We can't wait to welcome you to Andover College in September!
We have created this interactive page to give you a sense of what studying Hairdressing at Andover College is like. Scroll down to watch the how-to-guide on styles for short hair and then have a go at home!
We would love to see what you create so be sure to upload them to your social media and tag us either @AndoverCollege or #AndoverCollege ! Alternatively, please send them to andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk with Hairdressing as the subject line.
Check out the pictures of Elements Salon to get an idea of where you will be working and take a look at all the additional support we can offer at Andover College including Careers guidance and Health and Wellbeing advice.
Elements Salon
As an Andover College student gaining professional experience in a salon is an integral part of the course and will help prepare you for working after you graduate. You will be working in the on-site Elements salon on a daily basis supported by industry professionals working on real clients.
This practical industry experience is vital in order to prepare you for a future in the industry. You will perfect not only your Hairdressing skills but your listening and communication skills through client interaction and develop a strong understanding of business processes both financial and personal - ideal if you would like to start your own business one day!
Recommended Viewing
Take a look at these video recommendations featuring various different hair styles you could try at home on yourself, friends and family. Make sure you tag us on social media or send us your results via email!
Overnight heat less curls tutorial here.
4 ways to do a low messy bun tutorial here.
Four ways to style short hair!
Check out the video below giving you an idea about styling short hair and be sure to try these out at home. We would love to see what you come up with so please tag us on Social Media #AndoverCollege or send your results to andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk for a chance to get your work on this page!
Student Work!
Our Hairdressing students have still been getting plenty of practice in by working on their blocks at home!
We love seeing how well our students have adapted to distance learning and how they are making a constant effort to improve their skills!
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more about the various topics you will study at college in September? Take a look at the collection of resources below and make sure you let us know how you get on!
Why not practice your skills with these various tutorials!
Interesting reads:
- Careers - Think that working as a hairdresser is all about working in a salon? Think again. If you have the talent and the right work ethic, hairdressing can take you around the world, behind the scenes at Fashion Shows or even onto the small screen! Here.
- Jamie Dana - collection of interesting resources and helpful tips/tricks to grow a business! Here.
- Confessions of a Hairstylist - here.
How to get started?
We have created a list of activities you can get started with to keep your skills sharp during the summer, take a look!
- Research 6 local hair salons and list the range of treatments on offer including price lists.
- What hairdresser do you aspire to be like and why? ( Choose a celebrity hairdresser that inspires you).
- Create a look book for 1920’s. This needs to include images for hair, make up, clothing and accessories.
- Develop and prepare your own CV, work experience is a crucial component of the course you will be studying so a strong CV is a must!
- Try the below activity building your personal profile and keep it ready for September!
In addition to these resources the Open University has a variety of free online courses available in a range of subjects. Take a look at the catalogue here.
Why not take a look at this short course on Barbicide here.
You may also want to look into the EtonX programmes. However, please note these are paid for courses that your current school may already have access to. These are not essential so please only engage with them if you have the capacity to.
Our Courses:
Level 1 Certificate, 1 Year: Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector
VTCT Level 2 Diploma, 1 Year: in Hair and Beauty Skills (VRQ)
VTCT Level 2 Diploma/Extended Diploma, 1 Year: in Ladies Hairdressing
VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma, 1 Year: Hairdressing
Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma, 1 Year: Hairdressing
Personal Profile
Work Placements
As part of our Level 2 and 3 Technical Diploma in Ladies Hairdressing, all students will complete a work placement in a professional salon throughout the academic year. Two dedicated placement days will form a part of our student’s weekly timetable and there will be group tutorial sessions throughout the year, in order to complete time sheets and portfolios.
Students are expected to arrive at our enrolment event with details of their placement. If you have any questions or would like assistance with your search, please email Ashley at: iwp@sparsholt.ac.uk
Student Work!
Lets take it back and show off those vintage hairstyles!
Our Hairdressing students took on the task of trying out vintage hairstyles and we think they all look great!
Careers Guidance
Our careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress both during and after college.
Carol is our dedicated Careers Advisor for Andover College!
We also have our Sun Progression Mentor Anna!
Anna works alongside the Southern Universities Network (SUN) to help students recognise the routes of progression available to them, and to continue their journey in education!
We recently launched the new Careers Hub located in the College library so come and say hello to Carol and Anna!
Lights - Camera - Action!
At Andover we always encourage our students to pursue their passion in order to develop a varied and desirable collection of skills for the workplace. Previous Hairdressing students have created fashion runways further developing their skills in beauty/make-up and fashion. In addition we help our students practice their presentation and communication skills, vital in the industry!
Student wellbeing and support
At Andover College we understand that starting college in these uncertain times can be daunting and we aim to make this process as simple as possible.
We have a dedicated team that provide our students with any additional support they need including;
- Counselling
- Carer support
- Childcare support
- Confidential one-to-one services
We have also recently introduced two new members to the wellbeing team ... Arlo and Romeo the Therapy Dogs!
Arlo and Romeo are part of the continued effort from Andover College to consistently improve on and add to provisions for students. They are based on campus with their owners throughout term.
Research has shown that students are significantly less stressed and anxious, and even have increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present. What good boys!