To study to become a hairdresser at 50

[Jo Jo Diamonds]

Hi guys. I've worked in admin my whole life but I always wanted to work in hair and beauty. Last year I completed an accredited (in Australia) certificate in nail technology and I love doing nails as a hobby. I'm tossing up whether to study further hairdressing or Beauty therapy. I'm turning 50 this year and feel like I need to decide!

I am probably too old to complete a 4 year apprenticeship but I've heard the fast track courses aren't up to scratch? Am I too old to retrain? I am a Single mum so this is a major change.

Just needing advice particularly from anyone who may have done this in their late 40's and your experiences?

 

[AcidPerm]

I trained in my 40’s on a fast track college course. It was OK but I definitely wasn’t salon ready after 2 years completing City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3. There’s a good reason why Apprenticeships take 4 years!

If you were in the U.K., I’d recommend attending an intensive fast track course with a company like the Sassoon Academy as their teaching is excellent and because the fees are high, you don’t get the time wasting students that you find in college.

Another option would be to specialise early on after completing your basic qualification in either Cutting, Colouring or Styling (bridal hair etc.) and complete advanced training in one area. For instance, if you have a natural flair for styling long hair, you could set up a wedding and party hair styling service. You could add make-up services too and offer a complete package.

 

[Jo Jo Diamonds]

I trained in my 40’s on a fast track college course. It was OK but I definitely wasn’t salon ready after 2 years completing City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3. There’s a good reason why Apprenticeships take 4 years!

If you were in the U.K., I’d recommend attending an intensive fast track course with a company like the Sassoon Academy as their teaching is excellent and because the fees are high, you don’t get the time wasting students that you find in college.

Another option would be to specialise early on after completing your basic qualification in either Cutting, Colouring or Styling (bridal hair etc.) and complete advanced training in one area. For instance, if you have a natural flair for styling long hair, you could set up a wedding and party hair styling service. You could add make-up services too and offer a complete package.

Thank you for your reply I have a lot to think about. Great suggestions thanks

 

[Hair Teacher]

Hi
I re-trained when I was 40 and did an NVQ level 1, 2, 3 and 4. I am now a lecturer in hairdressing and teach adults on a fast track course. The course does work but depends on the input and time that you dedicate to it as the time I spend with my learners tends to be focussed on the practical elements with theory embedded in and lots of self study for revision towards the knowledge elements. I also encourage them to gain salon experience during the course as you learn so much by observing stylists at work. The courses I deliver are VRQ at level 2 & 3, I always encourage students to partake in both as following a level 2 you are not ready in my opinion. These courses run over two evenings a week over 36 weeks. I also teach apprentices. I would go for a good quality, accredited course run through an FE college over an academic year and try to find a salon (once back open) to allow you some voluntary hours. Good luck.

 

[vicky2231]

Hi hair teacher, l just read your reply. I hope you don’t mind me asking. I have been hairdressing for many years. I trained in London. I didn’t get NVQ’s as training was all in house. It was a 3 yr apprenticeship. Plus training on days off and evenings. I would now like to get into teaching. Do you know what formal qualifications I would need as I keep getting very different advice and am at a bit of a loss.
Many thanks

 

[Hair Teacher]

Hi

Yes, you need to get an assessors qualification (TAQA) if you wish to teach VRQ or NVQ's. If you wish to teach you need to gain a teaching qualification within 3 years of teaching - PGCE (level 6) if you have a degree, Cert Ed 14+ (level 5) if you haven't. All these courses have to be done alongside employment in teaching.

 

[vicky2231]

Thank you so much for your help.