Part of the Health, Recreation & Human Services (HRH) Cluster
The Cosmetology program provides a personalized, self-paced learning experience for ambitious students seeking industry credentials as a Hairstyling Apprentice or Certified Esthetician. The program is taught by Journeyperson Stylists, Certified Estheticians, and Alberta Education certified teachers.
Both the Hairstyling Apprenticeship program and the Esthetics Certification program are designed around the personal learning plans of each student whose passion for the health and beauty industry has invigorated their desire to start their Hairstylist or Esthetics' training in pursuit of a successful career.
Students’ will begin in the Introductory program, upon completion they will choose to go into either the Hairstyling Apprenticeship or the Esthetics Certificate program. There are up to 11 credits available based on a single-block intro student.
Under the Personalized Learning Program approach, the students benefit with the understanding that building strong relationships with industry professionals, and the industry as a whole, gives them optimum opportunity to develop their skills to full potential in the ever evolving and changing Cosmetology field. Students complete the program with a sense of ownership in skill development as they learn in a client service based salon and spa.
Cosmetology Introductory
This course is offered to students who are interested in the Hairstyling and Esthetics trades and would like to begin exploring the practical and theoretical skills of these trades. At the introductory level, students are given the opportunity to develop both practical and theoretical skills in various hairstyling and Esthetics credits. Upon completion of the introductory program, students will be able to determine their specific area of interest and examine the opportunity to take a full Credentialed Hairstylist Program or the Esthetics Certification program.
Specific skills gained in this course include wet setting, braiding, consultation and draping, hair and scalp analysis, theatrical makeup, skin analysis, basic facial techniques, and daytime and evening makeup applications. There are up to 11+ credits available in the single-block Intro Cosmetology class. All credits earned will be applied toward the completion of either the Cosmetology Credential or Esthetics Certification programs.
Hairstyling Intermediate
Once students have completed Cosmetology Intro, they may choose to continue in the Intermediate program. Ideally, students are interested in pursuing Hairstyling or Barbering as a career as this is an Apprenticeship level course. In the Intermediate program, students will have the opportunity to master their skills and continue completing the required educational components of the Alberta Hairstylist Apprenticeship.
The Intermediate program offers up to 14 credits which will then apply to the 46 HSA specified credential pathway courses for the first and second period of the Hairstyling trade. This program is offered as a double-block only, to high school students and returning grade 12 students (with prior approval).
Students follow an intense curriculum that includes forming, finishing and designing of hair, haircutting, infection control procedures and hygiene that applies to salon/spa ecology, hair & scalp care, haircutting, hair colouring, highlighting, up-dos, chemical texturizing, and professional ethics. As students make progress in developing fundamental skills, they build on earlier competencies and broaden their industry perspective
Hairstyling Credential
Once students have completed Intermediate Cosmetology, they may choose to continue in Cosmetology Credential if they are interested in pursuing Hairstyling or Barbering as a career. In the Credentialed Hairstylist Program, students will have the opportunity to master their skills and complete all remaining required educational components of the Alberta Hairstylist Apprenticeship.
The Hairstylist Credential Apprenticeship Program is based on a total of 27 remaining HSA specified credential pathway courses for the first and second period of the Hairstyling trade. The completion of all these 27 credits in addition to the HSA credits completed in Intro and Intermediate is the equivalent of completing a post-secondary diploma in Hairstyling, and provides students with certain credit toward the Alberta Hairstylist Apprenticeship program. This program is offered as a double-block only, to high school students and returning grade 12 students (with prior approval).
As students make progress in developing fundamental skills, they build on earlier competencies and broaden their industry perspective. Students will develop skills and knowledge in a dynamic, full-service salon/spa customer service center.
Students follow an intense curriculum that includes forming, finishing and designing of hair; infection control procedures and hygiene that applies to salon/spa ecology, hair & scalp care, haircutting, barbering, hair colouring, highlighting, up-dos, chemical texturizing, wigs and hair extensions, salon business, and professional ethics.
Hairstylist Apprenticeship – 46 Credits
At the CTC, Cosmetology students will have the opportunity to complete 46 HSA courses. Course selection is based on the personal learning plan of the individual student. See Cosmetology Course link (top right) for courses offered.
In-Class Training (Period 1 & Period 2):
- 25 Credits in Period 1 = 1400 hours
- 21 Credits in Period 2 = 1400 hours
(70% and higher is recommended for all courses to meet industry standards.)
In-Salon Requirements = 2800 hours (Students must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an Apprentice. Employers must be holders of an existing trade certificate).
- 1400 hours - Period 1 including a theory and practical exam
- 1400 hours - Period 2 including a theory and practical exam
Helpful Links:
Esthetics Certificate
After completion of our Introductory Cosmetology program, students may decide to pursue their learning within the Esthetics Certification program.
In the Esthetics Certificate program, students will have the opportunity to develop and master all of their Esthetics skills in a full-service spa environment. Students will receive their certification based on credit completion, professionalism, client service skills, commitment to the program, as well as successful completion of a final theoretical and practical exam.
Students will explore all aspects of the Esthetics industry, including but not limited to facials, makeup, theatrical makeup, waxing, body treatments, lash and brow tinting, lash lifts and brow lamination, pedicures, manicures, nail art, and gel gloss nails. Double-block is required for this specialized program.
Student Profile
The following student profile is based on qualities and criteria directly related to the hairstyling/esthetics industry.
As this is a personal service industry, the soft skills and/or personal skills are very important. To be successful and develop employable skills in this profession, one must not only be passionate for the industry, but also have strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and connect with individuals regardless of if they are a hairstylist, esthetician, etc. The individuals’ livelihood depends on if they can market themselves and engage others to create lasting client relationships.
Technical skills can be taught; passion, enthusiasm, confidence, and caring come from within. The students have to build relationships with their employer, teacher, clients, and the industry as a whole. Students are continually marketing themselves, how they build these relationships will depend on how successful their career is.
Students need to be very positive, enthusiastic, caring, and willing to learn and work. The individual should have a passion for the Industry. Advancing and being open to learning is very important. Students need to personally strive for excellence at all times; it is required that you be self motivated. In order to learn and grow it is important that students be gracious and open to being coached to improve continually.
Supplies
Cosmetology Kits
Students in the Cosmetology programs will need to purchase equipment kits and pay a consumable fee. This is required to complete apprentice/specialization training. These kits are available for purchase and are required as students advance in their course work.
Courses
Hairstylist Apprentice
Hairstylist Apprentice is based on 50 Credits for the first and second period of the Hairstyling trade, instruction follows the Alberta Education curriculum Upon graduation from high school and with the support of an employer, the individual may then enter into the post-secondary apprenticeship program as a first period apprentice with advanced standing. Some students start their apprenticeship program while still in high school.
Services are also offered to customers (haircut, hairstyle, conditioning treaments, colouring...) at a low rate: enough to cover the supplies used.
Specific courses are identified and must be delivered and assessed by a journeyman person to qualify a student to write the first-second period exam(s).
The CT Center offers students the opportunity to complete 50 specified credential pathway courses, related to the hairstylist trade and certain credit toward the Alberta Apprenticeship program. Download the Apprenticeship Application and Contract form.
Hairstylist Apprentice Period 1 (25 credits)
The Period 1 course develops a student's specific basic career skills. The personal and transferable skills the student acquires can be applied towards earning 46 credits and 2800 apprenticeship program hours. Students develop increased appreciation for the significance of personal grooming in various life situations, as well as the knowledge and skills required to perform basic grooming practices. They develop a more positive self-concept as they assume increasingly complex roles and responsibilities related to this trade.
As student make progress in developing fundamental skills they build on earlier competencies and broaden their industry perspective. At this level, students may begin to perform client services in all areas of cosmetology.
Student follow an intense curriculum that includes hair cutting, styling, colouring, highlighting, up-dos, hair extensions, business, and client retention classes.
