New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support)

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL | Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL | Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL | Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme comprises 120 Credits.

Introduction to Salon Operations (15 Credits)
Learn about how a salon operates, expectations, requirements and customer service. The course will cover employment; environmental considerations/sustainability (sources of waste, management of waste, harmful substances and carbon footprint); customer service; fashion identity; self-presentation; and health and hygiene.

Introduction to Salon Knowledge and Skills (15 Credits)
Learn to work effectively in a salon environment. The course will cover effective and professional communication; workplace relationships; hair products; hair fashion over time; measurement and calculations used in a salon; and time management.

Introduction to Hair and Scalp Treatments (15 Credits)
Learn about the science of hair, scalp, hair products, chemicals and colour; and develop practical treatment skills under supervision. The course will cover trichology (study of the hair and scalp); shampoo service; hair and scalp treatments; fundamentals of hair colouring; and the neutralising process.

Introduction to Basic Styling (15 Credits)
Learn a range of basic hair styling techniques. The course covers pincurling hair; moulding and scaling hair; dressing long hair, and salon equipment and hand-held tools.

Salon Systems and Processes (15 Credits)
Gain experience of working with salon systems and processes; and build your knowledge of the expected professional behaviours and legal requirements for the salon environment.

Professional Salon Support Practice (15 Credits)
Extend your knowledge of health, wellbeing and safety in the salon; undertake basic first aid training, and learn how to create your own professional portfolio.

Basic Hair Cutting and Colouring Skills (15 Credits)
Build your knowledge of hair cutting and colouring, and practice basic hair cutting and colouring skills.

Wet to Dry Styling (15 Credits)
Build your knowledge of wet to dry hair styling, and practice your skills.

This programme has open entry.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) is suitable for learners who may have no prior knowledge or experience in support services for hairdressing salons and clients. You must complete 50 hours of work experience as part of the programme.

It is the first in a suite of qualifications that provide alternative pathways to recognition as a professional hairstylist.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL | Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).