Program Length
- 11 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Cowichan
- Nanaimo
- Saanich
Do you see yourself creating great cuts, colours and styles as a professional hairstylist? VIU’s Hairstylist training program carries an excellent reputation – graduates of this program report a high level of success in the industry and many local salons are owned and operated by graduates.
The 11-month hairdressing school program includes Pivot Point International’s A Designer Approach curriculum, which helps build skills, proficiency and confidence in all aspects of hairdressing. Students gain great experience as they perform services on members of the public in the VIU’s School of Hairdressing Salon. They also complete two practicums and have the chance to participate in competitions. Red Seal certification is now available. Explore your passion and creativity in hairdresser school.
The Hairstylist Foundation Certificate Program
The VIU Hairstylist program provides students with high-quality education in the art and science of hairdressing at the foundation level. Throughout this 11 month program students will progress through three phases of course work, encompassing all core aspects of the SkilledTradesBC Level 1 curriculum. Accomplished, highly-experienced instructors ensure students are provided with learning opportunities that aim to build their competency in both theoretical and practical application of skills. Learning is accomplished through a variety of instructional practices and student participation. Students quickly advance to performing services on live clients in VIU's Teaching Salon, using professional grade equipment and products that mirror those used in industry. This authentic learning environment provides students with the opportunity to practice and hone their skillsets under the guidance of experienced and dedicated instructors. Students learn to establish relationships with real clients, while being guided in the development of skills, speed, accuracy, and product knowledge in order to offer quality service to a clientele upon graduation.
To enhance the student experience further, guest artists and speakers are invited regularly to visit the program and provide industry insight along with valuable networking opportunities. Students gain additional experiential learning through participating in two practicums hosted by professional, fully-operational salons within the community. Students will also have opportunities to take part in hairdressing competitions and industry trade shows.
The goal of the VIU Hairdressing Program is to prepare our graduates to successfully begin their careers in the hairdressing industry.
The Hairstylist Foundation program is offered in partnership with Cowichan School District #79 and Saanichton School District #63, and Powell River School District #47.
Class hours of the program are 9am – 4:15pm, Monday to Thursday. Homework assignments and quizzes are delivered online and will take approximately 4 to 6 hours per week. Consistent attendance and participation is mandatory.
Successful graduates of this 11 month Foundation and Experiential Learning Program will receive:
- ITA Level 1 Technical Training 990 Hours
- SkilledTradesBC Work Based Training 300 Hours
- VIU Hairstylist Foundation and Experiential Learning Certificate
- SkilledTradesBC Level 1 Certificate of Completion
The VIU Hairstylist Program aligns curriculum and outcomes with the Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement standards so that graduates may successfully progress towards achieving this credential. Please refer to SkilledTradesBC for more information regarding Red Seal Hairstylist Certification.
Program topics include:
- Safety-related and Hygienic Functions.
- Tools and Equipment
- Client Service
- Communication Techniques
- Hair and Scalp Conditions
- Shampoo and Condition Hair and Scalp
- Haircutting
- Facial and Nape Hair
- Style Wet Hair
- Style Dry Hair
- Chemical Texture Service
- Colour Hair
- Lighten Hair
- Color Correction
- Hair Extensions, Wigs, and Hairpieces
- Business Fundamentals
- Experiential Learning 1 – Salon Module
- Experiential Learning 2- Salon Module
- Experiential Learning 3- Salon Module
A minimum standing of 70% in all courses is required to pass the program.
Note: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada may assist students in this program; contact your local Employment Centre regarding eligibility for sponsorship.
