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Hair Design

INFO SESSIONS & TOURS   Hair design Next Date: May 29, 2013 more information »

Make a career designing great hair. Demand for qualified hairsylists and barbers continues to grow along with public desire for specialized personal services.
VCC is the only public institution in Metro Vancouver offering cosmetology programs.

If you know the admission requirements,

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Career Prospects Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses Check Course Schedule

Program Description

This program is divided into three levels and is 10 months in length. The first two levels of this program are designed to cover all core aspects of the industry on a progressive scale, demanding an increase in competence at each level. The final level is specifically designed for the student to complete their chosen course of study.

Theoretical knowledge and practical training are covered in such areas as client relations, men's and ladies hair cutting, permanent waving, shaving, hair colouring, hair and scalp treatments, facials and manicures, and disorders of the scalp and skin. Salon management, bookkeeping, reception and desk functions, and business services are also an integral part of this program. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive work-based hours of training credit towards an apprenticeship and are eligible to write the ITA exam.

Students who complete both the full-time hair design program and full-time skin and body therapy program are eligible to receive a cosmetology diploma.

Classes are generally held Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (subject to change).

See changes to apprentice financial support.

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time January, March, May, September 10 months Certificate or Diploma Downtown Full-time

Career Prospects

Well-trained hairstylists are in constant demand in every community. Graduates specializing in ladies and men's hair design, technical chemical composition, and current industry standards will be eligible to secure employment in large or small salons, or they may wish to open their own business.

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1. Grade 10 graduation or equivalent.
2. Applicants without Grade 10 documentation require a minimum score of 30/88 on the VCC-ABE Reading assessment, or for applicants who don't have English as a first language, successful completion of Lower Advanced ESL or a Canadian Language Benchmark of Listening 7, Speaking 6, Reading 6, and Writing 4 or equivalent.

Recommended characteristics

• Performing in a busy, fast-paced and stressful environment
• Strong and efficient organizational skills, ability to multi-task
• Sincere interest in administering personal services
• Interpersonal and communication skills required for providing customer service with a pleasant and outgoing personality
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Manual dexterity and creative ability
• Normal colour vision
• Good depth perception and ability to perceive line and form
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to plan and work independently
• Self-motivated and a sense of responsibility

Program Status

Accepting applications

VCC is accepting applications from international students.

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and only students who pay the required fees (including a non-refundable deposit that cannot be deferred from student loan) are registered into the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.443.8450. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $6,301.70

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $15,770.65 $153.75 - All international students pay international tuition fees. For more information, please contact VCC's international education office at study@vcc.ca or 604.443.8600.

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $93.48 Student union fee $49.62 Student union health plan fee $147.57 Student union dental plan fee $140.58 U-Pass $300 Other costs This is a differential fee program and tuition fees are substantially higher than other programs. A Deposit is due 3 weeks after acceptance into a class. Remaining balance is due 3 months prior to start date of training. Hairstyling kit and textbooks: $1,546.39

Additional Information

Health Requirements:

Some materials used in the program may affect those with sensitive skin and conditions such as sensitivity to latex or other allergies.

Courses