Hairstyling Diploma Program

Overview

The Hairstyling diploma program offers practical, theoretical, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for an exciting career in the hairstyling industry. Students gain knowledge and skills in all areas of hairstyling, including haircutting, styling, chemical services, and hair additions, as well as career preparation and business operations.

The faculty is composed of highly trained professionals with extensive experience in hairstyling and education, with many being graduates of the program. The faculty team continually updates their skills to provide students with the most current hairstyling techniques and trends.

Program Details

• Program Code: K1143
• CIP Code: 12.0407
• Start Date: January 2026, January 2027
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Campus: Kingston
• Program Length: 4 Semesters
• Delivery: Full-Time
• Open for International Students: Yes

Program Highlights

• The program meets the 1,500 vocational training hours required by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, allowing graduates to complete an apprenticeship without exemption testing and to write the Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) exam to become a licensed hairstylist in Ontario.
• Students gain experiential learning in operational training salons: Transition Training Salon (Brockville) and Dynamic Designs (Kingston).
• Training includes professional brand hair care, styling, and chemical products such as Redken, Matrix, Pulp Riot, AG Hair, and Goldwell; along with administrative operations using Milano Spa Software.
• Networking opportunities with industry professionals through guest speaker events and applied learning experiences throughout the program.
• Three community salon placement opportunities are included, with many students being hired directly from these placements into apprentice or sponsorship contracts.
• The program provides foundational, advanced technical, and communication skills essential for success in the hairstyling career.

Program Outline

Semester 1

• HAIR 53: Entrepreneurial Skills 1: Communication and Ethics
• HAIR 101: Haircutting 1: Fundamentals
• HAIR 102: Salon Safety Standards
• HAIR 111: Hairstyling 1: Preparatory Procedures
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 2

• HAIR 54: Entrepreneurial Skills 2: Career Planning and Marketing
• HAIR 100: Applied Salon Services 1
• HAIR 1000: Chemical Services 1: Introduction to Haircolouring Techniques
• HAIR 202: Haircutting 2: Barbering Fundamentals
• HAIR 200: Applied Salon Services 2
• HAIR 281: Applied Learning Experience 1
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 3

• HAIR 2000: Chemical Services 2: Intermediate Haircolouring and Chemical Techniques
• HAIR 2006: Applied Salon Services 3
• HAIR 2007: Advanced Hair Design
• HAIR 2005: Entrepreneurial Skills 3: Business Operations
• HAIR 382: Applied Learning Experiences 2
• HAIR 2004: Hairstyling 2: Formal Styling
• GENE: General Education Course

Semester 4

• HAIR 383: Applied Learning Experiences 3
• HAIR 2008: Licensing Exam Preparation
• HAIR 2001: Textured Hair Techniques and Hair Additions
• HAIR 2002: Haircutting 3: Advanced Haircutting Techniques
• HAIR 2003: Chemical Services 3: Advanced Haircolouring

Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including:
  • Grade 12 English at the C, U, or E level
  • Grade 11 Math

If missing prerequisite courses, enrollment in the Career/College Prep program is recommended for Ontario residents aged 18 and older.

Other Requirements

• Co-op Work Permit (required for all international students) to begin placement.

Placement

• Placement 1: January-April: 8 hours/week
• Placement 2: April-June: 8 hours/week
• Placement 3: July/August: 35 hours/week

The student leads salon site research, interview, and confirmation processes with faculty approval.

Fees

Canadian Students

• Tuition: $2,721.36 CAD
• Program Fees: $1,440.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $1,617.67 CAD
• Total: $5,779.03 CAD

International Students

• Tuition: $16,920.00 CAD
• Program Fees: $1,440.00 CAD
• Ancillary Fees: $2,385.78 CAD
• Total: $20,745.78 CAD

Career Opportunities

• Hair Stylist or Barber
• Design, Colour, or Texture Specialist
• Salon Owner, Manager, or Trainer
• Self-Employed/Contract Stylist/Freelance Artist
• Sales Consultant
• Manufacturer Educator/Representative/Platform Artist
• Editorial, Theatrical, or Film Stylist
• Industry Instructor/Facilitator

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Hairstyling diploma program provides practical, theoretical, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare students for a successful career in the hairstyling industry. Students gain knowledge and skills in all areas of hairstyling, including haircutting, styling, chemical services, hair additions, career preparation, and business operations.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become licensed hairstylists in Ontario.
• Develop students' technical skills in haircutting, styling, chemical services, and hair additions.
• Enhance students' communication and customer service skills.
• Prepare students for the business aspects of the hairstyling industry.
• Provide students with experiential learning opportunities through community salon placements.

