Hairstyling

Overview

Express your creativity and artistry in an exciting career that integrates style, fashion and trends with the skills and science that help improve the quality of life for others.

In this program, you learn about:

• Cutting, designing and styling hair
• Colouring and lightening hair using a variety of techniques
• Chemical curling and straightening hair
• Using effective communication to perform client consultations
• Building business using social media
• Salon operations and management

You learn and train in our campus cosmetology salons which operate in the same manner as hairstyling salons. Your practical training begins with mannequins and progresses to salon clientele.

You learn from experienced instructors who are dedicated to ongoing professional development and maintain their involvement in provincial, national and international competitions, both as competitors and as judges.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
  • Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Other info

• This program reflects the industry's professional training requirements and is recognized by the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia (CANS).
• The program Includes training in advanced haircutting, styling, protective styling, extensions, natural textured hair, hair colour correction and advanced hair colour.
• This is the only program in Nova Scotia offering the Men's Method course.
• You have the opportunity to participate in Skills Nova Scotia, Skills Canada or Carnival of Beauty.
• This program is not offered every year. Check program locations for upcoming start dates.
• You must purchase an approved shop kit within the first 2 weeks of the program start date. Campuses will provide information regarding the cost of the kit upon acceptance into the program.
• To work in Nova Scotia, you're required to pass an examination administered by CANS, covering both practical and theoretical competencies.
  • To be eligible to graduate and take the exam, you must have accumulated 1,500 hours under the direct supervision of a Master Hairdresser instructor and have successfully completed all components of the program.
  • CANS examinations include required timeframes within which graduates must complete skills dependent on the exam. Information on exam requirements including timings are listed in the CANS Examination Guide.
  • Successful completion of the exam qualifies you for a Nova Scotia Cosmetologist Hairdressing license, which permits stylists to work independently.
• To achieve your 1,500 hours, you must maintain regular attendance in your program. You are responsible to make up any missed hours to meet CANS standards.
• This program includes mandatory skills lab courses that take place in an on-campus salon. Here, you get the opportunity to apply theory and knowledge and get hands-on experience working with clients in a professional, supported environment.
• In the skills lab, you deepen knowledge about industry standards and regulations, client relationships and confidentiality, how to perform services, sanitation standards and more.

September 2027

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• All programs in Health and Human Services require First Aid/CPR as a graduation requirement. For specific program requirements, view additional Health and Human Services program requirements
• Many Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements, including immunizations. You must submit proof that you've completed these requirements by the date provided to you at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete.
  • Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement, which will impact your ability to complete program and graduation requirements.
• Pass mark for this program is 70%.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2026-27 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Hairstyling - Year 1
• Hairstyling - Year 2

Career options

• Graduates are eligible to complete the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia's provincial exam to earn a license to practice in Nova Scotia.
• Once licensed, many graduates become entrepreneurs who operate their own salon businesses or find employment on a salon team as hairstylists.
• Some graduates are employed with beauty supply companies as consultants or sales representatives.
• Graduates have become educators and platform artists who speak and perform demonstrations at public events such as hair shows.

Future study options

• Graduates of our Hairstyling program may choose to build on their studies in areas like esthetics, eyelashes, makeup artistry and nails to offer a broader variety of services in the beauty industry.
• Red Seal certification is an option after receiving your Master Hairstylist License.
• Continue your studies at university – this program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree