Program Overview

Hairstyling Ontario College Diploma program

Program description

This program covers all the skills required to work in the Hairstyling trade. Offered in a condensed 3-semester format, students complete the diploma in one year through progressive levels of theory and practical techniques. Students are introduced to relevant legislation in the trade, health and safety issues, professional ethics, communication skills, and entrepreneurial practices, including preparation for entering into the workforce. The program focuses on hands-on training in hair cutting and styling, hair design, as well as colouring and lightening, permanent wave, and hair additions. Students also take a specialized course in relaxing/smoothing, colouring, cutting, and styling different hair textures.

Intake information

• Start date: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Summer 2026
• Campus: Barrie

Tuition and fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• Review additional program-specific fees for this program.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Admission requirements

• OSSD or equivalent with Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission.
• Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.
• For complete details refer to: [insert link]

Why study Hairstyling at Georgian?

• Hands-on experience in our on-campus salon
• Gain work experience and confidence in a real-world environment on real clients in Georgian’s Hair Studio.
• This full-service, student-run hair salon offers cuts and treatments to our community, overseen by experienced teaching professionals.

Career opportunities

• Graduates of this program will have completed all required in-school hours for the trade certification exam.
• Certified Hairstylists may find work in a variety of hair salons or other businesses that require similar services (for example, the fashion and entertainment industry).
• In addition, graduates may find work in the related industries that supply and manufacture hair styling products, including positions as brand educators or sales representatives.

Experiential learning opportunities

• Experience Georgian: Inside the Georgian Hair Studio
• The Georgian Hair Studio is a creative hub on the Barrie Campus.
• Inside, professor Rena Lang teaches students a variety of hairstyling services they’ll be expected to perform in salons they work at or own in the future.

Course information

• 19 Program Courses
• 2 Communications Courses
• 3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

• Semester 1 courses:
  • HAIR 1010 – Preparatory Procedures and Treatments
  • HAIR 1011 – Health and Safety
  • HAIR 1012 – Style Hair: Basic
  • HAIR 1013 – Cut Hair: Basic
  • HAIR 1014 – Colour and Lighten Hair: Basic
  • HAIR 1015 – Client Services
  • HAIR 1016 – Professional Issues
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
  • Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How long is the Hairstyling program at Georgian?
  • Our Hairstyling diploma program is three semesters in length. The semesters run back-to-back, resulting in one full year of studies.
• How do I go about getting my provincial licence after I finish the program?
  • Once you have successfully completed the Hairstyling diploma program, you’re required to apprentice under a licenced hairstylist for set duration before you’ll be eligible to write your provincial exam for licensing.
• What’s the difference between a hairstyling diploma program and an apprenticeship program?
  • Georgian’s Hairstyling diploma program is a full-time program, with courses five days per week for one year (42 weeks). After successfully completing the program, you’re required to complete your apprenticeship hours to then write the provincial exam for licensing.
  • An apprenticeship program is delivered one day per week for two years through the Ontario College of Trades. The apprenticeship allows you to work while completing your mandatory in-class hours. Learn more about our Hairstyling Techniques apprenticeship program.
• Do hairstylists have a good earning potential?
  • Yes, a successful hairstylist can make a very good income. As with any career, you must apply yourself and commit to continued education and building your clientele.
• What other opportunities does a hairstylist have besides working behind the chair?
  • There are many career opportunities for hairstylists beyond working behind the chair to service clients.
  • As a hairstylist, you may choose to educate with or work for sales suppliers, work on cruise ships and travel while earning an income, provide hairstyling services on movie sets and to guest artists on stage, open your own business, and more!
• If I want to become a barber, is this program right for me?
  • Yes, absolutely. In Ontario, barbers are required to complete a hairstyling program the same as an aspiring hairstylist would.
• What products/equipment/tools will I need to buy for the program?
  • Please check the Skilled Trades section on the Finance and fees page for the full list of items you will need for the program.