OSTC Salon Skills (Level 2)
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A hands-on, Level 2 course at Otago Secondary Tertiary College (OSTC) for secondary school students with an interest in hair and fashion, delivering foundational skills for a career in hairdressing or salon services.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
OSTC Dunedin, Dunedin
Core skills this course teaches
Demonstrate hairstyling techniques
Perform a range of basic hairstyling techniques suitable for a salon environment.
Develop customer service skills
Communicate and interact effectively with clients and operators in a salon environment.
Practice health and safety in salons
Apply safe and hygienic practices relevant to hairdressing and salon work.
What You're Signing Up For
Designed for secondary students passionate about hair, fashion, and working with people, this programme teaches foundational salon skills. Students will learn hairstyling techniques, develop client and customer service abilities, and gain knowledge of workplace and health and safety requirements in a real salon setting. The programme is fully funded for selected students and prepares graduates for further study or apprenticeships within the hairdressing industry.
Course Content
- Range of hairstyling techniques
- Customer service and communication skills
- Safe practices in a salon environment
- Workplace requirements for salon employment
- Client journey in a salon
- Personal fashion image for hairdressing work
- Client protection and salon support
- Salon order and supply management
- Observation and understanding of technical skills
What you need to know first
Enrolment must be made through your secondary school via your careers advisor
Secondary school enrolment
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Beauty services
Hairdressing
Future employment opportunities might be
Hairdresser
Barber
Salon assistant
Salon owner (with further experience)
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.