Hairstyling
- Gain on-the job experience, and practice using industry-standard software in our on-site Salon, Spa & Boutique
- Graduates receive 1,500 hours towards the 3,500 hours required to complete your apprenticeship
- You'll be qualified to write an exam to earn your Red Seal license to work as a certified hairstylist after completing your apprenticeship
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Winter 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
By combining hands-on training and theory, the two-year Hairstyling Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career as a licensed professional hairstylist in a fast-paced and exciting industry.
As a student, you learn techniques such as:...(read more)
Overview
Get career-ready cutting-edge skills in our Salon, Spa and Boutique
By combining hands-on training and theory, the two-year Hairstyling Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a career as a licensed professional hairstylist in a fast-paced and exciting industry.
As a student, you learn techniques such as:
- cutting
- styling
- permanent waving
- chemically relaxing
- colouring
- lightening
- hair additions
You also gain skills in salon operations using industry-standard software. By working in the Salon, Spa and Boutique, you have the chance to put your skills into practice on real clients.
Demonstrate your knowledge by developing individualized styling options, prescribing products and practicing safe and hygienic practices. Upon completion of the program, you are granted 1,500 hours towards the 3,500 total hours required to complete your apprenticeship. After completion of these requirements, you write an exam to earn your license so you can work as a certified hairstylist.
You may find employment as a:
- hairstylist
- colour technician
- salon manager in salons, day or resort spas, health clubs, cruise ships, or beauty institutes
- sales representative for a manufacturer or distributor
You may also choose to pursue self-employment opportunities.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy interacting with people and providing superior service to clients.
- Have strong communication (oral and written) skills.
- Are organized, creative and energetic.
- Are able to work long hours and stand for extended periods of time.
- Are able to lift five pounds at shoulder height for an extended time frame.
- Are comfortable working in awkward postures or performing repetitive tasks.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813H
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEN1002
Course Name:
Morals, Values and Ethical Principles: What Influences You?
Course Description:
Some would say that "there is a hole in the moral ozone and it's getting bigger." Ethical challenges we face every day are examined and addr... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HAI1014
Course Name:
Preparatory Procedures I
Course Description:
Identifying the properties of the hair and scalp is an important aspect of the hairstylist's role. Students effectively examine and recogniz... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HAI1016
Course Name:
Cut Hair I
Course Description:
Recognizing the factors that influence the overall design of a haircut is crucial. Students identify and develop the skills required to perf... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
HAI1017
Course Name:
Style Hair I
Course Description:
Creating the desired finished look for any occasion is a must for a hair stylist. Students recognize and develop the skills required to perf... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HLT1017
Course Name:
Professional Development
Course Description:
The hair stylist industry is constantly evolving with new techniques and trends. Students recognize areas of professional growth and develop... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
HLT1112
Course Name:
Health and Safety
Course Description:
Maintaining a healthy and safe environment is now recognized as an essential component of the wellness industry. Modern safety practitioner... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ENL1823H
Course Name:
Communications II
Course Description:
Employers emphasize the need for communication skills that are effective in challenging workplace situations. Using a practical, vocational ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HAI1018
Course Name:
Colour and Lighten Hair I
Course Description:
With the ever-growing popularity of colour services, skilled colour technicians are in high demand in the industry. Students learn the basic... + Read More
Hours:
98.0
Code:
HAI2029
Course Name:
Style Hair II
Course Description:
Specialized skills and techniques are used to create today's styles. Students enhance the skills and knowledge attained in the first level w... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HAI2030
Course Name:
Salon Operations I
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the day-to-day realities of their chosen profession while working within a campus salon; counselling and performi... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HAI2033
Course Name:
Cut Hair II
Course Description:
Differentiating between sculpting components to achieve today's cuts, is a practical talent. Students enhance their skills and knowledge att... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HLT2013
Course Name:
Preparatory Procedures II
Course Description:
Each salon service requires a specific preparatory procedure which is based on the type of hair and service being performed. Students enhanc... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1104
