Why Study / Key Benefits

The New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) at UCOL is an entry-level vocational qualification designed for students who want to start a career in professional hairdressing and salon services.

The programme is suitable for beginners, including students who have no previous hairdressing knowledge or experience.

Key benefits include:

• Practical salon training: Students gain hands-on experience in a professional-style hairdressing environment.

• Client interaction: Students learn how to communicate with clients, conduct consultations and understand customer requirements.

• Haircutting techniques: Students develop foundational haircutting skills using scissors, razors and clippers.

• Hair styling: Students learn blow-drying, styling, braiding, pin-curling, finger-waving and creating updos.

• Hair colouring: Students develop knowledge of colour theory, colour formulation, colour application and removal.

• Chemical treatments: Students gain introductory knowledge of permanent waving, straightening and smoothing treatments.

• Salon management skills: Students learn appointment scheduling, reception duties, customer care and professional salon procedures.

• Industry experience: Students complete practical work experience in UCOL's campus salon.

• Professional development: Students develop personal presentation, workplace communication, hygiene and health and safety skills.

• Further study opportunities: The qualification provides a foundation for progression towards the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist), Level 4.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of eight components carrying a total of 120 credits. It combines theoretical hairdressing knowledge, practical salon training and supervised client services.

The detailed curriculum is as follows.

1. Professional Identity – 10 credits

Students learn about professional responsibilities, workplace expectations and personal presentation in the hairdressing industry.

Topics include:

• Roles and responsibilities of salon professionals.

• Greeting clients and assisting co-workers.

• Salon cleaning and workplace organisation.

• Safe, legal and sustainable salon practices.

• Professional communication and personal presentation.

• Personal health and interpersonal skills.

• Hair and scalp analysis using PETALS.

• Face shapes and hairstyle selection.

• Shampooing, hair treatments and introductory styling.

• Hot-tool styling and current fashion trends.

2. Salon Discovery – 15 credits

This component develops the administrative and communication skills required to work in a professional salon.

Topics include:

• Salon appointment systems.

• Client booking and reception duties.

• Answering telephone calls.

• Greeting clients and customer care.

• Processing sales and maintaining appointments.

• Salon standard operating procedures.

• Professional codes of ethics.

• Health and safety practices.

• Sustainable salon operations.

• Communication with clients from diverse backgrounds.

• Professional conduct and customer service.

3. The Art of Hair Design – 20 credits

Students develop the ability to understand client requirements and create appropriate hairstyles.

Topics include:

• Client consultation.

• Hair and scalp analysis.

• Face shapes and head structure.

• Common hair and scalp conditions.

• Contraindications and relevant cultural practices.

• Hair preparation for styling.

• Long and short hairstyle creation.

• Wet and dry hair-setting techniques.

• Blow-waving using different brushes.

• Elementary hair updos.

• Pin-curling and finger-waving.

• Braiding techniques.

• Design principles such as line, form, texture, contrast, proportion and balance.

• Hair products and home haircare recommendations.

• Industry-standard styling procedures.

4. Reformation Basics – 15 credits

This component introduces chemical hair reformation processes and their application in professional hairdressing.

Topics include:

• Permanent waving.

• Chemical reduction and oxidation processes.

• Selection of perm rods.

• Product and chemical selection.

• Manufacturer's instructions.

• Hair straightening and smoothing.

• Hot and cold straightening methods.

• Relaxing and smoothing products.

• Effects of chemical treatments on the hair shaft.

• Health and safety procedures.

• Following technical instructions.

• Professional listening and communication skills.

5. Introduction to Sculpture – 15 credits

Students learn the basic principles and techniques of haircutting.

Topics include:

• Introduction to haircutting.

• Haircutting tools and equipment.

• Scissors, razors and clippers.

• Haircutting terminology.

• Safe handling of cutting equipment.

• Foundation haircutting structures.

• Structural graphics.

• Basic haircutting techniques.

• Culturally safe hairdressing practices.

• Tikanga practices associated with the head.

• Workplace ergonomics.

• Hairdressing Health Regulations.

• Industry-standard haircutting timeframes.

6. Colour Basics – 20 credits

This component introduces hair colouring and decolouring techniques.

