New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4)
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Become a fully qualified hairdresser with this hands-on, one-year programme, gaining professional and client service skills through real salon and industry placements.
NZ$11,099
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Professional Hairdressing Skills
Demonstrate advanced hairdressing skills including cutting, colouring, perming, and styling on diverse hair types.
Client Service Competence
Deliver quality customer care from entry to exit and build a professional client base.
About This Course
This full-time, one-year programme prepares you to become a qualified professional hairdresser. Building on previous study or hairdressing experience, you will gain advanced hairdressing skills, client care experience, and real-world practice through a training salon and industry placement. Learn about cutting, styling, colouring, salon business, and customer service to launch your career in the hairdressing industry.
Course Content
- Professional stylist attributes: salon culture, interpersonal, evaluation, professional image
- Sculpture: cultural awareness, hair types, cutting procedures, tool techniques, layer forms, finishing skills
- The Art of Advanced Hair Design: client consultation, long and short hair techniques, blow waving, back combing
- Reformation Designs: perming, chemical theory, straightening, relaxing, health and safety
- Advanced Colour Design: colouring, decolouring, colour correction, toning, consultation scenarios
- Fashion Colour and Sculpture: fashion trends, creative cut and colour, design principles, sculpting procedures
- Advanced Client Journey: team work, client base building, customer care, salon ethics, profitability, sustainable practices
- Advanced Grand Finale: design planning, themes, dressing, presentation skills
Entry Requirements
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification
Build towards these roles
HairdresserSalon TrainerSalon OwnerHairdressing TechnicianHairdressing RepresentativeHairdressing EducatorSales Consultant
Build skills in these industries
Beauty & Personal Care
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.