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HAI2027
Course Name:
Permanent Wave Hair I
Course Description:
Permanent wave services are often used in salons to enhance a client's hair texture or style. Students are provided the foundation for perma... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HAI2028
Course Name:
Colour and Lighten Hair II
Course Description:
Customized colour and lighten techniques are often requested in today's salon. Students enhance the knowledge and skills attained in the fir... + Read More
Hours:
98.0
Code:
HAI3016
Course Name:
Salon Operations II
Course Description:
Students continue putting into practice salon procedures and services. Knowledge and skills covered in other courses are applied within this... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HAI3019
Course Name:
Textured Hair Services
Course Description:
Designing textured hair is achieved when the correct techniques, tools and products are chosen for the hair type and desired result. Student... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HLT1013
Course Name:
Entrepreneurial Skills I
Course Description:
Clients are the mainstay of any salon existence. Students acquire the skills needed to provide effective customer service through practiced ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1104
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HAI3014
Course Name:
Colour and Lighten Hair III
Course Description:
Corrective colour and lightening is a sought after skill by both salons and clients. Students enhance the knowledge and skills attained with... + Read More
Hours:
98.0
Code:
HAI3020
Course Name:
Salon Operations III
Course Description:
Students continue putting into practice salon procedures and services. Knowledge and skills covered in other courses are applied within this... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
HAI3021
Course Name:
Cut Hair III
Course Description:
Demonstrating specific cutting and texturizing techniques to detail various lengths is a practiced talent. Students enhance the skills and k... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HAI3022
Course Name:
Style Hair III
Course Description:
Creating specific styles for various hair lengths and occasions is a practiced talent. Students enhance the skills and knowledge attained in... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HAI3023
Course Name:
Permanent Wave Hair II
Course Description:
Specialized skills and techniques are used to create today's textured looks. Students integrate current application methods through the use ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MGT2010
Course Name:
Entrepreneurial Skills II
Course Description:
Entrepreneurial techniques that promote a salon, including its services and products, are an essential role of a hair stylist. Students deve... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT3007
Course Name:
Hair Additions
Course Description:
With the ever-growing popularity of hair addition services, skilled wig and extension technicians are in high demand. Students learn the bas... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may gain employment as hair stylists, colour technicians, or salon managers in salons and day or resort spas. They may also be employed as sales representatives for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of hairstyling products or may pursue self-employment opportunities.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Complete all work in adherence to professional ethics, government regulations, workplace standards and policies, and according to manufacturer`s specifications as applicable.
- Facilitate the provision of healthy and safe working environments and perform sanitization procedures in accordance with related health regulations and legislation.
- Apply entrepreneurial skills to the operation and administration of a hair stylist business.
- Adapt to various and changing technologies, applications and procedures in the hair styling industry, and develop and present a plan outlining future professional development.
- Develop and use client service strategies that meet and adapt to individual client needs and expectations.
- Select and administer preparatory procedures and/or treatments to the hair and scalp using individually selected products to meet the expectations of the client.
- Identify, select and use a variety of tools to cut hair according to the needs and expectations of the client.
- Select and use standard and specialized techniques to effectively style wet and dry hair.
- Perform a permanent wave using current and relevant methods according to hair type and style.
- Chemically relax hair by selecting and applying relevant knowledge of, and skills, with chemical products and techniques in order to meet the needs and expectation of the client.
- Colour, lighten, tone, highlight and lowlight hair.
- Compare and contrast fiber types, application procedures, specialized tools, and maintenance procedures when working with hair additions.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $500 and can be purchased at the campus store.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent)
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants are selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Application Information
HAIRSTYLING
Program Code 1104X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Note: Students must practice health and safety awareness with regards to commonly used substances in a salon including hair-related products, cleansers and sanitation chemicals.
