Kangan Institute Blog

How does the Certificate II in Hairdressing work?

Begin your journey in creative hairstyling today and achieve your dream of working for a leading hair salon or even starting your own business.

The Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216) is designed for those candidates who wish to enter the world of hairdressing with a stimulating pre-vocational course. This part-time course will prepare students with the skills and knowledge essential to work as a salon assistant. It will enable students to work effectively as an apprenticeship or a full-time trainee in a hairdressing salon environment and help to expand their knowledge of the hairdressing industry.

A role at this level includes performing a limited variety of hairdressing tasks, interacting with customers and providing customer service, demonstrating effective hairdressing work practices, following workplace safety procedures, providing assistance to colleagues and the developing hairdressing industry. You will learn to work as part of a team in a hairdressing environment, and be proficient in communication skills in the workplace, consulting with clients, selling products and services. This certificate provides students with an overview of the industry and acquire some practical skills in hairdressing and will help you gain employment as a hairdressing apprentice.

Hairdressing salon assistants are employed to assist in the running of a salon. They perform general duties such as welcoming clients, making appointments and general housekeeping. Salon assistants are required to spend most of the day on their feet and are usually required to work flexible hours to fit in with salon hours of business. With a very high level of customer contact, salon assistants need to be well presented with exceptional communication skills.

To work in this industry, you will need to have:

  • A pleasant personality
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Good organisational skills
  • Good attention to detail
  • Creative flair
  • Ability to take direction and follow instructions

What will I study:

Candidates will study various hairdressing modules and competencies. The course modules for this certificate include:

  • Perform head, neck and shoulder massage
    Salon assistants and hairdressers in training are required to prepare clients for other workers in the hairdressing salon team. Students are required to demonstrate how to perform a head, neck and shoulder massage prior to other hairdressing services. They will be required to interact with clients and question them regarding any pre-existing conditions. Students will also be required to apply technical skills such as applying salon hygiene procedures and safety procedures at the basin.
  • Greet and prepare clients for salon services
    Students will be formally trained on how to meet, greet and prepare clients for a range of salon services. The skills this requires are interpersonal skills to interact with clients, welcoming them warmly by name and advise them on the current wait time. Students will then have to offer clients beverages and reading material to make their wait comfortable. Next, candidates will have to choose an appropriate gown or towel in preparation to the clients planned service.
  • Apply hair braiding techniques
    Within this module, students will acquire the skills and knowledge to apply hair braiding techniques and accomplish quick service designs. Students must ensure they confirm the desired finish with client or supervising hairdresser. Students are next required to gather the tools and equipment to perform the braiding techniques and to achieve the desired finish. Meanwhile ensure the client is comfortable and safe throughout the procedure and check it is of high standards to the client and supervisor.
  • Develop hairdressing industry knowledge
    Whilst undertaking hairdressing it is important to establish an understanding of the hairdressing industry. Candidates must be able to recognise and access sources of information on the hairdressing industry and acquire information that assists effective work performance within the industry. They will be required to apply their knowledge of the industry to enhance the quality of work performance and to keep up to date with current industry developments and issues.
  • Plan, create and maintain displays
    Candidates will learn how to plan, create and maintain displays required for the hairdressing industry. They must demonstrate a knowledge of the use and application of appropriate products and services according to store policy and legislative requirements. It is also a requirement for candidates to develop product knowledge by acquiring relevant sources of information. Candidates must advise customers of complementary products or services in accordance to the customer’s determined needs.
  • Sell products and services
    Working within the hairdressing industry, candidates are required to sell products and services in a retail setting. This involves the use of sales techniques and encompasses the primary selling skills from approaching the customer to closing the sale, this requires candidates to have a primary level of product knowledge.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will show that students have achieved the skills and knowledge required by the course. Assessment may include written, oral or practical methods. You will be advised in advance about the type of assessment and how it will operate. Candidates have the opportunity for reassessment and appeal and you will be provided with the information. This may provide candidates to enter the workforce to access a broad range of employment opportunities in various fields.

What employment opportunities will I have?

Once you have completed the Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216) you will have completed part of the theoretical component of the relevant apprenticeship/Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416). This will assist you to enter an apprenticeship in a chosen area of study. Candidates may also be able to use some credits towards your apprenticeship.

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