HSA3406: WORK ENVIRONMENT
Students identify and apply safe and hygienic practices in the work environment. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3411: HEAD ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Students use anatomy and physiology for analyzing head and facial features to design suitable haircuts and hairstyles. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3416: HAIRCUTTING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Students learn to ensure the safe handling and maintenance of haircutting tools and equipment used in salon operations. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3421: CONSULTATION AND DRAPING
Students learn how to conduct client consultations where they analyze the client’s needs to perform the appropriate service(s). Students demonstrate the proper use of draping techniques. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3426: SALON OPERATIONS
Students learn the duties, responsibilities, and essentials of owning and managing a salon. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3431: HAIR AND SCALP ANALYSIS
Students analyze and describe the structure and condition of the hair and scalp. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3436: SHAMPOO AND CONDITION HAIR
Students use their analysis of the structure and condition of hair and the relationship of hair to the scalp to select and use the appropriate hair and scalp cleansing and conditioning products. Prerequisite: HSA3431: Hair and Scalp Analysis
HSA3441: PRINCIPLES OF HAIRCUTTING AND STYLE
Students explain the principles of haircutting and using styles. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3446: CUSTOMIZING HAIRCUTS
Students learn how to ensure the client has the correct posture and body position when cutting the client’s hair. Students describe how to customize haircuts. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3451: DEMONSTRATE THE PRINCIPLES OF HAIRCUTTING
Students demonstrate basic haircutting principles by successfully completing basic types of haircuts. Prerequisites: HSA3441: Principles of Haircutting and Styles, HSA3446: Customizing Haircuts
HSA3456: DEMONSTRATE HAIRCUTTING ON VARIOUS TYPES OF HAIR
Students demonstrate haircutting by successfully completing a variety of haircuts on various types of hair. Prerequisite: HSA3451: Demonstrate the Principles of Haircutting
HSA3461: RAZOR CUTTING AND SHEAR CUTTING
Students demonstrate razor cutting and shear cutting by successfully completing a number of haircuts using a razor or shears. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3466: CLIPPER CUTTING
Students demonstrate clipper use by successfully completing a number of haircuts using a clipper. Prerequisite: HSA3461: Razor Cutting and Shear Cutting
HSA3471: TEXTURIZING TECHNIQUES
Students demonstrate texturizing techniques by successfully completing a number of hairstyles using the texturizing techniques. Prerequisite: HSA3451: Demonstrate the Principles of Haircutting
HSA3476: VARIOUS HAIRCUTS
Students demonstrate how to complete a variety of haircuts. Prerequisite: HSA3451: Demonstrate the Principles of Haircutting
HSA3481: CUSTOMIZING TECHNIQUES
Students demonstrate customizing techniques by successfully completing a number of customized haircuts. Prerequisite: HSA3451: Demonstrate the Principles of Haircutting
HSA3486: HAIRCUTTING TECHNIQUES
Students demonstrate haircutting techniques by successfully completing a number of haircuts using various techniques. Prerequisite: HSA3451: Demonstrate the Principles of Haircutting
HSA3491: FACIAL AND NAPE HAIR THEORY
Students explain how to trim and remove facial hair and nape hair. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3496: FACIAL AND NAPE HAIR TRIMMING AND REMOVAL
Students demonstrate how to use changeable and disposable blades to trim and remove facial hair and nape hair. Prerequisite: HSA3491: Facial and Nape Hair Theory
HSA3501: STYLE HAIR
Students explain and demonstrate how to form and finish hairstyles in a variety of ways after a haircut. Prerequisite: HSA3486: Haircutting Techniques
HSA3775: HSA PRACTICUM A
Students, on the work site, continue to develop and refine those competencies developed in related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) occupational areas, previous practicums, and other experiences. Prerequisite: None
HSA3780: HSA PRACTICUM B
Students, on the work site, continue to develop and refine those competencies developed in related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) occupational areas, previous practicums, and other experiences. Prerequisite: None
HSA3785: HSA PRACTICUM C
Students, on the work site, continue to develop and refine those competencies developed in related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) occupational areas, previous practicums, and other experiences. Prerequisite: None
HSA3790: HSA PRACTICUM D
Students, on the work site, continue to develop and refine those competencies developed in related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) occupational areas, previous practicums, and other experiences. Prerequisite: None
HSA3900: APPRENTICESHIP SAFETY
Students develop the knowledge and skills required to maintain a personal health and safety plan; identify the steps for obtaining a journeyman certificate; and describe how to apply legislation, regulations, and practices of the industry. Prerequisite: None
Hairstylist Apprentice Period 2 (21 Credits Available)
The Level 2 course expands the skills needed in the different areas of cosmetology. Through customer service, the student is given the opportunity to practice advanced techniques and gain the confidence needed for working with the public. In addition to hairstyling, students will perform other services of a cosmetologist such as manicures, make-up application, facials and facial hair removal.
