QQI Level 5 Hairdressing study plan
QQI Level 5 Hairdressing · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Hairdressing Theory and Professional Practice & Health, Safety and Hygiene in the Salon
Define the structure and growth cycle of hair and explain how each stage affects cutting, colouring and perming decisions
Distinguish between the three layers of the hair shaft and state the practical consequence of each for chemical services
Identify the main infection control and salon hygiene obligations that apply to tools, linen, surfaces and waste
Demonstrate the correct sequence for sanitising combs, clippers and bowls and state the contact time for each product type
List the professional and ethical responsibilities of a hairdresser towards client confidentiality and informed consent
Your checkpoint
A one-page annotated diagram of hair structure and growth cycle with a hygiene checklist of at least 12 salon items and their cleaning method
Hairdressing Theory and Professional Practice & Health, Safety and Hygiene in the Salon
Classify the main hair types and conditions using a written analysis framework
Explain the chemical composition of hair and how pH affects the cuticle during shampooing and colouring
Describe the salon's legal duties under health and safety legislation regarding hazardous substances and electrical equipment
Produce a risk assessment for a wet-shaving or colouring station covering at least six hazards
Justify why patch testing and strand testing are non-negotiable before chemical services
Your checkpoint
A completed sample risk assessment and a written hair analysis framework covering density, texture, porosity, elasticity and condition
Client Consultation, Analysis and Communication & Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Care
Conduct a structured consultation using open, closed and probing questions to establish client needs and history
Record a client consultation form that captures allergies, previous chemical services and lifestyle factors
Perform a scalp and hair condition assessment and select shampoo and conditioning products to match the findings
Explain the purpose and action of the main shampoo and conditioner ingredient groups
Describe safe massage movements for scalp care and state the contraindications for scalp massage
Your checkpoint
Three completed consultation forms from practice clients, each with a justified product recommendation and a written reflection on questioning technique
Cutting and Styling & Client Consultation, Analysis and Communication
Identify the main cutting tools and explain the effect of sectioning, elevation and tension on the finished shape
Describe at least four cutting techniques and the visual result each produces
Explain how face shape and hair characteristics influence the choice of a cutting or styling plan
Practise a client-centred consultation leading to an agreed cutting plan without using jargon
State the safety checks required before using scissors, clippers and razors on a client
Your checkpoint
A written cutting plan for three different face shapes with a sketch of sectioning, elevation and the intended result for each
Cutting and Styling & Colouring and Lightening
Explain the colour wheel and how underlying pigment affects the outcome of tinting and lightening
Describe the difference between temporary, semi-permanent and permanent colour and the chemistry behind each
Calculate the correct developer strength and mixing ratio for a given lift and target shade
Outline the stages of a colour service from patch test to aftercare advice
Identify the causes and correction options for common colour faults such as banding, patchiness and brassiness
Your checkpoint
A colour portfolio of five worked examples showing target shade, underlying pigment, formula, developer strength, processing time and expected result
Colouring and Lightening & Perming and Chemical Texture Services
Explain how a perm lotion breaks and reforms disulphide bonds and why neutralising is essential
Distinguish between the main wrapping techniques and the curl pattern each produces
Describe the test curl procedure and the factors that affect processing time
State the contraindications to perming and the pre-perm tests required
Compare the effects of perming, relaxing and colouring on the same hair and identify incompatible sequences
Your checkpoint
A written perming plan for two hair types including rod selection, winding pattern, lotion and neutraliser timings, and a test curl record
Long Hairdressing and Upstyling & Salon Business, Customer Service and Employability
Describe the preparation and sectioning required for a classic upstyle and a long-hair set
Explain how to balance a style for a client's face shape, hair length and occasion
Outline the key components of a salon price list and how service costs are calculated
Explain the salon's complaints procedure and the standards of professional communication expected
Identify the main consumer protection rights that apply to salon services
Your checkpoint
A step-by-step upstyle plan with a sectioning diagram and a one-page salon costing example showing product, time and overhead costs
Work Experience and Professional Development & Salon Business, Customer Service and Employability
Write a professional CV and cover letter targeting a junior stylist or assistant role in an Irish salon
Prepare answers to five common interview questions using specific salon examples
Produce a reflective log of your work experience identifying three strengths and three development needs
Explain the role of continuing professional development in maintaining registration and standards
Build a revision timetable that revisits all ten domains before the assessment
Your checkpoint
A finished CV, a mock interview self-assessment and a completed reflective work-experience log with a personal development plan
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain hair structure, growth cycle and salon hygiene duties without notes and has completed a full risk assessment
Week 4: Can run a full consultation and produce a justified cutting plan for a given face shape and hair type
Week 6: Can calculate a colour formula and a perming plan correctly and state the contraindications for both
Week 8: Has a complete portfolio of all deliverables, a finished CV and a revision timetable covering every domain