New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
UCOL
A Level 3 certificate designed for learners new to hairdressing to gain foundational knowledge and practical skills including hairstyling, colour treatments, cutting techniques and salon operations with real-world experience in campus salons.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 3 locations
It will take a total of 40 weeks
This course requires 35 hours per week


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Communicate effectively in a salon environment
Interact appropriately with clients, peers, and supervisors, including undertaking reception duties and appointment making.

Apply hairdressing theory and practice
Perform client consultations, hair and scalp analysis, shampooing, conditioning, and product recommendations.

Perform hairstyling tasks using various techniques
Use knowledge of hair shape, form and texture for styling long and short hair with tools and products.
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) offered by UCOL trains learners for a career in the hairdressing industry, providing knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours necessary to perform fundamental hairstyling, colouring, client consultations, and salon reception duties. It includes theoretical and practical modules, real salon work experience, and covers health, safety, and professional standards relevant to salon operation. The programme is one year full-time and approved by NZQA.
Course Content
- Professional Identity (10 Credits): Roles, responsibilities, hair services reflecting professional identity
- Salon Discovery (15 Credits): Client bookings, salon workflow, reception duties, customer care
- The Art of Hair Design (20 Credits): Consultation, design principles, hairstyling techniques, product knowledge
- Reformation Basics (15 Credits): Chemical reformation processes, permanent wave, straightening, health and safety
- Introduction to Sculpture (15 Credits): Haircutting principles, techniques, tools, cultural awareness
- Colour Basics (20 Credits): Colour theory, application and removal, industry standards, safety
- Client Journey (15 Credits): Professional skills during client interaction, time management, customer satisfaction
- Grand Finale (10 Credits): Hair style collection design and presentation
What you need to know first
Open entry; English language proficiency required (IELTS 5 for international students)

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Beauty and Personal Care
Hairdressing
Cosmetology
Salon Services

Future employment opportunities might be
Salon Assistant
Junior Hairdresser
Hairdressing Trainee
Hair Stylist Assistant


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details