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Hair and beauty

Can you see yourself doing make-up and hair on film sets? Maybe you want to start your own business or have always dreamed of owning a salon? Hair and beauty is all about making people look and feel confident.

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:

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

The average starting salary for a trainee hairdresser

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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

Featured providers

Hair and beauty apprentices cutting hair in barbers

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?

The length of your apprenticeship depends on the level you’re taking. For example, a degree apprenticeship could take three to six years, whereas an advanced apprenticeship could take one to two years.

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?

The salary varies depending on the role you’re interested in, and every employer will pay differently. You will be paid at least the minimum wage of £4.81 per hour.
Hair and beauty apprentices cutting hair

Search for hair and beauty apprenticeships

Want to see what vacancies are out there or ready to apply? Search for your perfect apprenticeship.

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