Cosmetology

If you're artistic, use fashion as a creative outlet, and have good manual dexterity, cosmetology may guide you to an exciting and fulfilling career where you can improve the quality of life for others.

Learn About:

• Cutting, designing and styling hair

• Coloring and lightening hair using a variety of techniques

• Chemical curling and straightening hair

• Using effective communication to perform client consultations

• Business building through social media

• Salon operations and management

Work Experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.

  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.

  • Transportation, accommodations, and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.

Clinical Placement

• This program includes mandatory clinical placements that may take place in a variety of settings.

  • Clinical placements can include weekday, evening, weekend, and/or holiday shifts. Shifts range from 6 to 12 hours, and start times vary.

  • Clinical placements are mandatory credit courses. They provide you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment.

Choose NSCC

• This program reflects the industry's professional training requirements and is recognized by the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia (CANS).

• This is the only program in the province offering the men's method course.

• You learn from experienced instructors who are dedicated to ongoing professional development and maintain their involvement in provincial, national, and international competitions, both as competitors and as judges.

• Our cosmetology salons are set up to operate in the same manner as hairstyling salons. Your practical training begins on mannequins and progresses to salon clientele.

• You have the opportunity to participate in Skills Nova Scotia, Skills Canada, or the Carnival of Beauty.

Other Info

• This program is not always offered at the same location each year. Check program locations for upcoming start dates.

• You must purchase an approved shop kit within the first two weeks of the program start date. Campuses will provide information regarding the cost of the kit upon acceptance into the program.

• To work in Nova Scotia, you're required to pass an examination administered by CANS, covering both practical and theoretical competencies. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have accumulated 1,500 hours under the direct supervision of a Master Hairdresser Instructor and have successfully completed all components of the program. Successful completion of the exam qualifies you for a Nova Scotia Cosmetologist Hairdressing license, which permits stylists to work independently.

• To achieve your 1,500 hours, you must maintain regular attendance.