Hairstyling
Master cutting, colouring, styling, texture services, and salon operations in a hands-on 1400-hour program in Edmonton.
Core topics
Modules & lessons
Work top to bottom — every lesson has an objective, curated resources, a hands-on lab, and a self-check.
Module 1 · Science & Foundations Beginner 4 lessons ›
Hair & Scalp Science
🎯 Analyze hair structure and scalp conditions.Hair is keratin protein in three layers: cuticle (protective scales), cortex (strength and pigment), medulla. Porosity, elasticity, density, and texture determine how hair responds to chemicals and heat — always strand-test before chemical services. Know common scalp conditions (dandruff, psoriasis) and which require referral, not service.
✍️ Self-check question
Why strand-test before every chemical service?
Sanitation, Safety & Alberta Regulations
🎯 Maintain a safe, legal workstation.Salon safety: disinfect tools between clients (hospital-grade, correct contact time), single-use items never reused, sharps disposed properly, and chemical handling per WHMIS (gloves, ventilation, patch tests for colour). Alberta health regulations set the floor — inspections check your disinfection log.
✍️ Self-check question
What is a patch test, when is it mandatory, and how long before colour?
Tools, Draping & Client Consultation
🎯 Set up professionally and consult like a pro.Professional setup: sanitized tools organized by service, draping for the service type (cutting vs chemical), and ergonomic posture to save your back and wrists. The consultation is the service: lifestyle questions, inspiration photos, honest assessment of hair condition, and agreement on plan and price before the first cut.
✍️ Self-check question
Why repeat the plan back to the client before starting?
Shampooing & Scalp Care
🎯 Perform a relaxing, effective shampoo service.The shampoo is the client's first physical impression: water temperature tested, effleurage and petrissage massage techniques, product matched to hair type, and thorough rinsing (residue ruins styling). Scalp massage stimulates circulation — technique and pressure checks turn a routine step into the reason clients rebook.
✍️ Self-check question
Why does incomplete rinsing sabotage the blow-dry that follows?
Module 2 · Core Technical Skills Intermediate 4 lessons ›
Haircutting Fundamentals
🎯 Execute the four foundational cuts.Every haircut is built from four forms: solid (one length), graduated (stacked angle), layered (uniform elevation), and combination. Master sectioning, tension, elevation, and guide control — the cut lives or dies on your guide. Shears, razor, and clippers each give different edges; choose for the texture and the finish.
✍️ Self-check question
What does elevation angle control in the finished shape?
Colour Theory & Application
🎯 Formulate and apply colour predictably.Colour is chemistry plus the colour wheel: level system (1–10), undertones at each level, and complementary neutralization (blue cancels orange, green cancels red). Services: temporary, semi, demi, permanent, and lightening. Formulate from the analysis — natural level, percentage of grey, previous colour history — and always document the formula.
✍️ Self-check question
A client wants level 9 blonde from box-black hair — what do you tell them?
Styling: Blowouts, Ironwork & Finishing
🎯 Finish cuts with polished styling.Styling sets the cut: round-brush tension and airflow direction for smooth blowouts, thermal iron work at correct temperatures for hair type (fine hair burns fast), and finishing products in rice-to-dime amounts. Heat protectant is non-negotiable. The mirror check from all angles is your final QC.
✍️ Self-check question
What temperature range suits fine, colour-treated hair — and why?
Chemical Texture: Perms & Relaxers
🎯 Reshape hair structure safely.Texture services break and reform disulfide bonds: perms add curl (rod size = curl size; processing vs neutralizing times matter), relaxers remove curl (strand-test, base protection, never overlapping previously relaxed hair). Overlapping chemicals = breakage. Post-service home-care instructions protect your work.
✍️ Self-check question
Why must relaxer never overlap previously relaxed hair?
Module 3 · Salon Professional Professional 4 lessons ›
Special Occasion & Texture Styling
🎯 Build updos and work all textures.Special-occasion styling: pin curls, braids, twists, and structured updos anchored with proper foundation (backcombing, padding, pins that hold). Modern salons serve all textures — curly, coily, and wavy cutting and care (dry cutting, curl-by-curl) is a hiring differentiator. Inclusivity expands your chair.
✍️ Self-check question
Why is textured-hair expertise a business advantage, not a niche?
Client Experience & Retention
🎯 Turn first visits into regulars.Retention math: a client who returns every 6 weeks is worth 8+ visits a year. Retention habits: rebook before checkout, recommend (not push) home care, remember details (notes in the system), and handle complaints instantly and graciously. Your rebook percentage is the number salon owners ask about in interviews.
✍️ Self-check question
Why rebook at the chair instead of the front desk?
Salon Business & Alberta Apprenticeship Path
🎯 Map your route to journeyperson.Alberta hairstyling is a compulsory trade: after your 1400-hour program, the apprenticeship path combines on-the-job hours with technical training toward the journeyperson exam (Apprenticeship and Industry Training). Business basics matter from day one: retail commission, booth rental vs commission, and tracking your service dollars.
✍️ Self-check question
What are the two components of Alberta apprenticeship completion?
Portfolio & Chair Ready
🎯 Graduate with proof of skill.Salons hire from photos and working interviews: build a portfolio of 12+ looks (before/after, varied services and textures), keep your formula cards, and practice a timed 'model call' service. Instagram is your living resume — consistent, well-lit, honest work. Your 1400 hours got you the skill; the portfolio gets you the chair.
✍️ Self-check question
What three things does a salon owner look for in a working interview?
Program quiz
Career outcomes
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