About Us.

VARDA (originally Waikato School of Hairdressing) has been operating since 1991. During this time VARDA has seen many, many students through its doors and successfully out the other side working in great salons and enjoying amazing careers.

VARDA not only tutors in hairdressing, which is a major focus, but their competencies extend to barbering (which is making a comeback), retail, hospitality, travel, tourism and fashion training. It’s certainly worth considering VARDA as an option for further education and career choices.

Why Varda?

We do what others don’t.

Varda is the only provider in the wider Waikato region who delivers both level 3 and level 4 hairdressing qualifications. We are also the only provider delivering Barbering and Makeup Artistry and Hairstyling Level 4.

Our Team

Cara

Cara

Director

Starting as an Academic Manager and seamlessly transitioning to the role of Director, her journey exemplifies dedication and passion for excellence.

Under Cara’s leadership, we continue to thrive as a trusted name in the industry, offering unparalleled education and shaping future leaders in hairdressing, barbering and makeup artistry. Her wealth of experience and industry knowledge ensure that Varda remains at the forefront of cutting-edge techniques and trends.

Please note: "I Cara Healy, Director hereby declare that I have no actual or potential material conflict of interest that may arise from my role as a governing member of VARDA."

Michelle

Michelle

Front Desk Manager

Michelle, our Front Desk Manager, serves as the warm welcome for all new students and visitors at Varda Academy. Collaborating closely with Cara and Lisa, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of our academy.
With extensive experience in both the beauty industry and administration, Michelle brings a unique blend of expertise to her role. She cherishes the opportunity to merge her passion for beauty with her proficiency in administrative duties here at Varda.

Lisa

Lisa

Academic Manager and Hairdressing Tutor

We're thrilled to introduce Lisa as our Academic Manager at Varda.
Lisa brings a deep understanding of educational excellence and industry standards to her role.

Lisa is dedicated to fostering a supportive learning
environment and ensuring our students receive the highest quality of education and training. Her passion for hairdressing and commitment to professional development make her a valued leader at Varda.

Jasmine

Jasmine

Hairdressing Tutor

Jazz is a dedicated and highly skilled stylist and tutor, bringing a wealth of passion for the creative aspects of hairdressing to our Year 2 students at Varda.  With a strong focus on nurturing talent, Jazz fosters exceptional relationships with her students, finding immense reward in their success and personal growth.

Her extensive expertise and contagious enthusiasm for the art of hairdressing inspire students to explore their creativity and achieve their professional goals. Jazz's commitment to excellence ensures that each student receives personalized guidance and encouragement throughout their journey at Varda.

Jason

Jason

Barber Tutor

Hailing from the United States, Jason brings over a decade of experience as a beauty school instructor before relocating to New Zealand in 2017. Upon settling here in Hamilton, he assumed ownership of a local barbershop. Barbering holds a profound significance for Jason, combining his passion for the craft with a genuine commitment to educating and mentoring the next generation of barbers.

Joshua

Joshua

Barber Tutor

Josh is a skilled barber with more than a decade of
experience in hair cutting. His journey began with whanau and friends, fueling his passion for the craft. After completing barber school he refined his skills in a barbershop, he successfully ran his own barbering business. Now, as a tutor, he is dedicated to sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with the next generation of students.

Katy

Katy

Makeup Artistry and Hairstyling Tutor

Meet Katy, our dedicated Makeup Tutor who brings over 12 years of diverse experience in makeup artistry. Her journey has encompassed work in short films, photography, bridal, and theatre, including national theatre tours. Katy's passion lies in not only creating stunning looks but also in imparting her knowledge to aspiring makeup artists. She is committed to nurturing their talents and preparing them for success in the dynamic beauty
industry.

Stef

Stef

Floating Tutor - Hairdressing and Barbering

With over 20 years of experience in hairdressing, Stef is a dedicated tutor specialising in both hairdressing and barbering. Throughout her career, she has perfected the art of hairstyling, with a special focus on creating stunning wedding looks for countless brides on their big day. Now, as she transitions into education, Stef is eager to share her expertise and inspire the next generation of hairstylists.

Jade

Jade

Hairdressing Tutor

With nearly 20 years of experience as a stylist in
Kihikihiroa, Jade brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Varda team. Her dedication to guiding apprentices and junior stylists has been a driving force in her career. Jade is committed to nurturing talent, helping students build strong foundations and elevate their skills in the art of hairdressing. Join her on a journey of growth and creativity, where every lesson is an opportunity to shine!

Sue

Sue

Accounts Manager

We are proud to introduce Sue, our dedicated Accounts Manager at Varda. With her meticulous attention to detail and extensive experience in financial management, she ensures the smooth operation of our financial processes. 

I’d like to say a Thank you to Deb and the whole crew at Varda. The experience I had here was amazing and I wouldn’t change it for anything. The amazing support from staff and teachers was cherished dearly by myself and I can speak on the behalf of the other students when saying this too.

Thank you to my wonderful tutor for all the one on one learning and teaching you sent my way. Without it I wouldn’t be the great barber I am today. From helping me with cutting techniques to finding me work experience you were always there for me and always put me and the other students first.”

Troy Bernhard
‘Barbering’

Coming to Varda was the best choice I made when I left High School. I’ve learnt professionalism in the Barber trade and I’ve taken it and used it as a life skill. Varda has taught me all the basics of barber skills and the tutors were supportive.

Maia Haumu

Before coming to Varda I was a stay at home mum, so this year was definitely a change for me.

When covid came around it all changed again. We did it and without the support from every single person at Varda I don't know how we would of survived the year. From other students supporting each other and cheering us all on and helping with models, to the tutors and all staff who were there helping us all achieve our goals and supporting us through our tough days too.

Also a big thank you to our tutor for your support, loyalty and guidance.

Megan Brinkworth
‘Salon Support’

To Varda, the staff and of course our amazing tutor, thank you for your endless support and overall patience throughout this course especially through the times where we couldn't see the end. 

This year has been amazing working along side all of you. The amount of support and banter with each other has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to have shared this adventure with.

Helena McKenzie
‘Emerging Stylist’

Just perfect! Tutors encouraged me and showed me a lot of new skills and found what I was good at. Varda also relaxed me before completing any assessments that were hard to achieve, helpful tutors and classmates. I started dreaming a new future here at Varda, and Varda also helped me to set my goal for next year too. Thanks, it was the best school I ever went. Miss you all.

Phoebe Choi
‘Salon Support’

“I loved studying at Varda, I loved all the tutors. They were friendly and they believe in me”.

Brittany Richardson
‘Makeup and Skin Care’

“My experience studying at Varda was absolutely amazing. It always felt like a safe learning environment and always had such a dedicated team of tutors and staff to help us with questions or problems. Walking into class always felt homely and welcoming. Our tutor was always willing to help any student and always had a boost of motivation and support to push you to succeed your goals.”

Chloe Curnow
‘Salon support’

I loved the atmosphere, everyone is always happy and all staff are so polite. I also believe that Varda has a great support system for both students and clients.

Jade Coe
‘Makeup’

Varda has helped me so much with my people skills and has made me so much more confident in myself and the things I can do. I’ve learnt a lot being here and have loved every moment of it.

Jamie Paki
‘Salon Support’

    Public Trust
    Keune
    Hair and barber NZ
    Studylink
    Fees Free
    Pivot Point