*In addition, students who successfully complete 46 specified CTS courses may be credited with the first and second periods of formal instruction and will require 2800 hours of on-the-job training toward the second period of apprenticeship. Students may also challenge the first or second period examinations.
* Upon completion of this course and completion of ten credits of Work Experience in a salon setting, students may apply for apprenticeship status.
HSA3506: STYLING, PERMING, AND COLOURING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Students describe, maintain, and use tools and equipment for styling, perming, and colouring hair. Students demonstrate how to use styling aids for wet hair. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3511: DRYING HAIR
Students describe and demonstrate effective techniques to dry hair. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3516: SETTING WET HAIR
Students describe and demonstrate techniques for setting wet hair into style patterns. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3521: STYLING DRY HAIR
Students describe and demonstrate tools and aids to style dry hair. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3526: UPDO AND UPSTYLE STYLING TECHNIQUES
Students describe and demonstrate techniques for creating updo and upstyle hairstyles. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3531: STYLE HAIR USING ACCESSORIES
Students learn and demonstrate how to use accessories when styling hair by creating a variety of hairstyles. Students learn and demonstrate how to use brushes and combs on a variety of haircuts and styles. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3536: HAIR WRAPPING 1
Students explain procedures for hair wrapping. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3541: HAIR WRAPPING 2
Students demonstrate procedures for hair wrapping on a variety of hair types. Prerequisite: HSA3536: Hair Wrapping 1
HSA3546: CHEMICAL WAVING 1
Students describe how to perm hair using chemical waving and neutralizing solutions. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3551: CHEMICAL WAVING 2
Students demonstrate how to perm hair using chemical waving and neutralizing solutions on a variety of hair types. Prerequisite: HSA3546: Chemical Waving 1
HSA3556: CHEMICAL RELAXERS 1
Students describe how to use and remove chemical relaxers and neutralizing solutions. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3561: CHEMICAL RELAXERS 2
Students demonstrate how to use and remove chemical relaxers and neutralizing solutions. Prerequisite: HSA3556: Chemical Relaxers 1
HSA3566: COLOURING HAIR 1
Students describe the basic principles of colour and the chemistry of hair colouring. Students describe the procedures to do predisposition and strand tests. Students describe the procedures to apply temporary hair colouring. Students describe the procedures for the removal of colour from the scalp. Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
HSA3571: COLOURING HAIR 2
Students demonstrate how to complete predisposition and strand tests and how to mix colour formulations and prepare applications. Prerequisite: HSA3566: Colouring Hair 1
HSA3576: COLOURING HAIR 3
Students demonstrate hair colouring in a variety of ways and the removal of product from the hair and the scalp. Prerequisite: HSA3571: Colouring Hair 2
HSA3581: COLOURING VIRGIN HAIR AND REGROWTH
Students describe and demonstrate the procedures and techniques for colouring virgin hair and regrowth. Prerequisite: HSA3571: Colouring Hair 2
HSA3586: COLOURING HAIR USING SPECIAL EFFECTS
Students describe and demonstrate colouring hair using special effects. Prerequisite: HSA3576: Colouring Hair 3
HSA3591: LIGHTEN VIRGIN HAIR AND REGROWTH
Students describe and demonstrate the procedures and techniques for using lighteners and developers on virgin hair and regrowth. Prerequisite: HSA3581: Colouring Virgin Hair and Regrowth
HSA3596: LIGHTEN HAIR USING SPECIAL EFFECTS
Students describe and demonstrate the procedures and techniques for lightening hair using special effects hair colouring. Students describe and demonstrate the procedures for toning pre-lightened hair. Prerequisite: HSA3586: Colouring Hair Using Special Effects
HSA3601: COLOUR CORRECTIONS
Students describe and demonstrate the procedures and techniques for colour corrections and the removal of colour correction product. Prerequisite: HSA3576: Colouring Hair 3
HSA3606: SPECIALIZED SERVICES AND STANDARDS
Students describe and demonstrate specialized services (e.g., hair extensions, wigs, hairpieces) and standards (e.g., Red Seal products). Prerequisite: HSA3900: Apprenticeship Safety
Esthetics Certificate
The Esthetic Certificate program is based on 37 identified credits in the Esthetics specialization. Student who successfully complete the introductory, intermediate and advanced courses will receive a program certification. All three levels are designed for students to progress from foundational knowledge to full client services in a client spa setting.
