Hairstyling Apprenticeship Program | St. Clair College

Contact Information

Marcy McIntosh
Tel: 519-972-2727 Ext. 4391
E-Mail: mmcintosh@stclaircollege.ca
St. Clair College
2000 Talbot Rd. W,
Windsor, ON N9A-6S4


This program is a traditional Apprenticeship program. The Apprenticeship program was developed to help individuals attain their personal goals of becoming licensed Hairstylists through a combination of in-school and on-the-job training. This Apprenticeship training system has been in effect for more than 30 years and has proven to be an effective and successful way for individuals to attain their goals. In order to qualify for this program, you must have a grade 12 diploma, (OSSD) or equivalent, you must find a job in a salon as an entry-level assistant and then register as an Apprentice with the local Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Apprenticeship Client Services at 519-973-1441.

Key Features

  • Clinical and lab experience
  • Some students qualify for Employment Insurance
  • Students earn apprenticeship credits
  • Some students qualify for Ministry Apprenticeship Incentive grants
  • Class sizes are small

There are two intakes of schooling required Level 1 and Level 2 which run two days per week. Level 1 and level 2 run Monday and Tuesday for 15 weeks. Level 2 has a mandatory exam prep week which is the 16th week running 5 days, Monday to Friday. An additional cost of approximately $350.00 would be required to cover the cost of a textbook, mannequin and lab coat. A student kit is supplied while you are in school at no cost.


Career Options

A Registered Apprentice prior to achieving the Certificate of Qualification License works as an assistant to License Hairstylist in a salon and in many cases, they are the front-line person for the general salon operations.

After completing the required 3,500 hours of both in-school and on-the-job training, the Apprentice would be eligible to challenge the Certificate of Qualification Exam and upon successful completion of this exam become a Licensed Hairstylist. As a Stylist, many career opportunities are available in the field of Hairstyling such as Salon Manager, Salon owner, full-time Stylist, Colour Technician, Textured Service Technician, Platform Artist, Sales Representative and educator.

Ministry Requirements

In order to work in the trade of Hairstyling, you must have a grade 12 diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, you must be registered as an Apprentice and complete the required 3,500 hours of training. A total of 480 in-school (Level 1 & Level 2) and the remaining 3020 on the job in a salon.

The Ministry will notify you when classes are available as classes run throughout the calendar year.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Apprenticeship Client Services: 519-973-1441.

Application for Apprenticeship Training


Curriculum - Hairstyling Apprenticeship Intakes

LEVEL 1

HDR 108 Ethics, Regulation and Policy
Includes: Professional Ethics, Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHIMIS) regulations, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information.

HDR 109 Health and Safety
Includes: Bacteriology and Decontamination, Chemistry, Electricity and Light Therapy.

HDR 129 Entrepreneurial Skills I
Includes: National Occupational Analysis (NOA), Ministry Training Standards, Customer Service, Booking Appointments, Upselling, Financial Transactions, Time Management.

HDR 121 Professional Development
Includes: Professional Image, Goal Setting, Professional Development, Current Trends.

HDR 122 Client Service
Includes: Client Consultation

HDR 123 Preparatory Procedures and Treatments I
Includes: Scalp and Hair Analysis, Scalp and Hair Treatments, Chemical Properties of Products, Shampoo and Draping Techniques.

HDR 124 Cut Hair I
Includes: Facial Shapes and Bone Structure of Head, Elevations and Angles used in Haircutting, Guidelines, Non-elevated and Elevated Haircuts.

HDR 126 Style Hair I
Includes: Elements of Design, Blow Dry Styling Techniques, Roller Sets, Finger Waves, Pin Curls, Updo Techniques.

HDR 127 Permanent Wave Hair
Includes: Product Knowledge, Hair Structure, Wrapping Techniques, Stages of Chemical Reaction.

HDR 128 Colour and Lighten Hair I
Includes: Principals of Colour, Colour Wheel, Composition and Chemical Action of Colour, Level System, Colour Categories, Colour Formulation, Application Methods.

Level 2

HDR 229 Entrepreneurial Skills II
Includes: Salon Business Plans and Salon Operations.

HDR 223 Preparatory Procedures and Treatments II
Includes: Conditions and Disorders of Hair and Scalp, Hair Loss, Hair and Scalp Treatments.

HDR 224 Cut Hair II
Includes: Elevations and Angles used in Haircutting, Guidelines, Texturizing Techniques, Non-elevated and Elevated Haircuts, Tapered Haircuts, Clipper Cutting and Beard Trimming.

HDR 226 Style Hair II
Includes: Elements of Design, Blow Dry Styling Techniques, Hot Roller Sets, Velcro Sets, Formal Hairstyling on Long Hair, Updo Techniques, Bridal work, Braiding.

HDR 221 Chemically Relax Hair
Includes: Product Knowledge, Hair Structure, Relaxing Techniques, Hair Pressing and Levels of Texture.

HDR 228 Colour and Lighten Hair II
Includes: Stages of De-colourization, Colour Correction, Colour Formulation, Foil Placement, Colour Mapping, Application Methods, Lighten and Toning and Colouring Trends.

HDR 222 Hair Additions
Includes: Wigs, Hairpieces and Extensions, Fibre Types, Techniques in Cutting, Colouring and Styling Hair Additions.


Student Testimonials

I really enjoyed this course. I am a mature student and was hesitant to come back to school. The structure made it easy for me to be a student and a mother. The teachers were excellent and I would recommend this course to everyone.
- Lauri Bonyai

The teachers are so helpful and their teaching methods make it fun and easy to learn. The course teaches more than hairstyling… it also boosts your confidence and shows how the real world works.
- Kelly Peters

I've been doing hair for about 2 years now and I currently work at a hair salon. I applied for the program because it gave me a better opportunity to be more hands-on. You learn so much in a short time that will help guide you through this career. It's a great way to build up your hours and have a great experience.
- Zainah Bazzi

Being a part of the hairstyling apprenticeship program was a great opportunity for me. It gave me the chance to work as a team, as well as being independent. It has helped me to increase my ability, improve my skills and learn new ones. I have received the confidence in myself to be the best I can be.
- Vanessa Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

You must have a job in a salon and register with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Apprenticeship Client Services Branch, 519-973-1441. Apprentices must register with Ontario College of Trades at www.collegeoftrades.ca. A grade 12 diploma (OSSD) is an admission requirement. All enquiries regarding educational status should be directed to the above office and phone number.

There are 2 classroom sessions with Level 1 and Level 2 intakes running 2 days per week for 15 weeks. The total of in-school hours of training is 480 hours. The Ministry will contact you when a seat becomes available to attend school.

$552.00/per 15 week intake. Plus the cost of a text, lab coat, parking and mannequin.

Level 1 & Level 2 schedules are 16 hours per week. Monday and Tuesday from 8:00-5:00 for 15 weeks.

Lab coast must be worn when doing practical work. No jeans, shorts or hats. Closed toe shoes must be worn in all labs/clinicals.

Upon the successful completion of Apprenticeship 3,500 hours which includes the in-school portion, and the on the job requirements, a Certificate of Qualification written exam is required with a pass of 70%.