New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain hands-on skills and foundational knowledge for a career in hairdressing. Learn from experienced tutors in a real salon environment with strong industry connections.
NZ$8,901
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 3 Certification (120 Credits)
Entry
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
NZ$8,901
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 3 Certification (120 Credits)
Entry
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Core skills this course teaches
Develop professional identity and behaviour
Explain roles, responsibilities, and attributes of a professional in the hairdressing industry; provide services that reflect your own professional identity.
Operate and support salon systems
Use industry systems for client bookings; communicate professionally with diverse clients and understand salon policies and practices.
What You're Signing Up For
This one-year, full-time NZQA Level 3 certificate provides foundational hairdressing skills for people wanting to enter the hair and beauty industry. Students train in a realistic salon environment, learning core techniques and participating in off-site work experience. The curriculum includes professional conduct, client communication, hair design, haircutting, colour and chemical services. Industry involvement through guest speakers and direct links to employment is a feature of the programme.
Course Content
- Professional identity in hairdressing
- Salon operations and client booking systems
- Salon policy, practice and client communication
- Hair consultation and design decisions
- Application of design principles to styling
- Product knowledge and home haircare recommendations
- Chemical reformation basics
- Principles and practices of haircutting
- Culturally-safe and industry professional behaviours
- Colouring and decolouring processes
- Client journey and experience management
- Thematic hair styling project and presentation
What you need to know first
Open entry. All applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be accepted until the maximum number is reached.
Find these employment opportunities
Hairdressing salon assistantJunior hairdresserApprenticeship in hairdressingPersonal care/beauty industry support roles
Unlock these industries
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.
