FAQs

Why should I choose Vidal Sassoon Academy over another institution?

Vidal Sassoon training is globally recognised as the ultimate in hairdressing education, providing you with a passport to a successful career in the international world of hair. Synonymous with excellence, the Vidal Sassoon Academy delivers the finest education for beginners and experienced hair professionals.

For over 65 years, the reputation of Vidal Sassoon has been built on developing and providing world-class education at our hair academies and education centres around the globe. Through an unparalleled system of training that has become definitive, our instructors deliver our hairdressing courses with passion and professionalism, inspiring generations of Hair Professionals of all levels of experience.

Continually developing an ever-evolving series of educational opportunities that have become definitive, including its world-renowned propriety methods, abc Cutting And Colouring Hair The Vidal Sassoon Way. That legacy and commitment to sharing knowledge has grown exponentially over the last six decades and positions Vidal Sassoon Academy as the global leader in industry education. 

The forward thinking that epitomises Vidal Sassoon Academy continues to be seen on a daily basis with the wide range of courses offered to meet a variety of experience levels and learning needs. We strive to guide all of our students to achieve technical and creative excellence, and with the selection of courses available, plus continuous evolvement of our curriculums to reflect our seasonal collections and trends, we believe that no other institution compares to Sassoon Academy.

How long are your courses?

UK locations

We have different course lengths and levels available to suit your needs - from a one-day bespoke one-on-one tuition to 5-day courses which run every week, right through to our longest course - our 30-week Beginners Diploma course.

US locations

For licensed hair professionals, Sassoon Academy offers several advanced two day courses. We also offer one-on-one bespoke tuition which can be organized for any number of days.

To find out which course would be suitable for you contact our team of advisors who will be happy to advise you.

Who are your Instructors?

Extremely talented individuals with extensive experience and knowledge of the Vidal Sassoon proprietary methods, our Instructors are the friendliest, passionate and most patient people you will meet. They will encourage you every step of the way and work diligently to ensure you obtain the most out of your time at the Vidal Sassoon Academy.

Who are your students?

Our students are a combination of loyal, experienced hair professionals who want to update their skills and new students who would like to experience the Vidal Sassoon method for the first time. We appreciate that it takes commitment and courage to study something new, especially if you are changing careers and have not been inside a classroom for some time. However, bear in mind that you will be taking a course with likeminded individuals, who are also passionate and committed to education. They will accompany you on your Vidal Sassoon journey and oftentimes become lifelong friends and invaluable contacts in the industry.

Are there any entry requirements?

UK locations

It depends on the course you want to take, as some courses will require a certain level of experience. There are no prerequisites for any of the Beginners Diploma courses, except passion, drive and commitment (and being aged 18 and over).

If you’re not based within the UK, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Please see the below link to check whether you will need to apply for a visa or  for more information:

https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

US locations

Other than being a licensed hair professional, there are no prerequisites for most of our advanced courses.

If you have never attended Vidal Sassoon Academy, we recommend starting your education with our abc Cutting course as it shares the fundamental Vidal Sassoon techniques and practices.

For details contact our dedicated team of consultants who will be happy to advise you.

What is the usual age of students taking courses at Vidal Sassoon Academy?

We have a diverse client base and find that our students’ ages vary widely. Aside from being at least 18 years old and having a current license, we are open to all ages.

What level are your courses?

UK Locations

We offer a variety of courses to meet all levels of experience. Courses range from one day to our 30-week Beginners Diploma course, from one-day one-on-one bespoke tuition to short term, long term and specialist courses. 

US locations

Advanced courses are available for licensed hair professionals of all experience levels. The small learner to teacher ratio size allows our instructors to address each student’s educational needs.

To determine the best course to fit your needs, please contact our dedicated team of consultants who will be happy to advise you.

Is it possible to gain an NVQ qualification at Vidal Sassoon Academy?

