Hairstyling

Description

This program covers all the skills required to work in the Hairstyling trade. Offered in a condensed 3-semester format, students complete the diploma in one year through progressive levels of theory and practical techniques. Students are introduced to relevant legislation in the trade, health and safety issues, professional ethics, communication skills, and entrepreneurial practices, including preparation for entering into the workforce. The program focuses on hands-on training in hair cutting and styling, hair design, as well as colouring and lightening, permanent wave, and hair additions. Students also take a specialized course in relaxing/smoothing, colouring, cutting, and styling different hair textures.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will have completed all required in-school hours for the trade certification exam. Certified Hairstylists may find work in a variety of hair salons or other businesses that require similar services (for example, the fashion and entertainment industry). In addition, graduates may find work in the related industries that supply and manufacture hair styling products, including positions as brand educators or sales representatives. In certain circumstances, individuals with an Ontario College Diploma may acquire additional educational credentials, which could offer enhanced employment opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. complete all work in adherence to professional ethics, government regulations, health, safety, and workplace standards and policies, and according to manufacturer’s specifications;
2. engage in self-care including ergonomics, hygiene, safe use of equipment, and stress management activities to prevent issues and maintain physical, emotional, and mental health;
3. use business and entrepreneurial skills and strategies to establish work as a hairstylist;
4. plan and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance, adapt to changes, and maintain currency with the hairstyling industry;
5. use inclusive customer service, consultation, and communication strategies to meet and adapt to diverse client needs and expectations;
6. select and apply hair and scalp products, preparatory procedures and/or treatments based on hair and scalp analysis, process requirements, and client needs;
7. select and use a variety of hair cutting techniques and grooming tools according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations;
8. select and use standard and specialized techniques to effectively style wet and dry hair according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations;
9. perform chemical and non-chemical texture services including permanent wave and relaxers according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations;
10. formulate and apply products to colour, lighten, darken, tone, highlight and lowlight hair, and/or correct colour to the desired level according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations;
11. identify fibre types and use application techniques, specialized tools, and maintenance procedures when working with hair additions according to all hair types, client needs and expectations;
12. use environmentally sustainable hairstyling practices and products to support personal, ecological, social, and economic well-being.

Program Progression

The following reflects the planned progression for full-time offerings of the program.

Fall Intake 

• Sem 1: Fall 2026
• Sem 2: Winter 2027
• Sem 3: Summer 2027

Winter Intake 

• Sem 1: Winter 2027
• Sem 2: Summer 2027
• Sem 3: Fall 2027

Summer Intake 

• Sem 1: Summer 2027
• Sem 2: Fall 2027
• Sem 3: Winter 2028

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Graduation Requirements

19 Program Courses
1 Communications Course
3 General Education Courses

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year, and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester unless otherwise stated on the course outline.

Program Tracking

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the Fall intake of the program. Where more  than one intake is offered  contact the program co-ordinator for the program tracking.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
Program Courses
HAIR 1010	Preparatory Procedures and Treatments	56
HAIR 1011	Health and Safety	56
HAIR 1012	Style Hair: Basic	84
HAIR 1013	Cut Hair: Basic	98
HAIR 1014	Colour and Lighten Hair: Basic	98
HAIR 1015	Client Services	28
HAIR 1016	Professional Issues	28
Communications Course
Select1 course from the Communications list during registration.		42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
	Hours	532
Semester 2
Program Courses
ENTR 1007	Entrepreneurial Skills	28
HAIR 1017	Cut Hair: Intermediate	84
HAIR 1018	Perm Hair	98
HAIR 1019	Style Hair: Intermediate	70
HAIR 1020	Hair Additions	70
HAIR 1021	Colour and Lighten Hair: Intermediate	112
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
	Hours	504
Semester 3
Program Courses
HAIR 2008	Hair Salon Clinic	84
HAIR 2009	Texture Services	84
HAIR 2010	Cut Hair: Advanced	84
HAIR 2011	Colour and Lighten Hair: Advanced	98
HAIR 2012	Industry Preparation	28
HAIR 2013	Style Hair: Advanced	70
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.		42
	Hours	490
	Total Hours	1526

Graduation Window

Students unable to adhere to the program duration of one year (as stated above) may take a maximum of two years to complete their credential. After this time, students must be re-admitted into the program, and follow the curriculum in place at the time of re-admission.

Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. 

Program outlines may be subject to change in response to emerging situations, in order to facilitate student achievement of the learning outcomes required for graduation. Components such as courses, progression, coop work terms, placements, internships and other requirements may be delivered differently than published.