Get full theoretical knowledge and practical training in hair design including cutting, colouring, styling, and overall salon management while serving real clients at VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.
(2018-2028)†
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates 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.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This program is 10 months in length and is offered in a progression of 3 courses. The maximum time to complete this program is 2 years.
The Hairstylist Certificate program is designed to meet the training needs of the Industry and the required training objectives established by SkilledTradesBC. 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.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
English 10 or equivalent.
Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department leader or representative.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Sincere interest in administering personal services;
- Interpersonal and communication skills required for providing customer service;
- 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;
- Basic writing and numerical skills;
- Interest in art, fashion, creativity or design
Candidates considering this program are likely to be most successful as graduates if they are in good health and are aware that health concerns such as asthma, respiratory problems, skin conditions and eczema may be present in this career.
Courses *
This program runs from from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm either Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday. Once you have been registered you can view your schedule at myVCC.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| HAIR 1010 | Hairstyling Foundation 1 | 16 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Two | ||
| HAIR 1020 | Hairstyling Foundation 2 | 16 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term Three | ||
| HAIR 1030 | Hairstyling Foundation 3 | 9 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
* 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 *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 7836 | |
| Student union | 192 | |
| College initiative | 117 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 314 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 275 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 442 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 450 | |
| 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. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
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Note about locations:
- This program typically takes place at the VCC Downtown campus.
- Occasionally, courses may be scheduled at off-site locations. If you take a course that is scheduled at an off-site location (such as a high school), you may be required to submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC). You will be given instructions if you need to submit a CRC. Additional information can be found here.
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† B.C. Labour Market Outlook 2018