Hairdressing at UHI Orkney's Student Salon

Whether you’re starting out or looking to develop your skills, our hairdressing courses provide a practical introduction to the techniques and knowledge needed to work in the industry.

Taught by experienced professionals with strong links to the local sector, you’ll build confidence while developing the core skills required to begin your journey in hairdressing.

You can also find out more about our student salon and the services available to clients below.

Cut, Colour, Create. Gain the Skills to Style Your Future.

Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5

Start your journey in hairdressing.

Our NC Hairdressing Level 5 course designed for those new to the subject, offering a practical introduction to essential hairdressing techniques and salon skills.

You’ll begin to develop confidence in areas such as styling, client care and professional practice, while gaining an understanding of the standards expected within a salon environment.

This course provides a strong foundation for further study in hairdressing.

Hairdressing at SCQF Level 6

Build your skills and refine your technique.

Our NC Hairdressing Level 6 course allows you to build on existing skills and develop more advanced techniques in cutting, styling and colouring.

You’ll continue to grow your confidence, creativity and professionalism while preparing for progression into employment or further training within the hairdressing industry.

Train in a Real Salon

Our Student Salon is a vibrant training space where our students provide a wide range of hairdressing services under the supervision of experienced tutors.

This gives students the opportunity to develop their skills in a real salon setting, working with a variety of clients and hair types while building confidence in a professional environment. At the same time, clients benefit from a high standard of service delivered in a supportive, learning-focused space.

Our Student Salon reflects the pace and atmosphere of a working salon, helping students become familiar with managing appointments, interacting with clients and maintaining professional standards throughout the service.

Our Student Salon is open to the general public, as well as UHI Orkney staff and students, and is based in the Weyland Building above our main campus on East Road in Kirkwall.

What to expect as a client

We welcome both new and returning clients to our Student Salon, where you can enjoy a professional service while supporting our students as they develop their skills.

A wide range of services is available, including cutting, styling and colouring, all carried out under tutor supervision.

Example prices (as of January 2026) include:

  • Shampoo & blow dry from £10
  • Cut & blow dry from £15
  • Root colour from £25
  • Full head colour from £30
  • Highlights from £30
  • Balayage from £40

As our students are learning throughout each appointment, services may take a little longer than in a commercial salon. We ask clients to allow extra time and enjoy the experience of being part of a training environment.

Appointments must be booked in advance, as we do not offer walk-in services.

For colour services, a skin test is required at least 48 hours in advance, and clients must be aged 16 or over.

Bookings & Enquiries

To discuss any of our hairdressing courses, or to book in as a client, please get in touch with our Salon team:

Please note that opening times may vary — for the latest updates, please follow our Hairdressing at UHI Orkney Facebook page.