Services are also offered to customers (manicures, pedicures, waxing...) at a low rate: enough to cover the supplies used.
Esthetics Introduction (8 Credits Available)
The Introductory course explores foundational skills in Esthetics. Students develop increased appreciation for the significance of skin care practice and personal grooming in various life situations, as well as the knowledge and skills required to perform basic esthetic practices. They develop a more positive self-concept as they assume increasingly complex roles and responsibilities related to this field.
Students completing this course have the necessary prerequisite knowledge and skills to enter the intermediate course.
Esthetics Intermediate (11 Credits Available)
The Intermediate course builds on the foundational skills presented at the introductory level. Students develop skills related to client services in the area of facials, make-up, manicures, nail art and theatrical make up. Student are encouraged to begin client services in the related field of study and develop the necessary inter-personal skills to manage and build a client base in the field of esthetics.
Esthetics Advanced (17 Credits Available)
The advanced course has a focus on client related services and advanced nail techniques/makeup. Students study spa awareness, body therapy, hair removal, pedicures, acrylic and gel nail enhancement, advanced theatrical make up and providing services in a spa environment.
Course selection is based on the personal learning plan of the student
COS1010: PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
HCS3000: WORKPLACE SAFETY
EST1020: SKIN CARE PRACTICES
EST1025: SKIN CARE – CLIENT SERVICES
EST1070: MANICURING 1
EST1140: THEATRICAL MAKEUP 1
EST1910: EST PROJECT A
EST2030: FACIALS
EST2035: FACIALS – CLIENT SERVICES
EST2050: MAKEUP
EST2055: MAKEUP – CLIENT SERVICES
EST2070: MANICURING 2
EST2075: MANICURING 3 – CLIENT SERVICES
EST2090: NAIL ART
EST2140: THEATRICAL MAKEUP 2
EST2910: EST PROJECT B
EST2920: EST PROJECT C
EST2950: ESTHETICS INTERMEDIATE PRACTICUM
COS3000: SCIENCE OF COSMETOLOGY (ANATOMY)
COS3010: PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
EST3010: SPA AWARENESS
EST3030: BODY THERAPY
EST3040: HAIR REMOVAL
EST3045: HAIR REMOVAL-CLIENT SERVICES
EST3060: FACIAL & BODY ADORNMENT
EST3070: PEDICURING
EST3075: MANICURING & PEDICURING - CLIENT SERVICES
EST3090: NAIL ENHANCEMENT-GEL
EST3100: NAIL ENHANCEMENT - ACRYLIC
EST3105: NAIL ENHANCEMENT - CLIENT SERVICES
EST3115: ESTHETICS - CLIENT SERVICES
EST3140: THEATRICAL MAKE UP 3
EST3145: THEATRICAL MAKE UP 4-CLIENT SERVICES
EST3150: COMPETITION ESTHETICS
EST3910: ESTHETICS PROJECT D
EST3920: ESTHETICS PROJECT E
EST3950: EST ADVANCED PRACTICUM