Skills Ignite & Skills Premier are now Skills Institute!Close

Hairdressing (Professional Stylist)

Master advanced cutting, colouring and styling techniques that set you apart in New Zealand's thriving hair industry.

Hairdressing professional stylist bannerHairdressing professional stylist mobile
Badge
Level 4NZ Certificate120 credits34 weeksManukau CampusLower Hutt CampusDunedin Campus

Intakes: 22 September 2025 | 27 October 2025

Enquire now
78 weeksLevel 4NZ Certificate120 creditsNationwide

Intakes: Monthly

Enquire now

The next exciting chapter in your hair styling career

This Level 4 programme transforms skilled hairdressers into confident professionals who can deliver high-end results that will always be in demand. You'll master modern cutting, colouring and chemical reformation techniques while gaining essential business skills that make you invaluable to any salon, now and in the future.

Who can enrol? 

To be eligible for our Hairdressing Level 4 Professional Stylist course, you must be a New Zealand citizen or have a resident visa, and have successfully completed the NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) or equivalent.

We're looking for passionate individuals with a genuine desire to work in the hairdressing industry, a positive attitude, commitment to complete the course, and the maturity and personal presentation expected of professional stylists.

What makes this course effective? 

Complete training flexibility:

You can choose structured campus learning in our Auckland and Lower Hutt training salons, or earn while you learn with work-based training.

Industry partnership excellence:

This course is delivered in partnership with Pivot Point International, a globally recognised leader in hairdressing education, ensuring you learn techniques that stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

24/7 online access:

Access the Pivot Point LAB online platform for top-quality learning content that's regularly refreshed to keep you ahead of industry trends and technological advances.

Real salon preparation:

Focus on both technical skills and business operations, including client service management and salon profitability strategies that employers value highly.

Expert consultation training: 

Learn to deliver professional consultations and create tailored treatment plans – the kind of personalised service that builds lasting client relationships and can never be automated.

What does this course cover? 

  • Advanced cutting techniques and modern styling methods that showcase human artistry

  • Professional colouring applications and colour theory for personalised results

  • Chemical reformation processes and safety protocols

  • Client consultation and communication skills that build lasting relationships

  • Treatment planning and service customisation for individual needs

  • Salon operations and business management

  • Health and safety in professional salon environments

  • Product knowledge and retail sales techniques

  • Customer service excellence and client retention strategies

  • Industry trends and continuing professional development for a future-proofed career

What qualifications will you gain? 

By completing this programme, you'll earn the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) Level 4, a professional  hairdressing qualification that confirms your advanced technical skills and positions you in a career that thrives on human connection and creativity. This qualification positions you as an intermediate stylist capable of working independently in professional salons, with pathways to senior styling roles and salon management positions.

Industry information

New Zealand's hairdressing industry is experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing consumer spending on personal grooming and beauty services across both urban and regional markets.

A thriving creative industry 

The hairdressing sector employs thousands of professionals across New Zealand, with consumers seeking the personalised service and human connection that only skilled stylists can provide. Professional stylists are in high demand, with diverse career paths from specialised colouring to salon ownership—all built on skills that are 100% human.

Key qualities of leading stylists

Outstanding professional stylists combine technical expertise with exceptional interpersonal skills. They're creative problem-solvers who can translate client visions into stunning results, work efficiently under pressure, and build the personal relationships that keep clients coming back.

Career advancement pathways 

For people looking for advanced hair cutting courses, hair colour specialist courses and salon management training, a Level 4 qualification provides pathways to senior stylist positions, colour specialist roles, salon management and salon ownership. The creative and business skills gained are also transferable to related industries including fashion, photography, film and television.

Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) FAQs

Common questions about our Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) course, answered.

Do I need Level 3 hairdressing qualifications to enrol in Level 4?

Yes. You must have successfully completed the NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) or equivalent qualification. We also look for passionate individuals with genuine commitment to the hairdressing industry and professional presentation standards.

Can I choose between campus and work-based training for Level 4?

Absolutely. You can select structured campus learning in our Auckland and Lower Hutt training salons for focused study, or choose work-based training to earn while you learn, applying advanced techniques in a real salon environment.

What advanced skills will I master in Level 4?

You'll develop high-end cutting and styling techniques, professional colouring applications with advanced colour theory, chemical reformation processes, expert consultation skills, and essential business operations including client service management and salon profitability strategies.

How does Level 4 prepare me for senior salon roles?

This programme focuses on both advanced technical skills and business operations that employers value highly. You'll learn treatment planning, client retention strategies, salon management, and the personalised consultation skills that build lasting client relationships and career advancement.

What career opportunities open up after completing Level 4?

Graduates are positioned as intermediate stylists capable of working independently, with clear pathways to senior styling roles, colour specialist positions, salon management, and even salon ownership. Your skills are also transferable to related industries including fashion, photography, film and television.

Will I still have access to Pivot Point International resources?

Yes. Level 4 continues our partnership with Pivot Point International, giving you 24/7 access to the Pivot Point LAB online platform with top-quality learning content that's regularly updated to keep you ahead of industry trends and technological advances.