing Lecturer

    I 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

    Daniel Rawlinson

    Barbering Lecturer

    I 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.

    Claire Procter, Beauty Therapy Lecturer

    Claire Procter

    Beauty Therapy Lecturer

    I 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 Lecturer

    Samantha Pillai

    Beauty Therapy Lecturer

    I 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

    Natascha, Hairdressing Student

    Natascha

    Hairdressing Alumni Student

    I 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 Student

    Maisie

    Hairdressing Alumni Student

    I 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.

    Lilly-Mae, Beauty Therapy Student

    Lilly-Mae

    Beauty Therapy Alumni Student

    I 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

    Sophie

    Beauty Therapy Alumni Student

    I 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.

    Lydiah, Beauty Therapy

    Lydiah

    Beauty Therapy Student

    I have always been interested in Beauty and I think it’s a great industry to go into. I have really enjoyed the electric treatments we do. They are very interesting. I really enjoyed going to the Lancashire Colleges’ Skills Competition. My next steps will be working full time at the spa where I’m doing my work experience.

    Torrie, Hairdressing

    Torrie

    Hairdressing Student

    I chose to study Hairdressing as I’ve always loved doing hair since I was a little girl and I love the idea that my job will make people feel beautiful and confident in themselves everyday. I enjoyed meeting my friends and learning about all the different methods of colouring and colouring a dolls head green. After college, I would like to get a full-time job as a hairdresser.

    Wiktoria, Hairdressing Student

    Wiktoria

    Hairdressing Student

    I've always wanted to be a Hairdresser from a young age. I've really enjoyed the work experience in the on-site Hair and Beauty Lounge, winning at the NCG Competitions and the Stylebook guest speaker.

    Claire, Hairdressing Student

    Claire

    Hairdressing Student

    As I completed Level 1 of Hairdressing whilst in school, I wanted to progress with my skills and passion for Hairdressing. I've loved the work experience in the on-site Hair and Beauty Lounge, learning new skills, working with real clients and making new friends.

    Kara, Beauty Therapy Student

    Kara

    Beauty Therapy Student

    I wanted to study Beauty Therapy because I have an interest in working in the industry. I've developed my skills massively whilst being on the course, plus the on-site work experience in The Hair and Beauty Lounge has been brilliant.

    Millie, Hairdressing Student

    Millie

    Hairdressing Student

    As I want a career in Hairdressing, the course was the best option for me and my future career. I have enjoyed my work experience in the on-site Hair and Beauty Lounge, working on real clients. It was fun to be part of several competitions: AHT, NCG and Lancashire Colleges’ Skills.

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