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Hair and Beauty

Master the art of massage, learn the latest hair trends and perfect your colouring skills as you prepare to work in professional salons or provide mobile hair and beauty services.

On all courses, you’ll learn the skills and experiences needed for this ever-changing industry in our salons.

Hairdressing student and tutor working on a client

Elwick Salon

Our high street quality commercial salon offers a range of hair and beauty treatments under the supervision of our expert lecturers.

Our on-site salon supports your learning experience, giving you a perfect opportunity to practise your new-found skills.

You’ll even work with real clients, from which you’ll gain all-important customer service skills and learn about client care.

“My favourite treatment is hot stone massage. It’s something I’ve learned this year and I really enjoy it. I also enjoy working with clients. We have client sessions every week, and I’ve carried out treatments such as electrical facials and massages.

“I also study nails in the evening alongside my main course, so by the time I finish college I’ll have a range of different skills and treatments that I can offer.”

Diaz-Destiny
Level 3 Beauty Therapy

Featured news and blogs from Hair and Beauty

Staff Spotlight: Jemma Collier

Our team have years of industry experience and are ready to welcome you into the salon with their knowledge and expertise.

Read the blog to meet Jemma, our Skills Practitioner, and to hear how she helps students in College.

A man blow drying a customers hair

Soul's experience in Barbering

Soul joined our Level 2 Barbering course with the goal of entering a new sector.

We caught up with him to learn more about his experience as an adult learner, and how returning to education has changed his outlook on life.

two students at the loreal hairdressing talk

L'Oreal Paris inspire Hairdressing students

Hairdressing students recently attended an interactive showcase with L’Oréal Paris.

The event, held in Broadstairs, was designed to inspire students about future careers in the hairdressing industry.

Experience Thailand with EKC Ashford College Beauty students

4 May 2026
Beauty students took their learning to Thailand, gaining hands-on training, cultural experience, and insight into the global beauty industry.
Beauty students travel to Thailand

How you apply for a course at EKC Ashford College

Step 1 – Find a course you’re interested in

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.

Step 2 – Apply

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.

Step 3 – Receive a decision on your application

After you have applied, a decision will be made on your application.

If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.

Study Hair and Beauty as an adult

We offer a variety of part-time and short courses, specifically designed for adult learners.

Whether you’re looking to begin a new career, upskill and add services to your offer or simply learn more about a hobby, we’ve got a course for you.

Sonya's experience as an adult learner

Meet Sonya! She followed her dreams and joined our Hairdressing course, she’s now hoping to style the Hollywood stars.

Whether you’re starting a new career or picking up a new skill, our state-of-the-art facilities and expert guidance are here to help you succeed.

Outside shot of Ashford College

Career prospects

Example:
Massage therapist
£
£36,920
Annual pay
Annual pay is per year, based on full-time employment and on the South East region.
Role description
Complementary health associate professionals use non-mainstream treatments in support of conventional medical treatments.
Data powered by LMI for All

“I’ve always had a passion for hairdressing and knew I wanted to do something within Hair and Beauty industry as a career.

“I enjoy colouring the most, and would love to specialise as a colourist in the future because I get to be really creative and fun with my work, and every result is different.”

Phoebe
Level 3 Hairdressing

“I’ve always had an interest in Beauty so decided I’d like to make a career out of it. I enjoy having the opportunity to take part in practical sessions, where I can really improve my techniques.

“My favourite treatment is waxing, I find it very therapeutic, it’s also nice to be able to see a big difference in my client before and after.”

Maisie
Level 2 Beauty Therapy

“I completed Level 2 hairdressing. The practical tasks, like learning how to put on foils and cutting hair were highlights of the course for me.

“College has a lot of differences to school, in school you’re mainly sitting at a desk, but here you get to be practical and engage with the lecturers.”

Jessica
Level 2 Hairdressing

We’re part of six community-based colleges

Our mission is to empower our communities to develop their economic and social prosperity in a rapidly changing world.