Hairstylist Foundation

This comprehensive 43-week Hairstylist Foundation (pre-apprenticeship) program is designed to prepare you for entry-level positions in the hairstylist industry. The program provides students with skills that are needed as a first year hairstylist apprentice, including those related to salon hygiene practices, effective use and maintenance of tools and equipment, hair cutting, styling, and colouring, chemical waving and relaxing, as well as communication skills and basic business management skills. The program is delivered through regular lectures, demonstrations and practical skills training in a fully functioning salon. Students participate in a three-week practicum in a registered salon and may complete their work-based training hours in the College of the Rockies Hair Salon or in an accredited hair salon of their choice under a Red Seal qualified stylist. Students will have opportunities to experience and participate in local indigenous community events as related to the Hairstylist program. Safety and hygienic practices are emphasized, reinforced and practiced throughout the program.

For a complete program description, including prerequisite details and technical training content about each level of training see: Hairstylist Foundation Program Outline

In this program, you will learn about:

• Hygiene, Sanitation and Disinfection Practices
• Use and Maintenance of Tools and Equipment
• Client Service
• Hair and Scalp Care
• Hair Cutting
• Hair Styling
• Chemical Waving and Relaxing of Hair
• Hair Colouring and Lightening
• Specialized Services
• Business Management

You will also take:

• Basic First Aid
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)

*Students must complete Basic First Aid within the program or have a current Basic First Aid certificate valid to the end of the program.

When you successfully complete the program, you will receive these credits:

• Level 1 Technical Training credit from SkilledTradesBC Hairstylist Apprenticeship program
• 1290 Work-based Training hours
• Certificate of Completion (SkilledTradesBC)
• College of the Rockies Certificate

HDRP-101 Safety Related and Hygienic Functions

• Disinfect tools and equipment
• Maintain a safe and hygienic environment

HDRP-102 Tools and Equipment

•  Use and maintain manual and electric tools
• Sanitize and maintain client capes and smocks
• Use and maintain major equipment
• Perform front-end responsibilities

HDRP-103 Prepare for Client Services

• Plan client services
• Consult with clients

HDRP-104 Communication and Mentoring Techniques

• Demonstrate the ability to establish a positive relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis clients
• Demonstrate a respect for the local indigenous communities
• Demonstrate a respect for some contemporary and traditional knowledge of local indigenous communities
• Use communication techniques

HDRP-105 Analyze and Respond to Hair and Scalp Conditions

• Analyze hair and scalp
• Respond to unfavorable hair and scalp reactions

HDRP-106 Shampoo and Condition Hair and Scalp

• Prepare hair for shampoo
• Manipulate hair and scalp using shampoo and conditioner
• Perform hair and scalp treatment

HDRP-107 Cut Diverse Textures of Hair Using Cutting Tools

• Cut hair with and without elevation
• Customize hair cuts

HDRP-108 Cut Facial Hair and Nape Hair

• Trim and remove nape hair
• Trim and remove facial hair

HDRP-109 Style Wet Hair

• Prepare and style wet hair
• Set wet hair

HDRP-110: Style Dry Hair

• Prepare and style dry hair

HDRP 111: Perform Chemical Texture Services on Hair

• Chemically wave hair

HDRP 112: Colour Hair

• Describe colour theory
• Colour virgin hair and regrowth
• Colour hair using colour placement and techniques

HDRP: 113 Lighten Hair

• Describe colour theory in relation to lightening
• Lighten virgin hair and regrowth
• Lighten hair using colour placement techniques
• Tone pre-lightened hair

HDRP 114: Perform Colour Correction

• Explain colour correction

HDRP 115: Perform Services for Hair Extensions, Wigs and Hairpieces

• Select hair extensions, wigs and hairpieces
• Customize and maintain hair extensions, wigs and hairpieces

HDRP 116: Practice Business Fundamentals

• Perform front-end responsibilities
• Control inventory and merchandise

Practicums:

HDRP 117: Assigned Practicum (Instructor Supervision) – 120 hours

• Workplace Salon as assigned by program instructor

HDRP 118: Supervised Practicum – 180 hours

• Employer Supervised Practicum in an accredited Salon, or
• College-supervised practicum in College Hair Salon

Prerequisites:

• Minimum of Grade 10 (or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary institution) completion.

The following education is highly recommended for student success within the program:

• Either Composition 10, Creative Writing 10, Literary Studies 10, New Media 10 or Spoken Language 10
• Workplace Math 10 and either Workplace Math 11, Apprenticeship Mathematics 12, History of Math 12, or equivalent
• Science 10
• Secondary school graduation or equivalent, or completion of a College of the Rockies assessment to an acceptable level

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Applicants must be non-allergic to the solutions used in this occupation. This occupation is physically demanding and reasonable physical condition is necessary. Strong people skills are required.

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For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)

Application Fee:	$30.00
Tuition:	$5,140.65
Salon Fee:	$823.08
Student Association Fee:	$98.90
Bus Pass Fee:	$133.20
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Additional Supplies:

• Advanced Hairdressing Kit

As a Hairstylist, you can choose a rewarding career as a:

• Hairstylist / Barber
• Colour technician
• Hair care specialist
• Wig stylist

With further education and/or experience, other opportunities may include:

• Manager in Customer and Personal Services *
• Own Your Own Salon

* High Opportunity Occupation