The New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) at Level 4 is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time for domestic students) hands-on programme designed for those with prior Level 3 hairdressing qualification or experience. Students learn in a professional training salon and complete an industry placement, developing client service and advanced hairdressing skills. Topics covered include customer care, diverse hair types, layering, perming, chemical reformation, advanced cutting, colouring, combination cuts, sculpting, building a client base, and salon profitability. The programme includes support from experienced staff and guest speakers to prepare graduates as confident, work-ready professionals. Career paths include hairdresser, salon trainer, salon owner/operator, hairdressing technician, representative, or education roles.

Course Content

• Professional Stylist Attributes (10 credits): evaluation skills, interpersonal skills, salon culture, online presence, self and professional image, communication with clients

• Sculpture (20 credits): cultural awareness, diverse hair types, cutting procedures, tool techniques, layer forms, finishing skills

• The Art of Advanced Hair Design (15 credits): client wishes, long and short hair techniques, blow waving, back combing

• Reformation Designs (15 credits): perming and chemical theory, consultation for reformation, home haircare, permanent wave, salon and client health and safety

• Advanced Colour Design (20 credits): colouring and decolouring theories, correcting unwanted tones, consultation, oxidative colour techniques, colour correction

• Fashion Colour and Sculpture (15 credits): current fashion cut and colour images, design principles, combination cuts and creative colour techniques, sculpturing procedures, photographic portfolio

• Advanced Client Journey (15 credits): time management, teamwork, building client base, customer care, salon ethics, salon profitability

• Advanced Grand Finale (10 credits): planning cut, colour and finishing design, design process, themes, dressing and finishing techniques, presentation skills