Hairdressing

Hairdressing received Red Seal Designation throughSkilledTradesBC in 2016.  VIU Hairstylist Program is an ITA accredited program that offers both the Foundation Program (Level 1) and Hairstylist Level 2, both designed to meet the training needs of the industry and the required learning objectives established bySkilledTradesBC.  Highly experienced educators with a passion for up to date educational practices will guide you through the theoretical and practical training required during your journey of becoming a professional hairstylist.

Foundation Program (Level 1)

The Foundation Program is an 11 month, 1290 Hour Program which provides students with key fundamental knowledge in the Art and Science of Hairdressing.  Students will be provided with a wide range of interactive classroom activities, hands on practice working on live clients in our busy Teaching and Learning Salon, and a two week in-salon practical experience. Pivot Point International Textbook resources are used throughout the program.

Hairstylist Level 2 (Apprenticeship) Program

Level 2 is intended for stylists who are working in industry and have completed the Foundation Program . This 150 hour blended program consisting of an innovative 12 week online and 1 week in-class experience.  This program allows students to remain working in industry while advancing their education and completing the next step to achieving their Red Seal certification.  Pivot Point International and Milady Textbook references are used throughout the program.

Program Costs

See Program costs for details regarding current fees.

Additional Costs

Students will purchase textbooks and a kit which contains your professional tools of the trade such as blow dryer, flat iron, curling iron, clippers, shears etc.

(All fees are subject to change without prior notice.)

Admission Requirements

See Admission Requirements for details.

Prior Learning Assessment

The department will provide a prior learning assessment for potential students who have gained skills through the workplace or private learning.

Outcomes

Foundation Program (Level 1)

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Program, students with receive a VIU Hairdressing Certificate, Pivot Point International Certificate, are eligible and prepared to write the ITA Standard Level Exam (SLE).  Graduates will receive a 1290 hour credit toward their apprenticeship hours.

Hairstylist Level 2

Upon successful completion of the Hairstylist Level 2 program, students will be eligible and prepared to write the ITA Interprovincial Red Seal written exam.  

Career Options

VIU Hair has earned an excellent reputation through its high standards, superior instruction and quality of graduates’ skills. We have a long standing history of proven success. Graduates of this program report a high level of success in industry. A high proportion of local salons are owned and operated by graduates of this program. Other graduates report success in areas such as: the cruise ship industry, modeling/magazine industry, in-home salons, platform artist, technical educators, and building a large clientele within a 2-year time frame.

Apply

To become a student in the Hairdressing Program, apply to VIU.

Julia B, Stylist

“I went to VIU right out of high school. I came from a very small town and was a bit intimidated by the whole experience at first but the teachers and office staff made me feel at home there. Some of them even set up my work experience for me because I wasn't familiar with the area!”

Read about Julia's experience