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Adults

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 Imagery Graduate Salon. This salon ensures high levels of training, commercial expertise and industry standards to prepare you for this exciting, creative career.

Next Event

February Open Event

West Lancashire College Monday 3rd February 2025 4:30pm - 7:30pm Find out more

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: 35 Weeks
Study: Part Time
Start date: 3rd September 2025
Location: West Lancashire College

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Beauty Therapy Level 2 (Part Time)

The part-time Level 2 course in Beauty Specialist Techniques is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills in a wide range of beauty skills and treatments.

Length: 35 Weeks
Study: Part Time
Start date: 1st September 2025
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: 35 Weeks
Study: Part Time
Start date: 1st September 2025
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: 27th January 2025
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

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

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

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

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.

Natascha

Hairdressing Level 2 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 Level 2 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.

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

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

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 Level 2 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.