Topics include:

• Basic colour theory.

• The law of colour.

• Hair colour levels and reflections.

• Grey hair percentages.

• Oxidative and non-oxidative colouring.

• Colour developers and product selection.

• Colour formulation and ratios.

• Hair decolouring and lightening.

• Colour application and removal.

• Global colour application.

• Root retouching.

• Foil placement.

• Colour design and selection.

• Allergy testing and contraindications.

• Manufacturer's instructions.

• Health and safety in colouring services.

7. Client Journey – 15 credits

Students learn how to manage the complete client experience and demonstrate professional salon behaviour.

Topics include:

• Client reception and consultation.

• Professional communication.

• Customer service from arrival to departure.

• Client satisfaction.

• Time management.

• Building a regular client base.

• Hairdressing service recommendations.

• Product recommendations and aftercare.

• Rebooking appointments.

• Professional hygiene and presentation.

• Salon record keeping.

• Performing elementary styling services.

• Working with chemical and non-chemical services.

• Reflective practice and professional development.

• Following workplace instructions and standards.

8. Grand Finale – 10 credits

This component focuses on developing and presenting a collection of hairstyles.

Topics include:

• Developing a creative hairstyle theme.

• Visual planning and design.

• Creating a collection of long and short hairstyles.

• Technical styling techniques.

• Dressing and finishing hairstyles.

• Professional presentation.

• Organisation and time management.

• Presenting a completed hairstyle collection to a professional standard.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) is a general foundation-level hairdressing qualification rather than a programme with separate formal specialisation pathways.

The main areas of study include:

• Professional hairdressing.

• Haircutting and hair sculpting.

• Hair styling and design.

• Hair colouring and decolouring.

• Chemical hair reformation.

• Permanent waving.

• Hair straightening and smoothing.

• Hair and scalp analysis.

• Salon operations and reception.

• Client consultation and customer service.

• Professional salon hygiene and safety.

• Creative hairstyle design and presentation.

Programme Highlights

The main highlights of the qualification include:

• NZQF Level 3 recognised qualification.

• 120-credit programme.

• One-year full-time study.

• Three campus options.

• Fully equipped hairdressing salons.

• Practical experience working with salon clients.

• Supervised industry experience.

• Foundation haircutting and styling techniques.

• Hair colouring and decolouring training.

• Chemical reformation and permanent waving knowledge.

• Client consultation and hair and scalp analysis.

• Professional salon communication and reception skills.

• Creative hairstyle design and presentation.

• Introduction to sustainable salon practices.

• Opportunity to progress to the Level 4 Professional Stylist qualification.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is designed to prepare graduates for foundation-level hairdressing and salon-support roles under supervision.

Potential career opportunities include:

• Junior hairdresser.

• Salon assistant.

• Hairdressing trainee.

• Junior hairstyling assistant.

• Hair colouring assistant.

• Shampoo and treatment assistant.

• Salon reception assistant.

• Client service assistant.

• Hairdressing salon support staff.

Skills developed during the programme include:

• Conducting basic client consultations.

• Analysing hair and scalp conditions.

• Shampooing and applying hair treatments.

• Performing elementary hairstyling services.

• Creating basic long and short hairstyles.

• Using haircutting tools safely.

• Performing basic haircutting techniques.

• Assisting with colouring and decolouring services.

• Assisting with chemical reformation services.

• Recommending suitable home haircare products.

• Managing client appointments and salon reception duties.

• Following salon health, hygiene and safety requirements.

Career progression:

After gaining the Level 3 foundation qualification and relevant experience, students may consider further study through the Level 4 Professional Stylist qualification.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest published programme information:

• UCOL lists the February 2027 intake across Palmerston North, Whanganui and Masterton.

• The qualification remains listed as a Level 3 programme with 120 credits.

• The standard duration is 40 weeks.

• UCOL's current programme page lists an international tuition fee of NZD $27,982.

• The programme is approved by NZQA and delivered by UCOL as an accredited provider.

Special programme requirements:

1. Work experience:

• Students must complete industry experience as part of the programme.

• Approximately 5 hours per week are allocated to practicum and work experience in the UCOL salon.

2. Practical models:

• Students are responsible for providing models for practical sessions and practical assessments.

