New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Start your career in hairdressing with hands-on training in a salon, learning core skills in styling, colouring, and client service in a one-year full-time programme.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 3 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Apply and remove colours
Learn to mix, apply, and remove hair colours effectively and safely.
Support salon operations
Carry out reception duties and limited client consultations to ensure smooth salon service.
Perform basic hairdressing techniques
Gain skills in blow-drying, styling, setting, and long hair-ups suitable for entry-level salon work.
What You're Signing Up For
This one-year full-time Level 3 certificate will prepare you for a career as a salon assistant or support role in the hairdressing industry. Delivered in a professional training salon, you will learn the fundamentals of hair styling, including blow-drying, moulding, setting, long hair-ups, colouring, reception duties and client consultations. Graduates are equipped for entry-level roles and can progress to further study in hairdressing.
Course Content
- The Salon Assistant
- Shampoo Service and Scalp Massage
- Introduction to Hair Colouring and Product Knowledge
- Introduction to Hair Styling and Perming
- Elementary Hair Styling
- Introduction to Hair Cutting
- Salon Reception and Client Service
- Hair Colouring and Competition Work
What you need to know first
Attendance at an information session
Evidence of ability to complete academic requirements as per standard entry criteria for levels 1-3
Level 3 certificate: IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5, or New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 (endorsement: General, Workplace, or Academic), or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as per NZQA
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hairdressing
Beauty & Personal Care
Future employment opportunities might be
Salon Support Role
Salon Assistant
Known for hands-on, industry-aligned education, Toi Ohomai focuses on giving learners real skills that lead to real outcomes. With strong employer connections, supportive teaching, and clear pathways across certificates, diplomas, and degrees, it’s a place where learning stays relevant and confidence grows over time. Programmes span trades, construction, business, health, creative industries, technology, and primary industries, helping learners build experience and momentum for whatever comes next.