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 with professional ethics, government regulations, workplace standards and policies, and according to manufacturer’s specifications, as applicable;
2. facilitate the provision of a healthy and safe working environment and perform sanitization procedures in accordance with related health regulations and legislation;
3. apply entrepreneurial skills to the operation and administration of a hair styling business;
4. adapt to various and changing technologies, applications, and procedures in the hair styling industry, and develop and present a plan outlining future professional development;
5. develop and use client service strategies that meet and adapt to individual client needs and expectations;
6. select and administer preparatory procedures and/or treatments to the hair and scalp using individually selected products to meet the expectations of the client;
7. identify, select, and use a variety of tools to cut hair according to the needs and expectations of the client;
8. select and use standard and specialized techniques to effectively style wet and dry hair;
9. perform a permanent wave using current and relevant methods according to hair type and style;
10. chemically relax hair by selecting and applying relevant knowledge of, and skills with, chemical products and techniques in order to meet the needs and expectations of the client;
11. colour, lighten, tone, highlight and lowlight hair, and/or remove pigment to the level of colour desired;
12. compare and contrast fibre types, application procedures, specialized tools, and maintenance procedures when working with hair additions;
13. perform hairstyling using environmentally sustainable practices.

Program Progression

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

Fall Intake 

• Sem 1: Fall 2025
• Sem 2: Winter 2026
• Sem 3: Summer 2026

Winter Intake 

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

Summer Intake 

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

Admission Requirements

OSSD or equivalent with

• 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
2 Communications Courses
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
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
ENTR 1007	Entrepreneurial Skills	28
Communications Course
Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.		42
General Education Course
Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.		42
	Hours	546
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	1568

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.