Hairstylist

Note: This trade is transitioning to a Pan-Canadian Harmonized program, so it is important that Apprentices understand how that impacts their program path. Details on the transition can be found via SkilledTradesBC, or contact your trainer for the most current updates.

Hairstylists shampoo, cut, style and chemically treat hair. They may also provide other services such as scalp treatments and hairpiece services. In some jurisdictions, hairstylists may also provide additional services such as basic natural nail services, basic facial care and ear piercing. Hairstylists may work in hair salons, spas, schools and hair replacement clinics, as well as in the fashion and entertainment industries.

Hairstylist is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

Other programs in this sector:

Recommendations

The following education is recommended: Grade 10 (Grade 12 preferred), including English 10, Math 10, and Science 10.

 

The Hairstylist program now involves 2 levels of technical training —with Level 1 taking 10 weeks (300 hours) and Level 2 taking 5 weeks (150 hours) to complete— and has been modified to enable the Red Seal endorsement on the Certificate of Qualification (CofQ). In addition, apprentices are required to accumulate 3,150 hours of work-based training.

 

A new Practical Assessment has been introduced into the program completion requirements. Please refer to SkilledTradesBC for details on program changes.

PROGRAM TYPES

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Jan 02 2025Oct 11 2025

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Jan 06 2025Oct 08 2025

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Saanichton School District #63

Jan 27 2025Dec 19 2025

Hairdressing

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Nanaimo

Feb 24 2025Dec 19 2025

Hairdressing

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Mar 03 2025Dec 10 2025

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Mar 06 2025Dec 20 2025

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

May 01 2025Feb 21 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

May 05 2025Feb 25 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Northern Lights College

Dawson Creek (SD #59 NLC Shop)

Sep 02 2025May 13 2026

Hairstylist

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Coast Mountain College

Terrace

Sep 02 2025May 22 2026

Hairstylist

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Nanaimo

Sep 02 2025Jul 02 2026

Hairdressing

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Cowichan

Sep 02 2025Jun 25 2026

Hairdressing

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

College of the Rockies

Main Campus

Sep 02 2025Jul 23 2026

Hairstylist

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Selkirk College

Silver King Campus - Nelson

Sep 02 2025May 21 2026

Hairstylist (HL)

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Sep 02 2025Jun 24 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Sep 02 2025Jun 25 2026

Hair Design - SRTS

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Sep 04 2025Jun 20 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Oct 02 2025Jul 18 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Oct 06 2025Jul 22 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Jan 01 2026Oct 10 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Jan 05 2026Oct 07 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Saanichton School District #63

Jan 26 2026Dec 18 2026

Hairdressing

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

Van. Island University

Nanaimo

Feb 23 2026Dec 17 2026

Hairdressing

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Mar 02 2026Dec 09 2026

Hair Design

Institution

Campus

Date

Program

Contact

VCC

Downtown Campus

Mar 05 2026Dec 19 2026

Hair Design

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER THE PROGRAM BUT HAVE NO ACTIVELY SCHEDULED INTAKES BEFORE APRIL 2026

Institution

Campus

Program

Contact

Northern Lights College

Dawson Creek (SD #59 NLC Shop)

Cosmetology Diploma