Program Description:

The Hairstyling program consists of four semesters, each with a specific focus and curriculum. Students will gain hands-on experience in the program's fully operational training salons, "Transition Training Salon" in Brockville and "Dynamic Designs" in Kingston. They will also have the opportunity to participate in three community salon placements, where they will further develop their skills and gain real-world experience.

Outline:

Semester 1:

• HAIR 53 & 54: Entrepreneurial Skills 1 & 2: Focus on communication, ethics, career planning, marketing, and business-building strategies.
• HAIR 101 & 102: Haircutting 1: Fundamentals & Salon Safety Standards: Introduction to basic haircutting techniques, safety guidelines, and salon hygiene practices.
• GENE: General Education Course.

Semester 2:

• HAIR 100 & 200: Applied Salon Services 1 & 2: Practice hairstyling, haircutting, and chemical service skills in a simulated salon environment.
• HAIR 121 & 222: Chemical Services 1 & 2: Introduction to basic hair colouring techniques and advanced hair colouring and chemical services like perms and relaxers.
• HAIR 202: Haircutting 2: Barbering Fundamentals: Develop barbering skills and haircutting techniques for men's styles.
• HAIR 281: Applied Learning Experience 1: Initial experience in a professional salon environment, focusing on industry practices and ethics.
• GENE: General Education Course.

Semester 3:

• HAIR 313: Hairstyling 3: Trends and Customization: Learn advanced hairstyling techniques, customization, and trend analysis.
• HAIR 300: Applied Salon Services 3: Practice advanced hairstyling, haircutting, hair additions, and chemical services in a simulated salon environment.
• HAIR 301: Advanced Hair Design: Combine knowledge and skills to create complete looks, including haircutting, chemical services, and hairstyling tailored to individual clients.
• HAIR 49: Entrepreneurial Skills 3: Business Operations: Learn about business development, ownership, and starting a salon.
• HAIR 382: Applied Learning Experiences 2: Continued experiential learning in a professional salon environment.
• HAIR 212: Hairstyling 2: Formal Styling: Focus on formal hairstyling techniques and finishing methods.
• HAIR 323: Chemical Services 3: Advanced Haircolouring: Master advanced hair colouring techniques and create customized and on-trend looks.
• GENE: General Education Course.

Semester 4:

• HAIR 302: Licensing Exam Preparation: Review theoretical concepts and prepare for the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development certificate of qualification exam.
• HAIR 303: Haircutting 3: Advanced Haircutting Techniques: Master advanced haircutting techniques and customize haircuts for specific clients and hair types.
• HAIR 383: Applied Learning Experiences 3: Advanced experiential learning in a professional salon environment, aligning with individual career goals.

Assessment:

Assessment methods will likely vary depending on the specific course and module. However, the program description suggests that assessment may include:

• Examinations: Written and practical exams to assess theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
• Assignments: Projects, presentations, and written assignments to demonstrate understanding and application of concepts.
• Participation: Active participation in class discussions, group projects, and salon activities.
• Portfolio Development: Building a portfolio of hairstyling work to showcase skills and progress.
• Workplace Evaluations: Feedback from mentors and supervisors during community salon placements.

Teaching:

The program description highlights the following teaching methods and faculty characteristics:

• Experienced Faculty: The program is taught by highly trained and skilled professionals with extensive experience in both the hairstyling and educational fields.
• Industry-Focused Curriculum: The program curriculum is designed to meet the current needs of the hairstyling industry and prepare students for the licensing exam.
• Hands-on Learning: Students gain practical experience through workshops, labs, and salon simulations.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals share their expertise and insights with students.
• Community Salon Placements: Students gain real-world experience and develop professional skills through community salon placements.

