vcc.ca
HAIR 1010: Fundamentals of Professional Practice
Effective date
September 2025
Department
Hairstyling
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Students are provided with a solid foundation in essential skills in hairstyling preparing them for careers in salons, spas, and health and wellness centres. Students learn how to use and care for tools and maintain a safe and hygienic environment in adherence to health and safety standards. Topics include service preparation, hair and scalp treatments and services, colour formulations, and fundamental cutting techniques using various tools, styling methods, and dry finishing.
The course also equips students with the ability to assess client needs in a professional environment. Students conduct client consultations and analyze face shapes, identify potential diseases and disorders, and make client recommendations. Students also gain insights into industry expectations regarding professionalism and effective communication with clients and, colleagues, and industry partners.
Emphasizing a holistic approach, the course integrates nutrition and mindfulness practices to promote overall wellness for both hairstylists and clients, recognizing their impact on physical health, stress management, and common skin and scalp conditions.
Credits
16.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify single-use tools and accessories and the appropriate procedures for use, maintenance and disposal.
- Sanitize and disinfect tools and equipment using specific materials and procedures.
- Use various types of draping techniques to prepare clients for services.
- Perform hair and scalp treatment, including analyzing and manipulating the scalp and hair and performing scalp massage.
- Identify the structure and functions of the skin and the composition of hair and recognize possible diseases and disorders.
- Analyze the impact of nutrition on overall wellness, including its effects on hairstylist health and common client scalp and hair conditions.
- Demonstrate professional behaviour and communication skills with clients and co-workers, incorporating mindfulness practices to enhance active listening, client engagement, and workplace interactions.
- Demonstrate wet hair styling using a combination of styling techniques and the art of dry and finishing styling using thermal tools and comb-out techniques.
- Identify basic colour formulation and application techniques suitable for specific client colour needs.
- Describe the procedure for performing bleach application and recognize degrees of lightening.
- Determine where excess hair needs to be removed and perform the fundamental hair-cutting techniques of elevated and non-elevated haircuts.
- Perform cutting of facial and nape hair.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 100
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 300
Total Hours: 400
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 300
Total Hours: 400
Instructional Strategies
Students will be assessed on their theoretical and practical knowledge throughout the program. This evaluation involves a mix of assignments, projects, client services and exams. Instructors will actively observe students and use practical assessment guides to measure their ability to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios. To advance in the program, students must achieve a minimum 70% score in theoretical and practical assessments for each course topic.
Students can retake a maximum of two theory exams per course when failing theoretical exams.
Students must maintain an attendance rate of 90% per course to proceed to the next level and complete the program.
Students can retake a maximum of two theory exams per course when failing theoretical exams.
Students must maintain an attendance rate of 90% per course to proceed to the next level and complete the program.
Grading System
Percentages-STBC
Passing grade
70
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
10 |
Assignments |
|
Lab Work |
10 |
Client services. |
|
Final Exam |
30 |
Final Practical Assessments. |
|
Exam |
20 |
Topic Theory Exams. |
|
Lab Work |
25 |
Sign Off Sheets & Client Services |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
05 |
Online Quiz |
Course topics
- Use and Maintenance of Tools and Equipment
- Haircutting
- Hair Styling
- Hair Colouring
- Hygiene, Sanitation and Disinfection Practices
- Hair and Scalp Care Treatments
- Client Services
- Nutrition and Scalp Health Essentials
Learning resources
Tool and equipment supplies are required for this program. For kit information and prices, visit the VCC Bookstore.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.