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.

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

Admission Requirements and Course Content

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

Note: The information for this program is currently set to display information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature from the “select calendar” drop-down.

View or download the pdf version of the program outline.

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

For the 2026/27 academic year (2026/SU, 2026/FA, 2027/WI, 2027/SP)

_{*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