Careers:

The program description mentions several potential career paths for graduates, including:

• Hair Stylist or Barber
• Design, Colour, or Texture Specialist
• Salon Owner, Manager, or Trainer
• Self-Employed/ Contract Stylist/ Freelance Artist
• Sales Consultant
• Manufacturer Educator/Representative/Platform Artist
• Editorial, Theatrical or Film Stylist
• Industry Instructor/Facilitator

Other:

• Program Length: 4 semesters (2 years)
• Delivery Mode: Full-time
• Open for International Students: Yes
• Tuition Fees:
• Canadian Students:
$8,442.05 CAD
• International Students:
$36,269.35 CAD
• Campus Location: Kingston, Ontario

St. Lawrence College (SLC) is a publicly funded college of applied arts and technology located in Eastern Ontario, Canada, with campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall. Established in 1967 as part of the Ontario college system, SLC has served its communities for more than 50 years, combining modern, expansive facilities across three vibrant eastern Ontario cities with the advantages of small-town living and genuine personal attention to every student. With more than 140,000 alumni worldwide, over 5,500 student placements annually and more than 55 programs, SLC remains one of Eastern Ontario's most trusted and dynamic post-secondary institutions.

St. Lawrence College is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples. SLC is always grateful to live and learn on these lands.

Founding history

St. Lawrence College was born out of the broader creation of Ontario's college system in 1967, a vision championed by Premier William Davis — now regarded as the father of the Ontario College System — who responded to growing demand for technical education by establishing colleges of applied arts and technology across the province.

Cornwall and Kingston were selected to serve six counties in the Eastern Ontario region: Frontenac, Leeds, Grenville, Dundas, Stormont and Glengarry. In Kingston, the 59-acre former Ontario Psychiatric Hospital farmland at King Street and Portsmouth Avenue was acquired from the provincial government for one dollar. By September 1969, students were attending classes in the campus's first permanent building — a white steel structure comprising a gymnasium, cafeteria, administrative office and student lounges — while Dundas and Stormont Halls were still under construction around them. The first programs included Business Administration, General Business, Home Economics, Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology and Electronics Technician.

In 1968, Cornwall Classical College, a private Catholic school, was purchased and renamed Moulinette Hall. Brockville was formally recognised as a third campus in 1970, acquiring Ontario Hospital farmland on Parkedale Avenue, also for one dollar. By its tenth anniversary, St. Lawrence College had established itself as a strong and creative force in its region, and has continued evolving ever since to meet the needs of students seeking skills that lead to a better quality of life.

Three campuses

• Kingston (main campus): 100 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7L 5A6 — Phone: 613.544.5400. The largest campus, set on the original 59-acre site, with modern facilities across multiple buildings and full access to student services, athletics, residences and libraries.
• Brockville: 2288 Parkedale Avenue, Brockville, Ontario K6V 5X3 — Phone: 613.345.0660. Located on the hill of Parkedale Avenue on the former Ontario Hospital farmland, serving the Brockville community and region.
• Cornwall: 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, Ontario K6H 4Z1 — Phone: 613.933.6080. Built around the heritage Moulinette Hall site, serving Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry counties in the francophone and bilingual heart of Eastern Ontario.

Areas of study and programs

SLC offers more than 55 full-time programs across nine areas of study, available on campus, online, in hybrid formats and through fast-track delivery options:

• Apprenticeships
• Business
• Community and Social Services
• Design (Arts, Media and Design)
• Graduate Certificates
• Health Sciences
• Justice Studies
• Science and Technology
• Skilled Trades

Programs are available as certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates and four-year degrees. Online and part-time learning options extend access to working professionals, career changers and lifelong learners across Ontario and beyond. Credential types and delivery formats are designed to fit different stages of life and career.

