Advanced and creative hair professional
Level 3 · AdvancedHair and beauty 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An advanced and creative hair professional works at a higher level in a salon or barbershop, delivering complex colour, cutting, and styling services and often leading or mentoring junior team members. Apprentices build on their existing hair skills to master creative techniques, client consultation, and business awareness. This apprenticeship can lead to salon management, session styling, or self-employment.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced colouring techniques including balayage and colour correction
Creative cutting and precision finishing methods
In-depth client consultation and personalised service planning
Hair science including structure, porosity, and chemical processes
Mentoring and coaching junior stylists in the salon
Business skills including retail, upselling, and client retention
Current and future trend awareness and creative inspiration
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Deliver advanced colour services such as full-head highlights or correction
Create precision cuts and editorial-style finished looks
Conduct thorough consultations and recommend bespoke treatment plans
Mentor and support apprentices or junior staff members
Retail professional hair products and aftercare advice to clients
Stay current with trends through shows, education, and social media
Manage client bookings and contribute to salon targets
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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