International Applicants:
The Hairstyling program has an essential work component. An international student will require a work permit to authorize him/her to complete the work requirement in order to successfully complete their program of study. https://www.algonquincollege.com/international/current-students/work-co-op/.
Should you need more information or have any questions about the program or the essential work component, please contact us at international@algonquincollege.com.
Contact
Deanna Douglas
Program Coordinator
Room A115b
Deanna Douglas has worked in the industry of Cosmetology for 24 years. She has won both men’s and women’s cut and style competitions while apprenticing in British Columbia. After achieving her Red Seal Inter-provincial qualification in Hairstyling, she then moved to Alberta to become a certified aesthetician. She worked in the spa at the world famous Banff Springs Hotel and the prestigious York Street Spa here in Ottawa.
She took some time to travel and teach English in Taiwan to business professionals and children. While teaching in Taiwan, she realized that she needed to pursue her passion of hairstyling and education. Upon her returned to Canada, Deanna became an Aveda education coach while working as a manager, stylist, and esthetician. She has mentored many young talented individuals through their apprenticeships before joining Algonquin as a part-time instructor. She continues to educate herself both as a facilitator and hairstylist to stay up on current trends. As program Coordinator and professor, Deanna feels privileged to share her experience and passion with her students.
Mariella Di Bello
Instructor
Room A102
Mariella DiBello has been teaching in Algonquin College’s Hairstyling program for the past eight years and is a hairstylist at Serenity Spa. She grew up in the industry, beginning her career over 35 years ago alongside her father, an entrepreneur/hairstylist. After completing her apprenticeship with Algonquin college, she kicked off her career by opening her own business in 1986. Her passion for hairstyling and understanding of the business led her to travel to places like Toronto, Montreal, New York, Las Vegas, Houston, and Orlando. On these ventures she did stage work, training and seminars with renowned hairstylist Farouk Shami.
Mariella has acquired her Red Seal certification and is constantly educating herself on the latest trends and styles through barbering, colouring, and cutting courses. The combination of her deep passion for hairstyling and education led her to share her vast experience to help pave the pathways of the next generation of hairstylists.
Tara Ettinger
Instructor
Room A102
Tara Ettinger has over 28 years of experience as a hair stylist. She has a diverse background which includes training in cosmetology and as a professional make-up artist. She is also is a master colourist and wig enhancement specialist.
With over 20 years of teaching experience Tara recognizes the importance of lifelong learning. This is a practice that she not only preaches to her students and peers but also follows herself and as such holds a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology as well as over 14 certificates/diplomas related to Cosmetology and Teaching fields including but not limited to: Hair Stylist Diploma, Red Seal Journeyman Hairstylist, Professional Makeup artist, Master Colourist, Nail Technician and TALL Program.
Stella Ludlow
Student Success Specialist
Diane Stephens
Instructor
Room A102
Diane began her apprenticeship with Rinaldo Hair Designers and Spa in 1999. Under the wing and expertise of her mentor Rinaldo Canonico, Diane grew into a very successful stylist and colourist. She completed her apprenticeship through Rinaldo’s and Algonquin College in 2001 and received her Master Color Technician Diploma through Wella in 2003. She also had the opportunity to attend the prestigious Sebastian Academy in Woodland Hills, California. In 2016, she received her Red Seal qualification through Ontario College of Trades, and in 2020, she completed her In Service Teacher Training Certificate through St. Clair College. Diane is very passionate about both hairstyling and teaching. She is eager to share her experience in industry with students at Algonquin.
Diane is a full time Instructor for the Hairstyling Program and Gen Ed Representative for HOST. Diane is also very active in fundraising and public speaking for The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation and is currently volunteering as a Peer Leader for Canada Women’s Heart Health.
Every day she is inspired by her students and loves to see them reaching their goals, in the classroom and later in industry.
“The future of the world is in my classroom today.” – Ivan Welton Fitzwater