Cosmetology

Start Date: September & January
Length: 2 Years
Credential: Certificate
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Enhance the beauty and well-being of others by learning all aspects of the hairstyling profession.

Program Overview

If you enjoy working with others, are enthusiastic, artistic, use fashion as a creative outlet and have good manual dexterity, the study of cosmetology may guide you to an exciting and fulfilling career. As a cosmetology student you will focus on all aspects of the hairstyling profession.


Success in this program demands a good work ethic, commitment to academic achievement, and physical stamina. You will find cosmetology to be a rewarding career in your role as part of a team dedicated to improving the quality and enjoyment of life for others.

Choose NSCC


  • This program is recognized by the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) and graduates are eligible to write the Association’s provincial exam to earn a Junior Hairstyling License to practice in Nova Scotia.

  • NSCC faculty are dedicated to ongoing professional development, and they maintain their involvement in provincial, national and international competitions, both as contestants and as judges.

Employment Opportunities


  • Once you obtain your Junior Hairstyling License, you can begin your 960-hour apprenticeship under the guidance of a Master Hairstylist to complete the CANS requirements for your General Hairstyling License.

Our Grads


  • Most graduates have built successful careers working in salons as hairstylists and salon owners.

  • Some graduates are employed with beauty supply companies as consultants or sales representatives.

  • Graduates have also become platform artists and educators throughout the world.

Admission Requirements


  • High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

Program Requirements

Health & Human Service Student Requirements – Additional program requirements are outlined in the Admissions section. Instructions on how to complete these requirements will be provided with your acceptance notification.

Other Info


  • Our cosmetology salons are set up to operate in the same manner as hairstyling salons. Your practical training begins on mannequins and progresses to salon clientele.

  • Students must purchase an approved student equipment kit within the first two weeks of the start date. The campuses will provide information regarding the cost of the kit upon acceptance into the program.

  • To work in Nova Scotia, students are required to pass an examination administered by CANS, covering both practical and theoretical competencies. To be eligible to take the examination, students must have accumulated 1,250 hours under the direct supervision of a Master Hairdresser Instructor and successfully completed all components of the program.

  • Upon successful completion of the CANS exam, students receive a Junior Hairstyling License.

Courses May Include

Course descriptions
Code Course
COMM 1227   Communications I
COMM 1228   Communications II
COSM 1001   Professional Image
COSM 1002   Bacteriology/Infection Control
COSM 1009   Hair Colouring/Lightening I
COSM 1014   Salon Operations and Entrepreneurship
COSM 1016   Chemical Texture Services I
COSM 1026   Cosmetology Science
COSM 1034   Hair and Scalp Structure and Care
COSM 1058   Artistry of Hair Styling/Cutting I
COSM 1060   Cosmetology Skills Lab I
COSM 1200   Computer - Salon Account Manager I
COSM 1201   Computer - Salon Account Manager II
COSM 1202   Human Relations for Cosmetology
COSM 2009   Hair Colouring/Lightening II
COSM 2016   Chemical Texture Services II
COSM 2058   Artistry of Hair Styling/Cutting II
COSM 2060   Cosmetology Skills Lab II
COSM 3050   License Preparation
COSM 3058   Artistry of Hair Styling/Cutting III
COSM 3060   Cosmetology Skills Lab III
SAFE 1000   Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
SAFE 1001   Introduction to NS OH&S Act

Additional Graduation Requirements

Code Milestone
  Criminal Record/Position of Trust
  Immunization form Completion
  Portfolio Development
  Standard First Aid, CPR Level A

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