New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) (Level 3)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 3 |
|---|
About the course
About the programme
This programme is designed as an introduction to hairdressing, giving you a solid foundation to build on with further study. You'll explore salon culture, hierarchy, and terminology to help you communicate confidently with clients, peers, and supervisors. In your first cutting sessions, you'll learn basic cutting techniques and technology, practicing on mannequins to follow pre-cut guides, comb and project hair, and maintain even tension.
You'll also gain experience in limited client consultations, including hair and scalp analysis, and learn elementary styling skills such as blow-drying, moulding, setting, and long hair-ups. The programme introduces colour applications, hair treatments, and essential health, safety, and hygiene practices, along with the personal presentation standards expected in a salon environment.
To meet Health and Safety requirements, applicants need to be physically able to participate in the practical components in a salon-like setting.
Core elements
- Communication & Reception - interacting effectively with clients, peers, and supervisors; managing appointments and reception tasks.
- Consultation Skills - applying theory to conduct basic client consultations, including hair and scalp analysis.
- Shampoo & Treatments - applying/removing shampoo, conditioner, treatments, and colour.
- Product Recommendation - suggesting home hair care products to meet client needs.
- Styling Skills - applying knowledge of hair form, texture, and direction to style using tools and techniques.
- Cutting Skills - using and maintaining tools to perform basic cutting techniques.
- Colouring & Chemical Services - assisting with colouring, de-colouring, and chemical reformation under instruction.
- Professional Standards - maintaining personal hygiene, presentation, health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Further study options
- New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Hairstylist) (Level 4).
Career opportunities
- Junior or assistant stylist in a hairdressing salon.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- 10 credits NCEA Level 1 Literacy and 10 Credits Level 1 Numeracy or evidence of equivalent study/work experience.
- Students will be interviewed prior to enrolling on this programme. This enables staff to counsel students on intended workload and familiarise them with the programme content and facilities.
- If the number of applicants is greater than the number of places on the programme, then applicants who meet the entry requirements are accepted in the order of submission.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must meet General or Academic IELTS 5 with no band score lower than 5 or NZQA approved equivalent.
Special notes
Special entry may be granted where evidence exists that the applicant can successfully complete the programme.
*This course is not available to international students.
About the provider
Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP), based on New Zealand’s spectacular West Coast and with campuses in Wanaka, Christchurch and Auckland, offers students exciting opportunities to get a head start in their career or take the next step on their learning journey.
TPP offers popular study options that meet local employment needs and are tailored to help people get into real jobs in the community or get ahead in their chosen career. With two West Coast campuses, in addition to other New Zealand locations, TPP makes the most of the opportunities on its doorstep.
The institute’s popular Outdoor Education programmes teach technical, leadership and teamwork skills on West Coast rivers and mountains along with a Ski Patrol programme based in Wanaka that makes the most of the South Island’s world-famous ski fields. A base on the West Coast also allows Jade and Hard Stone Carving students to get right to the cultural and historic source of their material. Likewise, Civil Plant students prepare for jobs in the roading, forestry and mining industries on purpose-built work sites in Greymouth and Auckland, while agriculture students have the use of the TPP Reefton farm.
These are just some of TPP’s many popular full-time, part-time or short programmes, which include business, trainee chef, tourism and hospitality, carpentry, automotive and engineering. All programmes are focused on industry expectations and tutors enjoy strong relationships with local businesses so learning is relevant and useful to the market. The institute’s aim is to get students into real jobs in the community and help create better futures for everyone.
West Coast students also have the option of living in TPP’s own student accommodation facilities. A home away from home while you’re studying. Tai Poutini Village offers 58 individual rooms and shared facilities for students. Village staff provide you with a living environment which encourages and supports the educational mission of the Polytechnic, supporting students in their chosen programme of study, and helping them to develop personally, socially and culturally.
Our reputation for the quality of graduates is outstanding.