About Hairstyling in Algonquin College

Get career-ready cutting-edge skills in our Salon, Spa and Boutique.

By combining hands-on training and theory, the two-year Hairstyling Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career as a licensed professional hairstylist in a fast-paced and exciting industry.

As a student, you learn techniques such as:

• cutting
• styling
• permanent waving
• chemically relaxing
• colouring
• lightening
• hair additions

You also gain skills in salon operations using industry-standard software. By working in the Salon, Spa and Boutique, you have the chance to put your skills into practice on real clients.

Demonstrate your knowledge by developing individualized styling options, prescribing products and practicing safe and hygienic practices. Upon completion of the program, you are granted 1500 hours towards the 3500 total hours required to complete your apprenticeship. After completion of these requirements, you write an exam to earn your license so you can work as a certified hairstylist.

You may find employment as a:

• hairstylist
• colour technician
• salon manager in salons, day or resort spas, health clubs, cruise ships, or beauty institutes
• sales representative for a manufacturer or distributor

You may also choose to pursue self-employment opportunities.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy interacting with people and providing superior service to clients.
• Have strong communication (oral and written) skills.
• Are organized, creative and energetic.
• Are able to work long hours and stand for extended periods of time.
• Are able to lift five pounds at shoulder height for an extended time frame.
• Are comfortable working in awkward postures or performing repetitive tasks.

Careers

Graduates may gain employment as hair stylists, colour technicians, or salon managers in salons and day or resort spas. They may also be employed as sales representatives for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of hairstyling products or may pursue self-employment opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Complete all work in adherence to professional ethics, government regulations, workplace standards and policies, and according to manufacturer`s specifications as applicable.
2. Facilitate the provision of healthy and safe working environments and perform sanitization procedures in accordance with related health regulations and legislation.
3. Apply entrepreneurial skills to the operation and administration of a hair stylist business.
4. Adapt to various and changing technologies, applications and procedures in the hair styling industry, and develop and present a plan outlining future professional development.
5. Develop and use client service strategies that meet and adapt to individual client needs and expectations.
6. Select and administer preparatory procedures and/or treatments to the hair and scalp using individually selected products to meet the expectations of the client.
7. Identify, select and use a variety of tools to cut hair according to the needs and expectations of the client.
8. Select and use standard and specialized techniques to effectively style wet and dry hair.
9. Perform a permanent wave using current and relevant methods according to hair type and style.
10. Chemically relax hair by selecting and applying relevant knowledge of, and skills, with chemical products and techniques in order to meet the needs and expectation of the client.
11. Colour, lighten, tone, highlight and lowlight hair.
12. Compare and contrast fiber types, application procedures, specialized tools, and maintenance procedures when working with hair additions.
13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants are selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.

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