Program Length
- 11 Months
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Vancouver Island University has made the decision to centralize the delivery of the Hairstylist Foundation program to the Nanaimo Campus. September 2025 was the last intake for the foreseeable future in the Cowichan Valley. Prospective students are encouraged to apply to the Nanaimo Campus. Questions regarding this change may be directed to the tatdeansoffice@viu.ca.
Launch your career in hairdressing
Do you see yourself creating great cuts, colours and styles as a professional hairstylist? With VIU’s Hairdressing Foundation program you get hands-on training and theory taught by instructors who are at the top of the field. They are great at what they do – as hairdressers and as teachers.
VIU grads are sought after in the industry, and many of our alumni operate local salons. Hairdressing is a Red Seal trade now, and VIU sets you on the path to Red Seal endorsement, ensuring your training holds its value.
Why take the hairstylist program at VIU?
In this program you gain all the foundational skills needed for a successful career, preparing you for Level 2 apprenticeship and beyond. You put the skills you learn in hairstylist classes into practice at the student salon, working with real clients, using professional grade equipment. You get the high-level training combined with hands-on learning.
Sign up to learn more
Support after graduation
As a VIU student you benefit from ongoing connection with instructors and an alumni community that will give you advice and support long after graduation.
Hairdressing career opportunities
Hairdressing is a career you can move around with. Everywhere you go, you’ll find people who want your services. You can specialize in areas such as cutting, coloring, or working with curly hair as you advance in your career. This program also sets you up for a success in other roles in the beauty and wellness industries.
- hairdresser
- salon receptionist
- salon manager
- educator for professional product lines
- sales representative
- chair renter or salon owner
Hands-on salon training
Teaching salon
Gain hands-on experience working with clients, learning to communicate and provide professional services
Industry connections
Connect with the industry professionals who come in to speak to students.
Practicums
Gain on-the-job experience at an in-salon practicum that can lead to immediate employment after graduation.
About the Hairstylist Foundation program
This program offers a blend of online learning and in-person classes. You put your skills into practice in a busy teaching salon where you will work with live clients. This gives you authentic experience in hair evaluation, consultation skills and customer communication.
You will learn to manage client relationships and provide excellent customer service. The program also includes business training, covering topics such as:
- retail income
- commission
- taxes
- different business models
You also get to take part in retail competitions.
The program prepares you for a variety of career paths, with many graduates being recruited by top salons and starting their own businesses.
You graduate from the program with:
- 990 hours of Industry Training Authority Level 1 technical training
- 300 hours of SkilledTradesBC work based training
- VIU Hairstylist Foundation and Experiential Learning Certificate
- SkilledTradesBC Level 1 Certificate of Completion
What you learn in the Hairstylist Foundation program
Program topics include:
- safety-related and hygienic functions.
- tools and equipment
- client service
- communication techniques
- hair and scalp conditions
- shampoo and condition hair and scalp
- haircutting
- facial and nape hair
- style wet hair
- style dry hair
- chemical texture service
- colour hair
- lighten hair
- color correction
- hair extensions, wigs, and hairpieces
- business fundamentals
You practice new skills first on mannequins and classmates before transitioning into live clients in the teaching salon.
Courses and Concentrations
| Phase 1 |
|---|
| HAIRH 100T - (Safety-related and Hygienic Functions) |
| HAIRH 101T - (Tools and Equipment) |
| HAIRH 102T - (Communication Techniques) |
| HAIRH 103T - (Hair and Scalp Conditions) |
| HAIRH 104T - (Shampoo and Condition Hair and Scalp) |
| HAIRH 105T - (Style Wet Hair) |
| HAIRH 106T - (Experiential Learning 1 – Salon Module) |
| Phase 2 |
|---|
| HAIRH 107T - (Client Service) |
| HAIRH 108T - (Facial and Nape Hair) |
| HAIRH 109T - (Style Dry Hair) |
| HAIRH 110T - (Chemical Texture Service) |
| HAIRH 111T - (Colour Hair) |
| HAIRH 112T - (Experiential Learning 2 – Salon Module) |
| Phase 3 |
|---|
| HAIRH 113T - (Haircutting) |
| HAIRH 114T - (Lighten Hair) |
| HAIRH 115T - (Colour Correction) |
| HAIRH 116T - (Hair Extensions, Wigs and Hairpieces) |
| HAIRH 117T - (Business Fundamentals) |
| HAIRH 118T - (Experiential Learning 3 – Salon Module) |
Admission Information
- Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status
- Minimum 17 years of age
- Successful completion of a Personal Profile
- See also Trades general admission requirements
Recommendations for Admission
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Physically fit and able to stand all day
- Normal colour vision, good depth perception, and ability to perceive line and form
- Volunteer work, work experience or experience in a hairdressing salon
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (11 months x $509.18 per month) | 5,600.98 |
| Supply fee | 389.78 |
| Lab fee | 478.03 |
| Student Activity fee (11 months x $20.37 per month) | 224.07 |
| Student Services fee (11 months x $22.49 per month) | 247.39 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (11 months x $38.87 per month) | 427.57 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Textbooks (approximate costs)* | 365.00 |
| Professional Kit (approximate costs)** | 1,400.00 |
| Total | 9,417.82 |
* Textbooks are to be purchased from the VIU Campus Store either before, or on the first day of class.
** The Professional Kit is purchased through a supplier and will be available from the Hairdressing department. These are required supplies and will not be given out without payment.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | September 2026 (full), February 2027 (full), September 2027 (full), February 2028 (full), September 2028 | |
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Hairstylist Foundation Certificate program has two intakes each year. One in September and one in February.
Application Fee:
$46.06
Waitlist:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Joanne Slocum Email: Joanne.Slocum@viu.ca
Comments:
Applicants will be added to the wait list once the application is complete. |
|||
Take your career to the next level with Red Seal
Red Seal endorsements means you can pursue a wide range of opportunities. You can be an educator, and you’ll find it easier to get work in other provinces. You need Level 2 technical training and to be eligible to write the Red Seal exam. At VIU you can do most of your Level 2 training while you work.
Frequently asked questions
The income for hairdressers varies a great deal. Commonly, new stylists starting out in a salon are paid an hourly wage between $18-$20 per hour until a clientele has been established.
85% of VIU hairstylist foundation program graduates get jobs within the first few months.
VIU Hairstylist Foundation classes are 18 students.
Your schedule will be Monday through Thursday 9 am to 4:15 pm or Tuesday through 9 am to 4:15 pm
For the first four months, you will have four to six hours of homework per week. During the second four months, you can expect three to five hours per week. In the last four months, you’ll have two hours per week.
You should dress professionally, with comfortable footwear, and wear a uniform smock or apron.
The average age is 22. We have students who come right out of high school and students who are coming back to train for a new career.
Yes, you can volunteer to do hairdressing for theatre groups and fashion shows. You can also work with schools educating students on proper hair care.
Yes, you will have the opportunity to compete in the Skills Canada Competition in the spring.
There is Malaspina Childcare at the Nanaimo campus, but applications must be made early. Phone: 250-753-6931
Yes, you will have:
- winter break in December
- all statutory holidays off throughout the year
- reading break
Try a hairstylist class
Curious about what it might be like to join us at VIU? You can shadow a class and get a taste of the Hairstylist program Email the program chair to sign up for a class shadow.