| Phase 1 |
|---|
| HAIRH 100T - (Safety-related and Hygienic Functions) |
| HAIRH 101T - (Tools and Equipment) |
| HAIRH 102T - (Communication Techniques) |
| HAIRH 103T - (Hair and Scalp Conditions) |
| HAIRH 104T - (Shampoo and Condition Hair and Scalp) |
| HAIRH 105T - (Style Wet Hair) |
| HAIRH 106T - (Experiential Learning 1 – Salon Module) |
| Phase 2 |
|---|
| HAIRH 107T - (Client Service) |
| HAIRH 108T - (Facial and Nape Hair) |
| HAIRH 109T - (Style Dry Hair) |
| HAIRH 110T - (Chemical Texture Service) |
| HAIRH 111T - (Colour Hair) |
| HAIRH 112T - (Experiential Learning 2 – Salon Module) |
| Phase 3 |
|---|
| HAIRH 113T - (Haircutting) |
| HAIRH 114T - (Lighten Hair) |
| HAIRH 115T - (Colour Correction) |
| HAIRH 116T - (Hair Extensions, Wigs and Hairpieces) |
| HAIRH 117T - (Business Fundamentals) |
| HAIRH 118T - (Experiential Learning 3 – Salon Module) |
- Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status
- Minimum 17 years of age
- Successful completion of a Personal Profile
- See also Trades general admission requirements
Recommendations for Admission
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Physically fit and able to stand all day
- Normal colour vision, good depth perception, and ability to perceive line and form
- Volunteer work, work experience or experience in a hairdressing salon
VIU's Hairstylist program has a long standing history of proven success in producing quality graduates who enjoy a 95% employment rate upon graduation. A high number of salons are owned, operated and staffed by graduates of the program. In addition to performing hair services in a salon, graduates report employment success in other areas such as salon management, sales, the cruise ship industry, the modeling/magazine industry, fashion styling, platform work and technical education.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (11 months x $499.20 per month) | 5,491.20 |
| Supply fee | 382.14 |
| Lab fee | 468.66 |
| Student Activity fee (11 months x $19.97 per month) | 219.67 |
| Student Services fee (11 months x $22.05 per month) | 242.55 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (11 months x $27.60 per month) | 303.60 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Textbooks (approximate costs)* | 365.00 |
| Professional Kit (approximate costs)** | 1,400.00 |
| Total | 9,157.82 |
* Textbooks are to be purchased from the VIU Campus Store either before, or on the first day of class.
** The Professional Kit is purchased through a supplier and will be available from the Hairdressing department. These are required supplies and will not be given out without payment.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Ongoing | Saanich | January 2025 (full), January 2026 (full), January 2027 |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Hairstylist Foundation program is offered once a year at the Saanich location, beginning in late January or early February. A very limited number of seats are available. You are encouraged to contact the Admissions Assistant to discuss the current waitlist situation before submitting your application.
Application Fee:
45.16
Waitlist:
Yes
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Naomi Knodel Phone: 250.746.3514 Email: Naomi.Knodel@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Slocum Phone: 250.740.6577 Email: Joanne.Slocum@viu.ca
Coordinator Contact:
Name: Anastasia Antoniadis Email: Anastasia.Antoniadis@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
As this offering of the Hairstylist Foundation program takes place in a facility that also houses a daycare, students who are offered admission to the program will be required to consent a special Criminal Record Check. Instructions will be supplied separately. Please do not request a criminal record check through the RCMP. Fees are payable at least one month prior to the program start date.
Comments:
A very limited number of seats are available at this location. You are encouraged to contact the Admissions Assistant to discuss the current waitlist situation before submitting your application. Applicants will be added to the wait list once all admission requirements have been submitted. The program takes place at the Saanichton Learning Centre, 1649 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, BC. Class hours of the Saanich program are 9am – 4pm, Monday to Thursday. Beginning April 7, 2025, Thursday classes will take place 11am - 6pm. Homework assignments and quizzes are delivered online and will take approximately 4 to 6 hours per week. The program is offered once a year at this location. The 2025 program is scheduled January 27 to December 19, 2025 with a Summer Break July 7 to August 22, 2025. |
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| Ongoing | Nanaimo | February 2025 (full) September 2025 (full) February 2026 | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Hairstylist Foundation Certificate program has two intakes each year. One in September and one in February.
Application Fee:
$45.16
Waitlist:
Yes
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Slocum Phone: 250.740.6577 Email: Joanne.Slocum@viu.ca
Comments:
Applicants will be added to the wait list once the application is complete. |
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| Ongoing | Cowichan | September 2, 2025 | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
45.16
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Zoe Doiron Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Zoe.Doiron@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Slocum Phone: 250.740.6577 Email: Joanne.Slocum@viu.ca
Co Chair Contact:
Name: Gina Easton Phone: 250.746.3520 Email: Gina.Easton@viu.ca
Comments:
The program runs September to June and classes are scheduled Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm. Applicants will be added to the wait list once all admission requirements have been received by Registration. |
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Get more information on The Hairstylist Foundation Certificate Program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.