Get top professional training in hairstyling and esthetics while practicing business management and serving real clients in VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.
What you will learn
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Perform all duties of a hairstylist in accordance with industry health and safety standards related to hygiene, sanitation and disinfection practices.
- Use and maintain tools and equipment according to industry standards.
- Demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills with clients and co-workers.
- Identify the structure and functions of the skin and the hair and recognize possible disease and disorders
- Perform shampooing, conditioning and scalp massaging services using the correct manipulations and professional haircare products.
- Demonstrate elevated and non-elevated haircuts using a variety of tools and techniques.
- Perform wet and dry hair styling using a variety of styling techniques, products and tools.
- Apply the fundamentals of preparing and applying professional colour and lightening products using specific applications and techniques.
- Demonstrate permanent wave procedures using a variety of tools and techniques.
- Describe the types and purposes of hair extensions, wigs and hairpieces.
- Apply fundamental business management knowledge and skills needed to operate a hair salon.
Upon successful completion of the Esthetics Certificate students will be able to:
- Practice skin and body therapies in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
- Describe human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nail, skin, body, and hair removal treatments.
- Perform spa treatments based on client consultation, skin analysis and nutritional needs.
- Apply the principles of colour and design to lash, brow and specialized makeup techniques.
- Perform in an ethical and professional manner conducive to spa environments.
- Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.
What to expect
The Hairstylist Certificate program is designed to meet the training needs of the Industry and the required training objectives established by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The Hairstylist program provides a wide range of student learning opportunities in the classroom, salon and workplace settings. Students will gain hands-on practical experience working with clients in the VCC Salon and Spa. Industry work experience provides students with additional opportunities to apply their knowledge and technical skills in a workplace setting. Classroom instruction is designed for students to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills which will be applied for success in the VCC Salon and Spa.
Active student learning and participation is emphasized throughout the program to promote the development of knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviour required for success in the industry. Lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, reflective journaling, and project based learning strategies are used throughout the program to promote student leaning.
Practical training is conducted in a fully equipped spa where treatments are offered as to the public, providing authentic industry experience preceded by the necessary theory.
Related theoretical content is delivered through lectures, demonstrations and various teaching aids in the classroom and is continuously integrated into the practical work.
Strategies include:
- Guest speakers such as product experts and spa owners
- Field trips such as trade shows, supply houses and skills competitions
- Case studies such as industry trends and skin analysis
Participation is integral to the development of practical skills in this program; therefore, students assume the role of client, therapist and spa coordinator.
Work practicum offers students spa industry work experience, opportunities to practice knowledge and skills learned at the college and potential for employment.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 10 English or equivalent.
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Courses *
Classes are run 3 days per week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday. Students will be expected to attend classes in the cohort schedules that are assigned to them. Although classes are only offered 3 days a week, students are expected to study, prepare for exams, and work on assignments during the remainder of the week.
Class times are subject to change.
Students may start with either the Hairstylist or Esthetics and Spa Therapy certificate, depending on seat availability upon admission.
Hairstylist Certificate
| erm One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HAIR 1010 | Hairstylist Foundation 1 | 16 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Two | ||
| HAIR 1020 | Hairstylist Foundation 2 | 16 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Three | ||
| HAIR 1030 | Hairstylist Foundation 3 | 9 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Esthetics and Spa Therapy Certificate
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESTH 1010 | Esthetics & Spa Therapy 1 | 16 |
| ESTH 1020 | Esthetics & Spa Therapy 2 | 16 |
| ESTH 1030 | Esthetics & Spa Therapy 3 | 9 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
Student may start with either the Hairstylist or Esthetics certificate, depending on seats availability.
Hairstylist Certificate
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HAIR 1100 | Hairstylist Foundation 1 | 17 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term Two | ||
| HAIR 1200 | Hairstylist Foundation 2 | 18 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term Three | ||
| HAIR 1300 | Hairstylist Foundation 3 | 6 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Esthetics Certificate
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ESTH 1100 | Intro Skin and Body Therapies | 2 |
| ESTH 1105 | Safe Practices | 3 |
| ESTH 1110 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| ESTH 1115 | Hand and Nail Treatment | 3 |
| ESTH 1120 | Foot and Nail Treatment | 3 |
| ESTH 1125 | Hair Removal | 3 |
| ESTH 1130 | Skin Treatment 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Term Two | ||
| ESTH 1200 | Makeup | 3 |
| ESTH 1205 | Skin Treatments 2 | 3 |
| ESTH 1210 | Salon Management and Retailing | 3 |
| ESTH 1215 | Body Treatment | 3 |
| ESTH 1220 | Specialized Treatment | 3 |
| ESTH 1225 | Practicum | 2 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Tool kit: approximately $4,250 plus tax (subject to change). Check the Bookstore for updates and other required materials.
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 145 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 39545 | |
| Student union | 425 | |
| College initiative | 244 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 396 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 874 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
STATUS INFORMATION
- Apply Now: Qualified applicants may receive offers of admission if seats are available, or placed on waitlists if seats are full.
- Closed: Applications are not accepted.
- For details about application availability based on study permit status and recommendations if the application status is closed, visit the Availability Status page.
For more information and tips, see Apply page