Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair
A VTCT-Regulated Qualification in Hairdressing – Your Route into the Industry
This 12-week (60-day) part-time course gives you a nationally recognised VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair. You’ll learn the 9 Alan d foundation haircuts, from long hair through to short, covering one-length, face-framing, layered techniques, bobs and short styles. Alongside the cutting, you’ll develop consultation skills, learn professional shampooing and head massage techniques, and master blow-drying for both smooth and curly finishes. The course is assessed across three units, and on completion you’ll hold both an Alan d and VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair.
Alan d has been training hairdressers and barbers for over 60 years. The academy sits right in the heart of the City, and the training environment mirrors a real working salon. You’ll start on mannequins to build your technique, then progress to live models for your assessments.
This course suits anyone who wants a short, focused introduction to hairdressing with a proper qualification at the end of it. Whether you’re testing the waters before committing to a longer programme or you want a recognised certificate to get started in the industry, this is where to begin.
Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair – Key Course Details
Duration
12 weeks (60 days part-time)
Location
London (1 Hayne Street, EC1A 9HG)
Next Start Dates
6th May / 1st June
29th June / 27th July / 24th August
21st September / 19th October / 16th November
Schedule
Part-time – can be fitted around your existing working schedule
Qualification
VTCT & Alan d Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair
Full Price
£7,200 inc. VAT
Payment Plan
£1,000 deposit and 10 weekly payments of £620
Additional Costs
VTCT Registration Fee & equipment
Class Size
Maximum 10 new learners per month
What You’ll Learn
Teaching Approach
Training at Alan d is hands-on from the start. This is a part-time course designed to fit around your existing schedule, but the approach is the same as every programme at the academy: practical work takes priority. After a brief induction, you’ll be cutting hair by day two. Theory is kept to the essentials, and the rest of your time is spent building skill through repetition and real-world application in a training environment that operates like a working salon.
Curriculum Highlights
Cutting Hair Programme
- The 9 Alan d Foundation Haircuts
- Consultation skills: identifying the right shampoo and conditioning products for different hair types
- Shampooing techniques, including professional head massage
- Blow-drying techniques for smooth and curly finishes
- Correct tool selection for each styling technique
- Client care and salon protocol
Course Structure
The 12 weeks are split into two clear phases. During weeks 1 and 2, you’ll work exclusively on mannequin heads, learning the Alan d foundation cuts and styling techniques. This is where you build the muscle memory and confidence to handle real hair. From week 3 onwards, you’ll work on a mixture of live models and mannequins as you complete the assessments required for your qualification.
Hands-On Experience
You’ll start by practising on mannequin heads, repeating each technique until it feels natural and consistent. Once your trainers are confident in your ability, you’ll move on to live models from Alan d’s model bank. Working on real clients, with different hair types, textures and conditions, is where the learning really comes together. It’s also where your assessments take place, so by the time you complete the course, you’ll have proven your skills on real people under real conditions.
Assessment
This is a VTCT-regulated qualification, and you’ll be assessed across three units to complete the certificate:
- Cut hair using hairdressing techniques
- Client consultation for hair services
- Follow health and safety practices in the salon
Assessment is practical and ongoing. Your trainers monitor your progress throughout the programme, and you’ll receive feedback as you work through each unit. VTCT also offers online testing to complete the qualification. Upon successful completion of all three units, you’ll receive the VTCT and Alan d Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair.
Is This Course Right for You?
Entry Requirements
None. You don’t need any prior qualifications or hairdressing experience to enrol. Spoken English is essential since you’ll be communicating with clients and following instructions during training.
This Course is Ideal For
- People who want a short, focused introduction to hairdressing with a nationally recognised qualification
- Complete beginners looking to test whether hairdressing is the right career path before committing to a longer course
- Anyone who wants a VTCT-regulated certificate to start working in the industry
- Those looking to build a foundation of practical cutting skills before progressing to a full NVQ diploma
What You’ll Achieve
Your Qualification
Upon completion, you’ll receive the VTCT and Alan d Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair. This is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification that demonstrates your competency in hairdressing cutting techniques. Unlike institutional certificates, this qualification carries formal industry recognition and is a credential that employers across the UK will recognise.
