Hairdressing Level 3

Qualifications

New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing Level 3

Level

Level 3

Duration

34 Weeks

Cost

Tuition Fees: $10,889.38

Youth Guarantee: Free

Start Date

26th January 2026

Enrolments for January must be completed and accepted by December 16th 2025.

New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing Level 3

Overview

This Level 3 programme of study will equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills required of a level 3 hairstylist.

Develop a comprehensive set of practical foundation skills and professional salon practices that will allow you to apply for entry into the year two programme or enable you to gain an intermediate position as an apprentice in a salon.

This is a new version of the level 3 hairdressing qualification. It now includes simple haircuts and more chemical services including perming and straightening the hair. A more comprehensive course with lots of fun, real hairdressing!

It is more current and focused on what you see and do in the hair salons. Industry focused.

Who can enrol in this programme?

NZ citizen or permanent resident
Aged 16-60
Serious about hairdressing
Reasonable level of competence in English and Math.
Be physically able to carry out the practical components of the programme

If you are unsure of your eligibility please contact our office.

What will I learn?

Elementary Styling
Long hair styling
Cutting Skills
Highlighting, foiling and colouring
Trichology and Treatments
History
Product knowledge
Retail and Reception
Professional salon skills and practices, behaviours and communication skills
Present a model and participate in a professional photo shoot (portfolio/CV photo included)

Are you aged between 16-24? See if you are eligible for our Zero Fees Youth Guarantee program here:

Youth Gaurantee

Lady browsing hairdressing products on shelf

Hairdressing in Level 3

I enjoy Varda because everyday I get to learn new things and enjoy the company I share with my pairs. I also enjoy going to Varda because of my tutors, that are patient, kind and cool to be around.

Charne Mackie

Varda creates a safe space for future generational hairdressers and allows us to be our complete selves while we’re learning new skills and techniques which helps us improve and be better and do better within ourselves and our hairdressing careers. Not only do they offer hairdressing, but Barbering, make-up and Salon Support are on offer too with a wide variety of tutors who have different skill sets, techniques and ways of learning so it allows everyone to to be seen and heard.

Shaann

Varda is a great nurturing environment for young barbers/hairdressers and makeup artists alike. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the practical and theory learning opportunities varda provides. The hands on practical days in the salon really help cement the theory I’ve learned in class and have helped me gain the confidence I need to provide services to clients. I couldn’t recommend varda enough for those who want an interactive learning experience, with knowledgeable tutors and friendly students!!

Charlie E

My most favourite thing about this place was going in with little experience and within the first 2 weeks already have had gained quite a-bit of knowledge that I thought would takes ages to learn but only took a few weeks.

Henare Ngaruhe

A great place to
study and pick up skills to prepare for the work place.

Darian Bennett

Varda has been so fun and so much help to becoming a professional hair dresser!! Highly recommend for anyone looking at enrolling

Chloe Nicholson

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’

Hair and barber NZ

My IR

Pivot Point