Originally Posted by minky

I don't think its fair to say that only level 3 is a REAL hairdresser,
I have seen plenty of level twos who are much better hairdressers than some level threes ,I wouldn't say that level twos just play at it , besides Ive seen some level twos finding it easy to create super styles and satisfying awkward clients, some people are just not cut out for paperwork but these people can be extremely gifted and talented hairdressers who are an asset to any salon.

JD
I found the difference between level two and level three is a lot of paperwork involving health and safety/ stock control/risk assessment/fire hazards/ lots more paperwork covering all of level 2 again. a promotional show which you have to arrange on paper covering the minutes also the actual show itself, and other units too,
you also have some optional units you can pick yourself eg assessor units
training and development ,or other photo shoot units ect this should all depend what you are aiming for in your career? also you get to do corrective color work which is good ,but then again as someone said continuing personal development such as color courses , cutting courses by reputable company's and in house training are just as good. IMO if you want to train or teach hairdressing you will need Level 3 to progress to a higher level , eg to take a teaching level which you will now need to teach hairdressing at FE colleges, but this is in the uk , you would also need it to progress to an assessor level to assess learners and mark their work or to be an internal verifier / external verifier, lots more hard work too ,but then again it depends what you want and what you want to progress to,

JD , I have my level three it does not make you a better hairdresser I think it widens your academic thinking /teaching and business side of things. Yes I would say go for it, but not because you need to better your hairdressing I think your standards are exceedingly high already and I think you keep them up to date too (from what can I see,) which a level three stylist also has to do (CPD). I think personally you would make a great teacher/ assessor also you could pass your very wide knowledge on to others , I found level three hard work but I fast tracked mine, in hindsight I should have spread it out a little more . I hope Ive helped you a bit,and I hope you make the right decision for yourself and your career,