Overview
The Hairstyling diploma program offers practical, theoretical, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for an exciting career in the Hairstyling industry. Our students gain knowledge and skills in all areas of hairstyling, including haircutting, styling, chemical services, hair additions as well as career preparation and business operations.
This diploma program is fast-tracked. Our students complete a two-year diploma and are ready to begin their careers in just 47 weeks.
Our faculty and staff are a group of highly trained, skilled professionals with years of experience in both the Hairstyling and educational fields, and many of our faculty are graduates of our program. Our faculty team is continually updating their skills to offer our students the most current hairstyling techniques and trends to prepare them for this ever-changing industry.
Program Details
Program Highlights
- Our diploma program meets the 1,500 vocational training hours required by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Our graduates are then eligible to complete an Apprenticeship (without completing any exemption testing), after which time graduates are eligible to write the Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) exam to become a licensed Hairstylist in Ontario.
- Our students gain experiential learning in our fully operational training salons: Transition Training Salon (Brockville) and Dynamic Designs (Kingston).
- Our students are trained with professional brand hair care, styling, and chemical products: Redken, Matrix, Pulp Riot, AG Hair, Goldwell; and in administrative operations using Milano Spa Software.
- Our students learn from and network with industry professionals through guest speaker opportunities and applied learning experiences throughout the program.
- Our students experience three community salon placement opportunities, where they continue to gain the foundational skills needed for success in the industry. The majority of students are hired directly from the placement component into apprentice/sponsorship employment contracts.
- Our diploma students gain all foundational, advanced technical, and communication skills that are an integral asset to be successful in this career.
Program Outline
2024-2025
In this course, students will have the opportunity to perform the day-to-day skills associated with working in a professional salon. Students will apply and practice hairstyling, haircutting, and chemical service skills as well as foundational communication and consultations. Students will also perform routine salon functions and a variety of roles associated with a salon professional.
In this course, students will be introduced to basic haircutting skills that are an integral part of the hairstyling profession. The theoretical component of this course will include, the principles of haircutting that are used in both basic and advanced haircutting techniques. In the lab, students will begin to develop haircutting skills, focus on health and safety, and build professional skills within a salon environment.
In this course, students will be introduced to health, safety, and sanitation as it relates to the salon industry. Incorporation of workplace safety and other standards that will apply for students when in the training salon, in community placements, and for future job opportunities. Students will discover the regulatory agencies and requirements for infection prevention and control.
In this course, students will be introduced to preparatory procedures and basic hairstyling skills that are an integral part of the industry. The theoretical component will include, the basic tools, techniques, and products used for hair care and hairstyling services as well as the properties of the hair and scalp. In the lab, students will implement safe working practices, shampoo, and scalp massage techniques, as well as basic blow-drying and hot tool styling.
In this course, students will be introduced to basic skills as they relate to haircolouring and other chemical services provided in a professional salon. The theoretical portion of the course will include; introductory chemistry, safety standards, and fundamentals of haircolouring concepts. In the practical (lab-based) portion of the course, the students will develop skills in basic haircolouring techniques, following safety, sanitation, and other workplace standards.
In this course, students will continue to develop the non-technical skills required by Hairstylists and salon professionals, specifically relating to client acquisition, retention, and other business-building strategies. Students will determine objectives associated with a successful Hairstylist, particularly at the early stages of a career. Emphasis will be placed on building a clientele, marketing and self-promotion, retailing, and goal setting for the purpose of becoming an in-demand Hairstylist. This course will also serve as the seminar portion of Applied Learning Experience 1, where students will reflect on their learning and experiences.
In this course, students will have the opportunity to perform the day-to-day tasks associated with working in a professional salon. Students will apply and practice intermediate hairstyling, haircutting, and chemical services while developing communication and consultation skills. Students will also perform routine salon functions and a variety of roles associated with a salon professional.
In this course, students will continue to develop haircutting skills from Haircutting 1. This course will expand into barbering skills. The theoretical portion of this course will include, consultation skills; tool safety, care, and maintenance; as well as principles of barbering and short haircutting design. In the lab, students will develop haircutting skills using barbering tools and techniques for the purpose of offering services in this area of hairstyling.
In this course, students will perform hairstyling skills with a focus on formal styling. The theoretical component will include, design techniques used in hairstyling services for the purpose of creating suitability. In the lab, students will ensure safe working practices while implementing a variety of formal styles and finishing techniques.
In this course, students will continue to build on the chemical services skills from Chemical Services 1. The theoretical portion of this course will expand on hair colour formulation and introduce the chemistry of texture services (permanent waves and chemical relaxers). In the practical (lab-based) portion of this course, the students will develop skills in intermediate haircolouring techniques, basic permanent waves, and chemical relaxers.
