Start your career as a certified hairstylist
Hairstyling Ontario College Diploma program
Hands-on experience in our salon. Get your in-school hours for trade certification exam. Outstanding facilities, experienced instructors.
Downtown location update
This program is currently offered at the Barrie Campus and will transition to Georgian’s downtown location in a phased approach beginning winter 2027 to align with the opening of the new facility.Program information
Program description
This program provides you with the technical, creative, and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s hairstyling industry through a condensed three-semester format that allows diploma completion in one year. You will gain hands-on skills in haircutting, styling, hair design, and colouring and lightening, while developing knowledge in health and safety, professionalism, communication, and entrepreneurial practices. During your time in the program, you will also develop skills working with textured hair, including relaxing\smoothing, colouring, and cutting and styling techniques that reflect the diversity of today’s clients and industry standards. In addition, you will participate in specialized training focusing on all types of hair additions, including fashioning handcrafted wigs, locking, installing and caring for all types of extensions. In your final term, you will participate in experiential learning as your classroom is transformed into a fully functioning salon where you will provide professional salon services to clients.
Interested in an apprenticeship? Georgian also offers a Hairstylist apprenticeship program. Visit the apprenticeships page to learn more and find out how to apply.
Intake information
| Start date | Campus |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Barrie |
| Winter 2027 | Barrie |
| Summer 2027 | Barrie Downtown |
| Fall 2027 | Barrie Downtown |
| Winter 2028 | Barrie Downtown |
| Summer 2028 | Barrie Downtown |
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.
- Check the Bring Your Own Device requirements for this program.
- You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.
What are the admission requirements for the Hairstyling program?
Hairstyling admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
- 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: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/
Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirements
All Georgian College students are required to bring their own device (BYOD) that meets the technology requirements for their program. Having access to a personal laptop that meets your program’s technical requirements will ensure you’re prepared for in-class, online and hybrid learning activities. Students are responsible for the cost, software installation, maintenance and repair of their device.
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.
Enjoy small class sizes
At Georgian, our small class sizes mean beneficial one-on-one learning in a mentor-style relationship with your instructors.
Start your career in just one year
Georgian’s Hairstyling diploma program is designed with three back-to-back semesters so you can graduate career-ready in just one year!
What career paths can I take as a hairstylist?
Your Hairstyling diploma gives you many career opportunities
Graduates of this program will have completed all required in-school hours necessary to pursue the trade certification exam. Certified Hairstylists may find employment in a wide range of salon environments, the fashion and entertainment industries, or other businesses that require advanced hairstyling services. This program also prepares graduates for entrepreneurial pathways, including owning and operating their own salon, studio, or independent hairstyling business. In addition, graduates may pursue careers within the professional beauty industry as brand educators, platform artists, trainers, or sales representatives for companies that supply and manufacture hairstyling products. Graduates who choose to continue their education may also pursue additional postsecondary credentials to further enhance their career, leadership, and business opportunities within the industry.
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.
In this video, Rena demonstrates colouring techniques.
What courses are included in the Hairstyling diploma program?
Course overview
19 Program Courses
1 Communication Course
3 General Education Courses
Program-specific courses
Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Hairstyling program outline.
- HAIR 1012 – Style Hair: Basic
- HAIR 1013 – Cut Hair: Basic
- HAIR 1014 – Colour and Lighten Hair: Basic
- HAIR 1015 – Client Services
- HAIR 1016 – Professional Development and Career Focus
- HAIR 1022 – Preparatory Procedures and Treatments
- HAIR 1023 – Health and Safety
- COMM 1016 – Communication Essentials
- Select 1 course from the General Education list during registration.
Your course delivery method(s)
In-person and hybrid option
In this program, some courses will provide an option to choose fully in person or fully online. You’ll choose one delivery method, that fits your circumstances, for the duration of the semester.
Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Our Hairstyling diploma program is three semesters in length. The semesters run back-to-back, resulting in one full year of studies.
The program begins in January, May and September each year.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Yes, absolutely. In Ontario, barbers are required to complete a hairstyling program the same as an aspiring hairstylist would.
Please check the Skilled Trades section on the Finance and fees page for the full list of items you will need for the program.
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Do you have questions about Hairstyling? Contact us!
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