Hair Stylist
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Program Overview
Learning how to take a customer’s wish and make it come true is at the heart of a hair stylist’s mission. In this 48-week diploma program, you’ll quickly learn the skills you need to provide exceptional service so that your client goes home smiling.
Program Details
Program Code
HAS1W
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
48 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 September
Woodstock
Open
2028 January
Woodstock
Open
2026 September
Woodstock
Closed
2027 January
Woodstock
Waitlisted
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2027 January
Woodstock
Open
2027 September
Woodstock
Open
2028 January
Woodstock
Open
2026 September
Woodstock
Closed
Your Learning Experience
As a student in our hair stylist courses, you’ll learn the essentials of the hair stylist profession, with classes in:
- cutting and styling;
- hair colour and lightening;
- facials and makeup;
- and chemical texture services.
You’ll be part of a supportive and nurturing environment where you are encouraged to reach your potential as an emerging stylist. Of course, we know it’s difficult to succeed in the fast-paced world of hair styling without a strong foundation in commercial practices. That’s why you’ll take classes like Introduction to Business Processes and Human Relations for the Salon Business so that you understand how marketing, accounting, and client relations can improve your success. You may even decide to follow other graduates and start your own business! With the mandatory apprenticeship aspect of the diploma, you’ll be able to decide if you want to find employment in hair salons, spas, or other businesses.
Graduates are eligible to register with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development as an apprentice in order to complete on-the-job, in-salon training. Completion of the apprenticeship term qualifies graduates to write the Provincial Certificate of Qualification Exam (C of Q) for their Hairstylist Provincial Licence.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Hair Stylist Diploma can expect to find employment in hair salons, entertainment industries, spas, distributor and manufacturing companies, resorts, and/or start their own business on completion of their apprenticeship practical hours. Job titles may include:
- hair stylist
- colour technician
- salon manager
- sales representative
- salon owner
- master stylist
- brand educator
- junior stylist
- artistic director
- celebrity stylist
- session stylist
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Hair Stylist program:
Hairstylist - Salon
Provide hair care services such as sculpting and barbering /designing, thermal styling, chemical service including balayage and smoothing techniques to clientele.
Hairstylist - Spa
Join a busy and fast-paced salon and spa providing relaxation while pampering clientele.
Film Crew Hairstylist
Support a film production by ensuring on-camera talent always look their best.
Brand Educator
Join a specific Industry Brand (e.g. Joico) and provide advanced Education to peer stylists.
Learning Outcomes
- Complete all work in adherence to professional ethics, government regulations, health, safety, and workplace standards and policies, and according to manufacturer’s specifications.
- Engage in self-care including ergonomics, hygiene, safe use of equipment, and stress management activities to prevent issues and maintain physical, emotional, and mental health.
- Use business and entrepreneurial skills and strategies to establish work as a hairstylist
- Plan and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance, adapt to changes, and maintain currency with the hairstyling industry
- Use inclusive customer service, consultation, and communication strategies to meet and adapt to diverse client needs and expectations
- Select and apply hair and scalp products, preparatory procedures and/or treatments based on hair and scalp analysis, process requirements, and client needs
- Select and use a variety of hair cutting techniques and grooming tools according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations
- Select and use standard and specialized techniques to effectively style wet and dry hair according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations
- Perform chemical and non-chemical texture services including permanent wave and relaxers according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations
- Formulate and apply products to colour, lighten, darken, tone, highlight and lowlight hair, and/or correct colour to the desired level according to all hair types, client needs, and expectations
- Identify fibre types and use application techniques, specialized tools, and maintenance procedures when working with hair additions according to all hair types, client needs and expectations.
- Use environmentally sustainable hairstyling practices and products to support personal, ecological, social and economic well-being
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Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Debbie Renaud
Pathways
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (2026) | Overall score of 4.5 with no score less than 4 in any band |
| TOEFL i8BT (Prior to 2026) | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | Minimum score of 53 with no score less than 45 in any of the four bands |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
| LanguageCert Academic | Overall score of 65 with no score less than 60 in any of the four skills |
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Any Grade 12 English (C) or (U)
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| SFTY-1023 | Health & Safety-Level 1 | 3 | ||
| Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to evaluate safe working practices in the workplace and be able to perform cleaning/sanitization procedures according to related government legislation, including MOL, WHSR, JHSA, WCB. Students will also complete basic training in WHMIS and MSDS. Students will be able to describe the principle of infection, also principles of disinfection. Students will evaluate situations of harassment and disrespect, following school regulations. | ||||
| AEST-1032 | Hair & Scalp-Level 1 | 3 | ||
| Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to perform a scalp and head massage. The student will be able to perform a shampoo service, analyse the scalp and hair and recommend products for a salon service or for a home maintenance package. In addition, students will be able to recognise common scalp and hair disorders and recommend appropriate treatments and use a variety of tools to set hair. | ||||
| AEST-1049 | Hair Cutting & Styling Level 1 | 12 | ||
| Upon successful completion of this course, the student will reliably demonstrate the ability to identify, select and use a variety of tools to cut and style hair either wet or dry according to the needs and expectations of the client or their own recommendations. They will also be able to perform a variety of detailing and texturizing on wet and dry hair based on the texture, density, porosity and face shape of the client. | ||||
| AEST-1034 | Chemical Texture Services Level 1 | 5 | ||
| Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to perform proper client consultation including release forms and hair analysis for a chemical texture service. They will be able to explain and describe the physical and chemical actions that take place during permanent waving. The student will be able to choose and perform a basic permanent wave following manufacturer's directions. | ||||
| AEST-1035 | Colour & Lightening Hair-Level 1 | 8 | ||
| Upon successful completion of Level 1 Colour and Lightening Hair the student will be able to apply to consult with a client and do simple colour formulations to meet clients expectations. They will be able to apply a temporary, semi permanent or permanent colour to the hair. The student will also be able to lighten, tone or do a bilevel colour or highlight using a variety of basic techniques. | ||||
| WRIT-1036 | Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
Tuition Summary
Woodstock
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.