Certificate in Salon Skills

Our Certificate in Salon Skills (Level 2) is for people who want to explore the beauty industry before they choose a speciality. You’ll try each of the main beauty disciplines at an introductory level and can then decide which one to study further. School leavers without NCEA qualifications can enrol, as can people who want to improve their workplace skills before they look for a job in a salon.

No. You can start the Certificate in Salon Skills (Level 2) without any beauty industry experience. We accept applicants aged 16 or over who have NCEA Level 1 or no NCEA qualifications at all. Our tutors teach each skill from the basics, including how to communicate with clients and solve problems at work.

You’ll learn practical beauty skills along with workplace skills, including how to:

• Keep up with fashion trends and present a professional image

• Practise introductory hairdressing, barbering, special effects and makeup skills

• Look after customers and work on reception

• Communicate clearly with clients and colleagues

• Work well as part of a team

• Solve problems and keep good work habits

• Search for jobs and plan your career in the beauty industry

You’ll complete the Certificate in Salon Skills (Level 2) in 16 weeks. Our tutors use that time to introduce each area of the beauty industry and help you develop good work habits. Students who continue to our NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) (Level 3) spend a further 34 weeks training in a salon setting.

You can choose your next course based on the area you enjoyed most, with options like:

• NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) (Level 3): You’ll learn to assist stylists in a salon and give hair and scalp treatments.

• New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4): Our tutors will teach you to cut men’s hair with clippers and scissors and give cut-throat shaves.

• Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hair Styling (Level 4): You’ll learn makeup artistry and hairstyling at the same time. Applicants need to be at least 16+ years old and have NCEA Level 1 or an equivalent qualification.

Entry requirements apply.

You can study the Certificate in Salon Skills (Level 2) at either of our two Auckland campuses, in Manukau or in the city centre. Our Manukau campus is at 621 Great South Road, while our Auckland City campus is at 360 Queen Street. Students who continue to our higher-level hairdressing and barbering courses attend classes at the Auckland City campus.