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.
STUDY FREE
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NZQA Level 3 Certification (120 Credits)
Entry
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10
Core skills this course teaches
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.
About This Course
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
Entry Requirements
Open entry; English language proficiency required (IELTS 5 for international students)
Build towards these roles
Salon AssistantJunior HairdresserHairdressing TraineeHair Stylist Assistant
Build skills in these industries
Beauty and Personal CareHairdressingCosmetologySalon Services
UCOL is a polytechnic built around the kind of learning that actually sticks — hands-on, practical, and grounded in the real world. With campuses across the lower North Island and a programme range that stretches from trades and health to creative arts and IT, it's a strong fit for learners who want a clear path into work without unnecessary detours. Whether you're fresh out of school, changing direction, or building on what you already know, UCOL is set up to meet you where you are.
