The Nelson Head Zone hairdressing salon aims to mirror the atmosphere of a commercial salon to prepare our students for entering the hairdressing industry.

On completion of the programme, you are ready to work as an apprentice hairdresser, where you can pathway to the Professional Stylist qualification.

NMIT is also involved in apprenticeship training.

Every year, we take the top 10 students from across the programmes to join us in Wellington at the World of WearableArt Awards Show.

Students get the chance to work at the event and experience the breadth of work that is available to skilled stylists.

There are plenty of opportunities to allow your creativity to shine throughout the programme through competitions and events.

Academic requirements

New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)(external link) or equivalent knowledge and skills. 

English Language requirements

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Those students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate an IELTS Academic Score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0 OR equivalent.

Other requirements

• Attend an interview to demonstrate your likelihood of success on the programme
• Be physically capable of undertaking safely the demands of the hairdressing industry.

Special entry

In exceptional circumstances if you do not meet the full entry requirements you may be granted admission to the Programme on the approval of the Head of Department or delegate if he/she is confident of your ability to successfully undertake the programme with a reasonable likelihood of success.

You will need a kit of equipment that is put together for you by NMIT. This includes your uniforms, name badge, equipment and textbooks. The approximate cost for this kit is $1000.

Your kit and all equipment will be required for the first day of your course so make sure you are prepared and budget accordingly. You can use your student loan course related costs to pay for this.

Costs for larger items

These costs are approximate and subject to change

• Kitbag $928.45  
• Uniform $112 each (if you need a replacement) 
• Name badge $17.50 (if you have misplaced your badge from your Level 3 year)

In your second year you may need to purchase an extra uniform or equipment as needed.

Required stationery items 

• USB stick
• Folder
• Dividers
• Refill
• Notebook
• Fine tip whiteboard marker
• Pencil
• Rubber
• Coloured pencils/felts
• Highlighters
• Plastic sleeves (optional)
• Glue stick
• Pencil Case
• Extra printing money

We suggest that you apply for your student loan and your $1000 course related cost money ASAP, if you haven’t already done so. If you are organised now, your course related cost should be paid out to you two weeks before the course starts. 

During the year, your timetable will change depending on whether you are doing theory or more practical learning. Your year will include late nights and Saturday classes to prepare you for working in the industry.