Students receive training according to the provincial Hairstylist Apprenticeship curriculum, as established by the Skilled Trades BC of British Columbia. Students who complete the NLC Foundation program are taught in a salon environment for the majority of their 990 hours and are credited with 300 work-based training hours.
Students are introduced to the basics of haircuts, styles, shampoo and scalp treatments as well as the training needed to chemically treat hair using colour and permanent treatments. Students will also learn the business and communication skills that are required to work in a salon environment.
Students will create a personal portfolio showcasing their skills and creativity which will help them market their talent to prospective clients and employers.
Upon successful completion of the Foundation program and a further 1290 hours of work-based training, students may enroll in the Hairstylist Apprenticeship Program.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council, effective September 2026. (Current Program Information and Completion Guide)
Career Prospects
Well-trained hairstylists are in demand. Graduates who have obtained their Skilled Trades BC Red Seal certification are qualified to secure employment in large or small salons, or they may wish to open their own business. The following career opportunities are available to program graduates: hairstyling, technician, platform artist, salon management, cruise ship salon operator, film stylist, instructor, inspector, examiner, and salesperson.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek (South Peace Campus) | September | Cohort |
Length
967 hours; approximately 32 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,442.52 | $ 166.53 | $ 1,374.33 | $ 4,983.38 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 13,470.31 | $ 174.77 | $ 1,497.97 | $ 289.80* | $ 15,432.85 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Complete either A, B, or C:
A. English and Math
English Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Language Arts 10 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
- ENGL 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
- IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.
Math Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Math 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- BC Math 11 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- BC Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
- MATH 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
Science Requirement
One of the following:
- BC Science 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
- SCIE 030 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
B. ESTR 037
Complete:
- ESTR 037 – Essential Skills for Trades – Intermediate Level with a minimum final grade of 67%.
C. POWER
Complete:
- People Obtaining Workplace Employment Requirements (POWER) program
Post-Admission Requirements
NLC’s South Peace campus is connected to the Dawson Creek High school – South Peace Campus. Therefore the Criminal Records Review Act requires that all NLC students over the age of 19 must submit a clearance letter from the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) for a Schedule B Criminal Record Check (CRC): WORKS WITH children or WORKS WITH Children and Vulnerable Adults, before classes begin. The cleared CRC must be received by NLC one month prior to the start of the program. Failure to provide a cleared CRC by the deadline may result in dismissal from the program. For information and regulations, see Criminal Records Checks.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- A basic equipment kit for hairstyling is provided to each student at the beginning of the program. This kits include tools necessary for the program. Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements. Students are expected to wear black pants and white shirts to class. Professional clothing must be worn to all practicums.
- The program is affiliated with the SkilledTradesBC and SD 59, 60, 81 and 87.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses |
All of:
- HAIR 101 – Hairstylist Fundamentals (471 contact hours)
- HAIR 102 – Hairstylist Salon Operations (472 contact hours)
- COSM 101 – Hairstylist Portfolio (24 contact hours)
Credential
Certificate in Hairstylist Foundation