• Applicants should be prepared to arrange suitable models when required.

3. Hairdressing uniform:

• One pair of industry-standard shoes is required.

• Shoes must be appropriate for salon work.

• No laces are permitted unless the shoes have a covered toe and leather construction.

• Students must wear black trousers or a black skirt with the tunic supplied by UCOL.

4. Hairdressing tools:

• Students need to obtain the required hairdressing tools and equipment kit.

• The estimated kit cost is NZD $900.

5. Stationery:

• Students should arrange basic stationery and study materials.

• The approximate cost is NZD $65.

6. Digital requirements:

• Students are recommended to have their own internet-capable device.

• Campus computers are available for accessing learning materials outside scheduled classes.

7. Recognition of Prior Learning:

• Students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Transfer, Cross Credit or Assessment of Prior Learning.

• Applications are assessed individually against the qualification's learning outcomes.

8. U-Skills pathway:

• The programme is also listed as a U-Skills Tertiary Pathways programme, providing opportunities for eligible secondary school students.

• Youth Guarantee and U-Skills arrangements should not be assumed to apply to international fee-paying applicants.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing at UCOL generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa issued by Immigration New Zealand.

1. Offer of Place

Students must obtain an official Offer of Place from UCOL before applying for their student visa.

The offer should confirm:

• Programme name.

• Qualification level.

• Programme duration.

• Campus location.

• Tuition fees.

• Course commencement and completion dates.

2. Tuition fee payment

Students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to pay the required tuition fees.

Acceptable evidence may include:

• Tuition fee payment receipt.

• UCOL confirmation of tuition payment.

• Approved scholarship documentation.

• Other acceptable evidence of funding.

UCOL allows offshore applicants to pay their tuition fees before or after Approval in Principle (AIP), following the instructions in their Offer of Place.

3. Living expenses

For tertiary-level study lasting less than one year, Immigration New Zealand requires students to demonstrate access to:

- NZD $1,667 per month of study.

For courses lasting one year or longer, the requirement is NZD $20,000 per year.

Students must demonstrate that the money is genuinely available and comes from an acceptable source.

4. Medical and travel insurance

International students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay.

UCOL automatically enrols international students in its preferred Studentsafe insurance arrangement.

The insurance cost is included in the Offer of Place.

Students who arrange their own insurance must provide evidence that the policy meets UCOL's requirements and New Zealand's international student protection requirements.

5. Health requirements

Applicants must meet New Zealand immigration health requirements.

Depending on their circumstances, they may be required to provide:

• Medical examination.

• Chest X-ray.

• Additional health documentation.

6. Character requirements

Students must meet Immigration New Zealand's character requirements.

Police certificates may be required depending on the applicant's age, nationality and intended length of stay.

7. Genuine student intentions

Applicants must demonstrate genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.

They should be able to explain:

• Why they selected Hairdressing.

• Why they selected UCOL.

• How the qualification relates to their education or career plans.

• How they will finance their education and living expenses.

• Their plans after completing their studies.

8. Return or onward travel

Applicants must demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay.

This can include:

• A return or onward travel ticket.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to purchase a ticket.

• Acceptable sponsorship covering outward travel.

9. Passport and supporting documents

Students should prepare:

• Valid passport.

• Passport photograph.

• UCOL Offer of Place.

• Academic certificates and transcripts.

• English-language test results.

• Tuition fee payment or funding evidence.

• Proof of living expenses.

• Medical and travel insurance arrangements.

• Medical and police documents, where required.

• Any additional supporting documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

10. Visa application fees and processing

According to the current Immigration New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa page:

• Application fee: From NZD $850.

• Processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Maximum visa duration: Up to 4 years, depending on the study and visa arrangements.

These figures can change and are subject to the applicant's circumstances.

11. Student work rights

Eligible Fee Paying Student Visa holders may receive permission to:

• Work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Work full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on visa conditions.

Attendance and academic progress

International students must:

• Attend the programme specified in their visa.

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

• Follow UCOL's enrolment requirements.

• Maintain appropriate insurance.

• Comply with all student visa conditions.

13. Application timing

Immigration New Zealand recommends submitting student visa applications at least three months before the intended travel date.