Hair, Beauty & MAKE-UP

It’s a fact, when we look good it helps us to feel good. So, it’s no surprise that Hair, Beauty and Make-up is a global, multi-billion-pound industry and here at The Manchester College – the No.1 College in Greater Manchester for achievement* - we offer you a huge range of tools to become part of this exciting enterprise.

Hair, Beauty and Make-up continues to be one of the fastest growing industries as it constantly evolves; social media influencers and brand ambassadors encourage us to experiment with design techniques, styles and treatments to help us create a transformation.

The men’s grooming market is booming and the art of barbering has been revitalised in recent years, as more men appreciate and take pride in their appearance. But it goes further than simply following a ‘trend’ – it takes skill to create it and that’s where you can play your part.

If you’re looking for a future in which you have the opportunity to learn how to express your creative flair, channel your communication skills and work with a variety of fascinating people, in an industry as diverse and colourful as the products you’ll use, then we have the specialism and training you need.

Our courses offer the opportunity for you to work in prominent salons and studios in the area, helping to build your confidence and skills, and when you’re ready, you have the chance to work with paying clients in our very own hairdressing and beatuy therapy studios.

*As per the latest Government National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs)

It starts with you!

Get career ready with us and unlock your potential today, view our range of Hair, Beauty and Make-up courses and apply to study at the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*.

Aged 16-18? Apply now

Aged 19+? Apply now

Whether you’re leaving school and want to start your journey in hair, beauty and make-up industry or you’re an adult looking to change careers, we have a range of Hair, Beauty and Make-up courses available from Entry Level to Level 3.

16-18 courses

You’ll join our Centre of Excellence for Hair, Beauty and Make-up when you enrol on any of our Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing or Make-up courses and have the opportunity to take part in work experience in prominent salons and studios in the area, building your confidence and skills. Once you're ready, you'll also get the the chance to work with paying clients in our studios.

Browse our 16-18 courses

Adult courses

If you’re over the age of 19, we offer a range of courses and short courses throughout the year.

Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, you want to explore the hair, beauty or make-up industry or you’re already in the industry and want to add a new treatment to your repertoire, our courses are suitable for all ages and abilities.

We offer adult courses in a wide range of specialist areas such as Salon Management, Gel Polish, Spray Tanning, Beard Work, Skin Fade and much more!

Browse our 19+ Adult courses

With a wealth of experience across the Hair, Beauty and Make-up industry, our team are perfectly placed to support and guide you to a successful career.

You’ll learn from their experiences running and owning their own salons as well as working with some of the leading brands in the industry.

Passionate about teaching the next generation of Hair, Beauty and Make-up professionals, they are constantly ensuring their knowledge and skills are up-to-date by continuing to work in industry and by attending skills sessions from well-known salons and brands.

Get to know some of our tutors:

Jill Riley - Assistant Principal

Jill has worked in Further Education for over 30 years and has a specialist background in the skincare, beauty and health industries. She is passionate about enabling students to be the best they can be and helping them to gain exciting and fulfilling careers.

Jacqui Taylor - Head of Department

Jacqui joined The Manchester College as Head of Department for Hair, Beauty and Make-up in 2023 with over 40 years’ experience in the beauty, holistic and hair industries and more than 32 years’ experience in education. 

She began her career working in a salon, gaining skills and developing her knowledge in a range of roles before owning her own hair salon for 17 years. She is passionate about education and believes that all studentss should have the opportunity to develop their skills, behaviours, attitudes and values to support their progression to industry.

Lisa Breakey - Department Team Leader

Lisa has more than 30 years’ experience working and teaching in the industry having worked as a Hairstylist and Head Hairstylist as well as a Wig Stylist providing services for TV, theatres and the NHS.

Lisa has dedicated over 15 years to teaching a range of Hair, Beauty and Make-up programmes at further education level and is focused on ensuring each learner receives an equal opportunity to reach their full potential as the next generation of stylists, therapists and business owners.

Hannah Feely - Course Leader

Hannah has more than 10 years’ experience working for agencies and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, specialising in bridal and special occasion make-up. She’s passionate about studentss gaining good quality work experience and the employability skills needed to join this ever-changing and high-pressured industry.

She has a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion and Media Make-up Artistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Leadership within Education.

North and South Manchester Studios of Hairdressing, Beauty and Make-up

Get a fresh cut, a trending style, an amazing make-over or enjoy a relaxing pampering session from the next generation of hairdressers, barbers, make-up artists and beauty therapists in our fully equipped, state of the art studios.

Open to students, staff and members of the general public.

For more information, to request a treatment price list or to book an appointment or consultation call:

North Manchester Studio of Hairdressing

Harpurhey Campus
Rochdale Road
Harpurhey
Manchester
M9 4AF

Tel. 0161 674 3254

South Manchester Studio of Hairdressing and Beauty*

Wythenshawe Campus 
Brownley Road
Wythenshawe
Manchester
M22 9UH

Tel. 0161 674 8230

By enrolling on one of our Hair and Beauty courses, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from our state-of-the-art facilities at our Harpurhey Campus in north Manchester and the new facilities at our Wythenshawe Campus in south Manchester. So, wherever you live, you’re not far from starting your journey towards a career in the hair and beauty industry.

Offering an amazing student experience to everyone who walks through the doors, our newly improved facilities at both our Harpurhey and Wythenshawe campuses offer a range of modern indoor and outdoor spaces for you to get the most out of your time at college. What’s more, you’ll be studying in facilities that match any salon you’d see on the high street!

The Manchester College is committed to ensuring all our students receive the support they may need to achieve and enjoy college. We do this in a number of different ways including:

  • Student Experience Support Team
  • Careers Employability & Welfare
  • Pastoral Support Officers
  • Supported Learning

We also offer a bespoke transition service to new applicants with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), accessibility or medical need.

Find out more about our student support offer:

Student support

Start something new with our Adult Education courses for 19+ starting in 2024/25! 

Browse our wide range of courses and apply now.

Browse our 19+ adult courses

 

Find out even more about our Hair, Beauty and Make-up department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:

Download our subject area guide

Watch our YouTube playlist

Stay up-to-date with everything that's going on in our Hair, Beauty and Make-up department via social media:

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Create the defining look of a generation

Explore our degrees in Make Artistry, SFX and many more.

Top Careers Opportunities

Zoe Derench

I’ve learnt techniques including creative styling, bridal hair and men’s hair and have found creative styling the most interesting. My tutor is always there when we need help and to boost our confidence. I’m hoping to open my own salon in the future.

Zoe Derench • Hairdressing Level 3

Suffer from adhd and the tutors have really helped me to get on track and follow my dreams. I have so much confidence to succeed and they are all very encouraging.

Rebecca Grange Yanez • Nail Technologies

In one of The Manchester College’s 19 Centres of Excellence you’ll develop the skills and gain the qualifications that you need to take the next steps towards your dream career.

Learn more