Hairdressing & Barbering

Hairdressing and barbering are creative and practical fields that involve styling and caring for hair. On a Hairdressing or Barbering course at SERC, you will learn the art of cutting, colouring, and styling hair, or modern male grooming techniques.

In both cases, students gain hands-on experience in using the tools and products required to create contemporary looks.  You'll also learn about different hair types, scalp health, and customer service skills. The curriculum may cover both traditional and modern techniques in both hairdressing and barbering.

Successful students in both courses find opportunities in salons or spas, or may even choose to start their own business. The skills you acquire will enable you to help people look and feel their best by creating stylish and personalised hair designs. It's a dynamic and creative field that allows you to express your artistic flair while providing an essential service to clients.

Ready to see what’s available? Use the button to jump to courses, or explore the highlights below.

Why study Hairdressing & Barbering at SERC

Build salon-ready skills in cutting, colouring and styling — with hands-on training, professional products and modern equipment. You’ll develop client consultation and customer care, learn safe working practices, and prepare for progression into employment, apprenticeships or further study.

Salon Practical Skills

Practise cutting, blow-drying, styling and finishing techniques in a realistic salon environment.

Colour & Creative Techniques

Develop confidence with colouring, highlighting and creative looks, using professional products and methods.

Barbering & Grooming

Learn modern barbering techniques including fades, clipper work, beard shaping and men’s grooming.

Client Consultation

Build professional communication skills to recommend styles, understand needs and deliver great service.

Progression & Careers

Prepare for roles in salons, barbershops, spas or self-employment — and build a pathway to higher-level hairdressing and barbering study.

What our students say

Hear from recent students about their experience at SERC — teaching, support, and progression opportunities.

Photo of Tanya Steele

Tanya Steele

Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Hairdressing
“I really enjoy my course, I am learning so much at the salon and when I am at SERC in class. The apprenticeship route is great as you are building on your skills every day and, as you progress, you gain more confidence and responsibility.”
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Photo of Jack Greer

Jack Greer

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Barbering
“I suppose I thought I was going to learn just to cut hair, but there is so much more to it, and by the time you move up from Level 2 to Level 3, you cover colour, design and cutthroat shaving.”
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Picture of Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill

Level 2 Traineeship in Barbering
“This course sets you up for a future career, as you’re learning technical skills and also business and people skills. I have definitely grown and developed in that respect.”
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Important Dates

Key milestones to help you plan your next steps.

Anytime

Apply Online

5 Mar

Full-Time Open Evening

4 Jun

Full-Time & Part-Time Open Evening

1 Sept

Term Starts