Recent milestones and new programs

SLC has achieved several significant milestones in 2025 and 2026. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program received a seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), making SLC the first college in Ontario to achieve Path B accreditation for a standalone BScN degree — the maximum accreditation term possible, applying to the BScN program across all three campuses as well as the Practical Nurse to BScN Bridge program.

SLC also expanded its specialty nursing portfolio with three new certificate programs for registered nurses seeking advanced skills in high-demand healthcare areas: Mental Health Nursing, Registered Nurse Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), and Registered Nurse Perianesthesia Nursing (PACU). All three programs are offered online with flexible delivery to allow nurses to study while continuing to work. In 2026, SLC launched The Next Wave, a new brand campaign and platform that reimagines its iconic wave logo as a symbol of momentum, leadership and collective impact.

Graduate certificates

Graduate certificates are a key strength of the SLC portfolio, offering diploma and degree holders a focused pathway to gain specialised, industry-driven skills in a shorter timeframe. Programs are designed around real-world learning opportunities and current employer needs, providing a fast track into advanced or specialist roles across many of SLC's program areas. The Communicative Disorders Assistant graduate certificate, for example, prepares graduates to work alongside Registered Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists in a variety of settings, and is available in both in-class and online formats across Ontario.

Student support services

• Academic and Student Success: academic advising, tutoring, learning supports and success coaching
• Student Wellness and Accessibility: mental health services, counselling, and accessibility accommodations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Indigenous Services: dedicated cultural and academic support for Indigenous students, including connections to Elders and community resources
• Career Services: job search support, resume assistance, employer connections and placement partnerships
• Housing: campus residences available at all three campuses, providing a safe and convenient home-away-from-home for students
• Athletics and Recreation: varsity and recreational sports, fitness facilities and wellness programming across campuses
• International Student Services: dedicated advising, study permit guidance, orientation, homestay coordination and community integration support
• Libraries: campus libraries with digital and physical collections and student study spaces
• Student Governments: student-elected governments at each campus representing students' interests and organising campus life programming
• Financial Aid: OSAP, bursaries, scholarships (donor-supported and SLC/government-sponsored), Ontario Learn and Stay Grant eligibility, and the Better Jobs Program

Belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion

SLC is committed to creating a campus community where every student, staff member and faculty member belongs. Its Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (BEDI) framework guides institutional practice and programming, complemented by the School of Contemporary Teaching and Learning, which supports the ongoing development of educators and teaching practices across the college.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an embedded institutional commitment at SLC, with a dedicated Sustainability strategy guiding decisions across campus operations, curriculum and community partnerships. SLC's approach to sustainability reflects its responsibility to the communities and lands it serves across Eastern Ontario.

Pathways and credit transfer

SLC actively supports students in building on their SLC credentials. Credit transfer, pathway and articulation agreements allow eligible SLC graduates to continue into degree programs at partner universities, with recognised transfer credits reducing duplication and shortening time to degree completion. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) allows students to receive credit for skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom. Dual Credit programs for high school students create early pathways into college-level study.

International students

SLC welcomes international students to all three campuses, offering dedicated admissions support, English proficiency guidance, study permit assistance, and a comprehensive international student services office. Cost information for international students, payment guidance and placement agency partner listings are all published on the SLC website to support students and agents through the admissions process.

Why St. Lawrence College

1. A publicly funded Ontario college with more than 50 years of history, 140,000+ alumni worldwide and a consistent track record of preparing graduates for real careers in Eastern Ontario and beyond
2. Three campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall, combining modern facilities with the personal attention and community connection of smaller-city life
3. More than 55 programs across nine areas of study, from apprenticeships and skilled trades through to four-year degrees, graduate certificates and online and part-time options
4. The first college in Ontario to receive seven-year CASN accreditation for its BScN program — the maximum term possible — across all three campuses
5. Over 5,500 student placements annually, with career services, placement agency partners and strong employer connections embedded across all program areas
6. Comprehensive student support including wellness and accessibility, Indigenous services, athletics, housing, financial aid and dedicated international student services.
7. The Ontario Learn and Stay Grant and other provincial funding options support students who study and remain in the region, addressing Eastern Ontario's priority workforce needs