Hairstylist

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

Two people are styling hair on a mannequin head in a salon setting. One person is holding the hair while the other is using a comb.

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Overview

Get full theoretical knowledge and practical training in hair design including cutting, colouring, styling, and overall salon management while serving real clients at VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.

Tuition $8,315
Credential Certificate
Length 10 months
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates
Tuition $22,467
Credential Certificate
Length 10 months
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates
PGWP Not listed as eligible

What to expect

What you will learn

  • Perform all duties of a hairstylist in accordance with industry health and safety standards related to hygiene, sanitation and disinfection practices.
  • Use and maintain tools and equipment according to industry standards.
  • Demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills with clients and co-workers.
  • Identify the structure and functions of the skin and the hair and recognize possible disease and disorders.
  • Perform shampooing, conditioning and scalp massaging services using the correct manipulations and professional haircare products.
  • Demonstrate elevated and non-elevated haircuts using a variety of tools and techniques.
  • Perform wet and dry hair styling using a variety of styling techniques, products and tools.
  • Apply the fundamentals of preparing and applying professional colour and lightening products using specific applications and techniques.
  • Demonstrate permanent wave procedures using a variety of tools and techniques.
  • Describe the types and purposes of hair extensions, wigs and hairpieces.
  • Apply fundamental business management knowledge and skills needed to operate a hair salon.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

This program is 10 months in length and is offered in a progression of 3 courses. The maximum time to complete this program is 2 years.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

English 10 or equivalent.

Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department leader or representative.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

  • Sincere interest in administering personal services;
  • Interpersonal and communication skills required for providing customer service;
  • Good hand-eye coordination;
  • Manual dexterity and creative ability;
  • Normal colour vision;
  • Good depth perception and ability to perceive line and form;
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time;
  • Ability to plan and work independently;
  • Self-motivated and a sense of responsibility;
  • Basic writing and numerical skills;
  • Interest in art, fashion, creativity or design

Candidates considering this program are likely to be most successful as graduates if they are in good health and are aware that health concerns such as asthma, respiratory problems, skin conditions and eczema may be present in this career. 

Program Availability

Fall 2026

Program Start Date Sep 2026
Status Open
Application opens October 1, 2025
Application Deadline June 1, 2026

Winter 2027

Program Start Date Jan 2027
Status Open
Application opens February 1, 2026
Application Deadline October 1, 2026

Not currently available.

Courses

Classes run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm either Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday, in person. In addition, students complete 6.25 hours of asynchronous online content, independent study, or assigned coursework each week. Asynchronous content is scheduled on Thursday or Wednesday but can be completed on your own time during the week.

 Once you have been registered you can view your schedule at myVCC.

International students

Classes run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm either Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday, in person. In addition, students complete 6.25 hours of asynchronous online content, independent study, or assigned coursework each week. Asynchronous content is scheduled on Thursday or Wednesday but can be completed on your own time during the week.

Students will be expected to attend classes in the cohort schedules that are assigned to them. Although classes are only offered 3 days a week, students are expected to study, prepare for exams, and work on assignments during the remainder of the week.

Class times are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Term OneCredits
HAIR 1010 Fundamentals of Professional Practice 16
 Credits16
Term Two
HAIR 1020 Specialized Hair Services and Client Care 16
 Credits16
Term Three
HAIR 1030 Technical Skills and Career Development 9
 Credits9
 Total Credits41

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Note: A mandatory tool kit costing approximately $2,400 plus tax (subject to change) is not included in the fees below. Check the Bookstore for updates and other required materials.

Application fee $36
Tuition $8,315 Year 1 - $3,245
Year 2 - $3,245
Year 3 - $1,826
Student union $217
College initiative $124
Campus resource $333
Medical & Dental $285 Provided by Student Union
U-Pass $469 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Other fees $459
Total $10,282

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.

Note: A mandatory tool kit costing approximately $2,400 plus tax (subject to change) is not included in the fees below. Check the Bookstore for updates and other required materials.

Tuition deposit $11,000 $10,000 non-refundable
Application fee $145
Tuition $22,467
Student union $217
College initiative $130
Campus resource $333
Medical & Dental $285 Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance $149
U-Pass $469 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Other fees $2,123
Total $24,590

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

Note about locations:

  • This program typically takes place at the VCC Downtown campus.
  • Occasionally, courses may be scheduled at off-site locations. If you take a course that is scheduled at an off-site location (such as a high school), you may be required to submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC). You will be given instructions if you need to submit a CRC. Additional information can be found here.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.