Skills You’ll Develop
By the end of this course, you’ll have a good understanding of cutting hair and the practical skills to start working on clients. You’ll be able to perform the 9 foundation haircuts confidently, consult with clients on their needs, and follow professional health and safety practices. Whether you want to begin freelancing, work in a salon, or progress to further training, you’ll have the skills and the qualifications to back it up.
Where to Go Next
This course provides a strong foundation for progression to the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing or the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Barbering. Both routes give you a broader qualification and the advanced skills to become a fully qualified stylist or barber.
Our Hairdressing Academy
Located in Hayne St, EC1, Barbican, adjacent to Farringdon Elizabeth Line, Barbican exit, our London Hairdressing School is in the heart of the City of London making it easily accessible by public transport. You will learn in a realistic working environment using salon-professional only products.
Course Investment
Tuition Fee
Full Price: 7,200 inc. VAT + VTCT Registration Fee & equipment
Payment Plan
Secure your place with a £1,000 deposit, then pay the remaining balance in 10 weekly instalments of £620, starting from your course start date.
- Deposit to secure your place: £1,000
- Week 1 (start date): £620
- Week 2 to week 10: £620
When taking out a payment plan with Alan d for your course, there are no interest charges, no credit checks and no third-party finance. Just a straightforward weekly payment plan.
What’s Included
Your course fee covers all tuition, ongoing support throughout your training, and your VTCT and Alan d certificates upon completion. You’ll train on both mannequin heads and live models as part of the programme. You’ll also use salon-only professional products throughout, giving you hands-on experience with the brands you’ll encounter in professional environments.
Additional Costs
VTCT Registration Fee and equipment are charged separately. Professional equipment kits are available (you keep these permanently). Dress code is smart casual, no uniform required.
Learn from Industry Professionals
Academy Expertise
Alan d has over 60 years of combined industry experience training hairdressers and barbers. The academy is a VTCT-approved centre, which means training and assessment meet nationally recognised vocational standards. Class sizes are kept small, typically between 1 and 8 students per instructor, so you’ll get individual attention and personalised feedback throughout your course.
A maximum of 10 learners start each month, and you’ll be training alongside students on various programmes. This course is taught by all our educators, each with extensive salon and teaching experience.
FAQs
No, you don’t need any prior qualifications or hairdressing experience. This course is designed for complete beginners. The only requirement is spoken English, as you’ll need to communicate with clients and follow instructions during training.
The Level 2 Certificate in Cutting Hair is a focused, 12-week qualification that covers cutting techniques specifically. The Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing is a broader programme that covers cutting, colouring, perming, and a wider range of styling skills. Both are VTCT-regulated qualifications. If you want to specialise in cutting first and progress later, the certificate is a great starting point. If you want the full qualification in one go, the NVQ Diploma is the route to take.
Yes. This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by VTCT. It’s nationally recognised across the UK hairdressing industry and demonstrates that you’ve met formal vocational standards in cutting hair.
You’ll have a good understanding of cutting hair and the practical skills to begin working on clients, whether that’s freelancing or in a salon environment. To further expand your skillset, the natural next step is the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing or the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Barbering, which broadens your qualifications and opens more doors.
Yes. This is a part-time course designed to fit around your existing working schedule. The 12-week programme runs across 60 days, giving you flexibility to manage your training alongside other commitments.
You’re assessed across three units: cutting hair using hairdressing techniques, client consultation for hair services, and following health and safety practices in the salon. Assessment is practical and ongoing, with VTCT online testing to complete the qualification. Your trainers provide feedback throughout, so you know exactly where you stand.
You’re welcome to bring your own kit as long as it’s in good condition. If you don’t have one, professional equipment kits are available to purchase through the academy — and anything you buy is yours to keep.
Alan d requires a minimum attendance rate of 80% per week. But we understand that life sometimes isn’t that straightforward, so if you know you’ll be late or absent, you need to notify the academy manager by email or phone no later than 9 am on that day. Repeated unexplained absences can affect your progress and, in serious cases, could result in dismissal from the course without a refund. If you have a health issue, ongoing medication, or any personal circumstances that might affect your attendance, it’s worth speaking to the academy manager at the start of your course so they can support you properly.
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