Launch your career as a Hairdresser while gaining experience with real clients, and expert guidance from seasoned professionals.
By studying with us, you’ll develop technical skills such as cutting, colouring, blow-drying, and specialist treatments like balayage, all under the guidance of industry-qualified expert lecturers.
Gaining practical experience is one of the best ways to build confidence and develop your skills.
Our salon is designed with this in mind, with the open-space layouts promoting communication between yourself and clients, staff, and other stylists. You can also greet clients, discuss looks and book appointments in our dedicated reception area.
Appointments in the Salon are available throughout term time, meaning you work on a range of hairstyles during your studies.
Our Sustainable Fashion Show, held on Dover High Street, was a great opportunity for learners to showcase their looks to a wider audience.
They styled hair and makeup alongside professional Fashion Designer, Eirinn Hayhow, and pushed their creative boundaries.
By taking part in events, you’ll gain confidence in numerous skills including presenting, communication and teamwork.
There’s no point in keeping your talents hidden, which is why you can take part in skills competitions and industry showcases throughout the year.
The annual KFE4Skills competition could see you compete against students from across Kent in a series of hairdressing challenges.
Previous years have seen our learners win gold medals for their work.
Getting creative with different styles is an important part of becoming a skilled hairdresser.
By exploring historical influences, at events like the Creative Careers Cafe, run in partnership with Artswork, you can develop new ideas.
This plaited look seen above was created at this event and was inspired by portraits on display in the nearby Maison Dieu.
As a Hairdressing student, you’ll gain valuable experience in our on-site Salon and during work placements with local Hairdressing businesses.
This training gives you the experiences you need to make it in the industry, and puts you above the competition.
You also get to practise a variety of roles including stylist, receptionist and salon manager.
We work with local and national industry experts who give you the skills you need to be successful a future career.
Workshops run by these experts take place throughout the year. Previous partnerships have included Revlon and Lush, who visited the College to deliver a beauty masterclass to all learners.
Trips to expos such as Salon International; a renowned Hair and Beauty exhibition held at London’s ExCel Centre, give you the opportunity to meet new stylists and try out the latest products.
There are also opportunities to grab freebies, including new styling tools, combs, and samples of hair products.
“What attracted me to the course was that there are opportunities here to progress into higher-level jobs and develop your skills further.
“It’s been really fun and it’s given me the chance to turn something I already enjoyed into something more professional.”
Level 2 Hairdressing, student, Atlas, recently competed in this year’s annual KFE4Skills competition.
She went on to achieve second place in the ‘Era’ category, impressing judges with her interpretation of the theme.
By studying with us, you’ll gain experience in a range of creative and competitive environments.
From fashion shows to industry expos, the opportunities are endless.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, exploring a career change, or wanting to expand your business offering, the right training can open many doors.
Studying one of our Hair and Beauty courses can be a great way to upskill.
Our courses aren’t just for school leavers, with part-time options available for those aged 19+.
These will help you develop specialist skills so that you’re ready for a change of career or new services for your existing clients.
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
You can make up to five applications across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Click ‘Apply’ on your chosen course, and follow the steps on the application portal.
Early applications are strongly recommended, as they give you the best chance of securing a place on your chosen course.
Come along to EKC Dover College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see if the course is right for you.
If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to College to do the Level 3 course.
“I love studying here because the people are great. My advice for others during exams or assessments is to always try your best and don’t leave anything to the last minute.”
“Working with clients is one of my favourite parts. It’s almost like being a bit of a therapist sometimes because you spend so much time chatting to people and getting to know them. I think when people choose hairdressing, they don’t always realise how social it is. You’re talking to people all day, every day. It’s not just about doing hair.”
“I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the skills competitions during my course and I feel like I’ve grown thanks to them.
“If you want to take part next year, go for it and don’t hold back. If you have an idea, try to create exactly what you imagine instead of playing it safe. Just put yourself out there.”
