New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4)
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Become a fully qualified and confident hairdresser with a one-year, hands-on programme including on-campus training and an industry placement. Build advanced hairdressing skills and professional client service techniques.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Professional salon communication and culture
Demonstrate interpersonal and professional communication skills within a salon environment, including dress standard, self-image, client conversation, and maintaining appropriate online presence.
Diverse hair cutting and styling
Perform cutting and sculpting procedures across diverse hair types, using a range of tools and techniques, finish and present hairstyles to professional standard.
Advanced hair design and reformation
What You're Signing Up For
This programme enables students to graduate as professional hairdressers in one year (full time) or two years (part-time). It is designed for those with Level 3 hairdressing or prior hairstyling experience. Training is delivered on campus in a professional salon and includes an industry placement, allowing students to work with real clients and develop both technical and client service skills. Covered topics include customer care, working with diverse hair types, cutting, chemical reformation, colouring, combination cuts, building a client base, and salon profitability. Courses are assessed through portfolio work. Graduates will be work-ready for positions across the hairdressing industry.
Course Content
- Professional Stylist Attributes
- Sculpture
- The Art of Advanced Hair Design
- Reformation Designs
- Advanced Colour Design
- Fashion Colour and Sculpture
- Advanced Client Journey
- Advanced Grand Finale
What you need to know first
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) or equivalent qualification.
Special admission for those aged 20 or older without the formal qualification.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hairdressing
Personal Care
Beauty
Future employment opportunities might be
Qualified Hairdresser
Salon Trainer
Salon Owner/Operator
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.