What is a hair and beauty apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in hair and beauty is a practical, work-based route into your chosen careers. You will gain the qualifications and skills to work in the field while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
It's a great starting point if you want to work in the hair and beauty sector. You could be doing wedding make-up or cutting hair for celebrities, for example.
Career opportunities from a hair and beauty apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in the industry can lead to a range of careers, including a:
- beautician
- salon manager
- nail technician
- make-up artist
- hairdresser or barber
- tattooist or body piercer
Getting a good basis of how hair and beauty work is a great foundation if you want to start your own salon or company one day.
Ravi is a barber degree apprentice at Less Than Zero Barbers in Chesterfield.
£14,000
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Pros and cons
Pros
- You’ll get to work with lots of people.
- There are lots of different areas you can move into.
- Every day will be different.
Considerations
- You might have to work evenings and weekends.
- You’ll be on your feet a lot of the day.
- Starting salaries can be lower than other industries.
Who would suit a hair and beauty apprenticeship?
You might be interested in a hair and beauty apprenticeship if you:
- are passionate about hair and beauty
- want to help people look and feel confident
- are entrepreneurial and interested in starting your own business or salon
You might be a good fit for a hair and beauty apprenticeship if you:
- are bubbly and chatty
- have good attention to detail
- are willing to learn
- are passionate about the field

Browse employers
Check out which employers are currently hiring apprenticeships in the hair and beauty sector, from the likes of Toni & Guy.
Browse employers
FAQs about hair and beauty apprenticeships
How do hair and beauty apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels depending on the type you do.
How long is an apprenticeship in the sector?
What qualifications do you need?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role you’re interested in. For example, Level 2 apprenticeships generally need no formal qualifications, while you may need GCSEs and A levels for a degree apprenticeship.
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. Employers will be looking for willingness to learn, passion, and transferrable skills you could bring to the role.
What is the salary for an apprentice in the sector?

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