Yes, our 30-week Beginners Diploma course works towards NVQ level 3 administered by the examining body City and Guilds.

Is it possible to gain a cosmetology license at Vidal Sassoon Academy?

We offer continuing education courses for licensed hair professionals, but currently do not offer a cosmetology program at Sassoon.

English is not my first language. Can I still take courses?

All courses are taught in English, and students must speak conversational English or hire an interpreter. We do not provide interpreters, but we can provide you with a list of recommended interpreters.

For more information, please contact our advisors

What should I wear?

There is no specific dress code –but we do ask you to dress professionally when attending a course with us.

What should I bring with me?

UK locations

If you are taking a Beginners Diploma course, a full equipment kit will be provided free of charge. 

For all ladies cutting courses, you will need to bring scissors, cutting comb, brushes and sectioning clips as well as a pen for note taking.

For all men’s cutting courses, you will need to bring scissors, cutting combs, barbering combs, brushes, rechargeable/battery powered clippers without guards and sectioning clips as well as a pen for note taking.

For all colouring courses, you will need to bring tint brushes, pin tail comb, wide tooth comb, brushes, balayage board, apron and sectioning clips as well as a pen for not taking.

Any other items required will be provided for your use.

US locations

For all ladies cutting courses, you will need to bring scissors, hair dryer, diffuser, flat iron,  cutting comb, barbering combs, brushes, water spray and sectioning clips as well as a pen for note taking.

For all men’s cutting courses, you will need to bring scissors, hair dryer, diffuser, flat iron,  scissors, cutting combs, barbering combs, brushes, rechargeable/battery powered clippers without guards and sectioning clips as well as a pen for note taking.

For all coloring courses, you will need to bring tint brushes, pin tail comb, tint comb, brushes, hair dryer, diffuser, flat iron, apron and sectioning clips as well as a pen for note taking.

Mannequin heads and all hair care and finishing products will be provided for hands on work sessions.

Do I need to bring my own mannequin head/models?

UK locations

All models will be provided. Where courses are taught on mannequin heads, these will also be provided.

US locations

All mannequin heads will be provided by us. In the case of one-on-one tuition being taught on models, all models will be provided by us.

Can you tailor make a course to suit my needs?

Yes, we offer bespoke one-on-one tuition which can be tailored to suit your needs. For more details contact our dedicated admin team.

Do you provide accommodations?

Vidal Sassoon does not provide accommodation.

What is the deadline for applications?

There is no deadline to make a booking; we take bookings until the course is filled to capacity. Therefore, we recommend that you make a booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment

How do I make a booking?

UK locations

When you are ready to make a booking, simply fill out and return our application form with the required deposit. Once we have received your deposit, a member of our team will confirm your booking via email. 30 days before the course start date, we will require the remaining payment (with the exception of students on diploma courses using extended payment plans).

US locations

When you are ready to make a booking, simply fill out and return our application form with the required payment. Once we have received your payment, a member of our team will confirm your booking via email.

How can I pay for the course?

UK locations

Credit/debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are welcomed and all payments must be made in Pounds Sterling. Credit/debit card payments can be made via our website when placing a booking or an online payment link can be provided on request. We do not process card payments over the phone.

On request, payment may also be made by bank transfer. Please note that this carries a UK bank fee of 12.00 Pounds Sterling.

We do not accept payment via cheques.

US locations

Credit/debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are welcomed and all payments must be in US dollars. Credit/debit card payments can be made via our website when placing a booking or an online payment link can be sent out upon request. We do not process card payments over the phone. 

How much is the deposit?

UK Locations

We require a £3000.00 deposit for our Beginners Diploma and Post Graduate courses. For all other courses, we require a 50% deposit of the total course fee upon booking.

Are there any student loans or funding available to help with the costs of the course?

UK Locations

Extended payment plans are available for selected long-term courses. However, while some banks offer loans to help pay the cost of vocational training, there exists no UK government funding for private educational institutions.