In this course, students will be introduced to experiential learning in a professional salon environment. Students work alongside a variety of hairstyling industry experts engaging in entry-level related tasks. This course also provides real-world learning opportunities in networking, mentorship, ethical practices, and professionalism.
In this course, students will build upon entrepreneurial skills learned in previous courses, expanding into business development and ownership. Emphasis will be placed on the roles and responsibilities of a salon owner, as well as start-up related to opening a business. Students will have the opportunity to develop and present a business proposal and design a salon.
In this course, students will have the opportunity to perform the day-to-day tasks associated with working in a professional salon. Students will apply and practice advanced hairstyling, haircutting, hair additions, and chemical services while mastering communication and consultation skills. Students will also perform routine salon functions and a variety of roles associated with a salon professional.
In this course, students will combine knowledge obtained in previous courses to develop skill in the area of hair design. Students will explore the elements and principles of hair design and utilize the information to create a compete look. Students will analyze how to use haircutting, chemical services, and hairstyling to compliment a client facial structure and hair type. This course will solidify the knowledge of their technical skills and develop mastery of the design process.
In this course, current students, graduates, and journeypersons apprentices will review all theoretical concepts, best practices, and scenarios in the hairstyling trade. Emphasis will be placed on the fundamentals needed when challenging the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development certificate of qualification exam in the province of Ontario.
In this course, students will master haircutting techniques from the previous haircutting courses. This course will expand into advanced haircuts and trends. Students will master skills in cutting techniques and customize haircuts to specific clients and hair types.
In this course, students will continue to build on the knowledge and skill from the previous chemical services courses. Students will implement advanced haircolouring and permanent wave techniques and develop skills in creating customized and on-trend looks with these services. Students will demonstrate mastery in the area of chemical services.
In this course, students will proceed with their pursuit of experiential learning in a professional salon environment. Students work alongside a variety of hairstyling industry experts engaging in industry-related tasks. This course also provides real-world learning opportunities in networking, mentorship, ethical practices, and professionalism.
In this course, students will continue their experiential learning in a professional salon environment. Students will work alongside a variety of hairstyling professionals engaging in more advanced tasks that might be expected of an apprentice or salon employee. This course provides real-world learning opportunities that align with each student's specific career goals for the future.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C, U or E level
- Grade 11 Math
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program, free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
- Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.
Other Requirements
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Co-op Work Permit (For All International Students Only - students must have this document with proper remarks to begin their placement. If you have any questions, please email isa@sl.on.ca)
Placement
- Placement 1: January-April: 8 hours/week
- Placement 2: April-June: 8 hours/week
- Placement 3: July/August: 35 hours/week
The student leads salon site research, interview and confirmation process; faculty approval
Pre-prerequisites; HAIR 100, HAIR 101, HAIR 102, HAIR 111, HAIR 121
Student Placement Facilitator (SPF) Support
Confirmation of placement
Complete SLC placement requirements
- 6 training modules
- Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality
- Student COVID-19 Waiver
Student Placement Facilitator will notify the student of Agency-specific requirements e.g.:
- Immunizations (hospital/LTC)
- CPIC - VULNERABLE SECTOR if required by the site
Questions:
Email: placements@sl.on.ca
Website: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/placement
Fees
2024-2025
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on three semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on three semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
- Hair Stylist or Barber
- Design, Colour, or Texture Specialist
- Salon Owner, Manager, or Trainer
- Self-Employed/ Contract Stylist/ Freelance Artist
- Sales Consultant
- Manufacturer Educator/Representative/Platform Artist
- Editorial, Theatrical or Film Stylist
- Industry Instructor/Facilitator
Testimonials
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Paula Dickson
pdickson@sl.on.ca
613.544.5400 ext. 6823
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.
Scholarship & Bursary
St. Lawrence College offers an extensive Student Scholarship and Bursary Program. Scholarships and bursaries for this purpose are sponsored by external organizations and private individuals. These awards recognize our academic excellence, community involvement, contribution to the quality of College life, outstanding achievement and professional potential. For more details visit Bursaries and Scholarships.
At the conclusion of each year graduates of the Hairstyling diploma program are eligible to win one of three manufacturer awards:
- NP Group Beauty Supply Award – Awarded to a Hairstyling graduate based on outstanding proficiency in skill, who displays the highest degree of professionalism which will enhance the quality of the hair design industry.
- Beauty Systems Group Volunteer Award – Awarded to a Hairstyling graduate who has volunteered exceedingly, exhibited professional appearance and behavior, promoted class spirit and demonstrated dedication to the hair design industry.
- Redken Elite Scholarship – Awarded to a full-time student who has displayed leadership abilities, dedication with professional work ethic, determination, commitment to product prescriptive services, enthusiasm, and positive attitude to developing their artistic skills to a high level of expertise in the Hairstyling industry.