96% would recommend NESCol to others.
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
Bringing hair & beauty to life.
Courses
Embark on an exciting career, centred around confidence, creativity and self-care.
The hair, beauty and complementary therapies industries are driven by the latest trends in fashion and wellbeing. In NESCol’s specialist training salons, you’ll work with real clients and receive guidance from experienced tutors.
You’ll help your clients look and feel their best, often for some of life’s biggest moments. With many of our courses also involving placement opportunities, you’ll have the tools and techniques to thrive in your chosen career path.
View all full-time hair, beauty & complementary therapies courses
As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time and distance learning in hair, beauty & complementary therapies where you can study at a location near you or choose to study online.
View all part-time hair, beauty & complementary therapies courses
View all distance learning hair, beauty & complementary therapies courses
63,800
hair and beauty businesses in the UK¹
The opportunities are endless. It’s such a fun, rewarding career and the job satisfaction from making your client feel better about themselves is priceless.”
Julie Ingram
Julie successfully completed VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy and VRQ Level 3 Diploma in Body and Spa Therapies at NESCol before working in salons in Scotland and overseas. Julie then returned to NESCol as a part-time lecturer whilst still working with her clients in the beauty industry.
Career opportunities
Beauty or Spa Therapist, Barber, Colour Technician, Complementary Therapist in oganisations such as the NHS, hospices, or clinics, Hairdress/ Hair Stylist, Make-Up Artist, Massage Therapist, Nail Technician, Salon Assistant, Salon Owner/ Manager, Salon Receptionist, Stylist within a televion or theatre company.
£5.8 billion
generated by the hair and beauty industry in 2024²
Where you can study
Hair and beauty students at our Fraserburgh and City campuses benefit from the very best facilities to perfect their technique, with professional salon services on offer to the public in relaxing and welcoming environments that are complete with the very latest equipment to keep pace with the industry.
Study Hair, Beauty and Complementary Therapies in Aberdeen
- 4,500+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 4 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
Our Aberdeen City Campus is situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.
Study Hair, Beauty and Complementary Therapies in Fraserburgh
- 950+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 2 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.
Study part-time
Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.
View all part-time hair, beauty and complementary therapies courses
What our students think
More than 4,100 full-time students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2025-2026 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.
"Learning at college has been incredibly fun."
96% feel safe and secure at College.
"I feel very supported in my learning and staff are very helpful."
93% feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace.
"Staff use their industry experience well."
Student stories
Don’t take our word for it!
Pabitra Kumal
HNC Complementary Therapies
Pabitra took her customer service skills from a career in hospitality and applied them to studying beauty therapy at NESCol. Having completed her HNC, she is now looking for employment in the wellness industry.
Cara Kuszpit
Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques
Since leaving College over a decade ago, Cara has built a successful career as a beauty therapist. She also runs an award-winning business, doing makeup and hair for weddings and special occasions.
Get in touch
Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.
Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.
¹ Source: NHBF
² Source: NHBF