Department Of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Courses 


SALMA MOHAMED 
HAIRDRESSING AND BEAUTY THERAPY
 

Hello and welcome! 

I’m so excited to have you in this program. Get ready to learn amazing skills like hair styling, braiding, facials, makeup, and nail care. You’ll also master weaving, coloring, waxing, and more with the help of our skilled instructors.

This course also includes business and customer care training to help you succeed. Plus, you’ll gain real experience during a two-month industry attachment.

Let’s learn, grow, and make beauty our business! 

The Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy program offers comprehensive training in cosmetology and salon services. Trainees acquire essential skills that prepare them for a career in the beauty industry, covering a wide range of services including:
  • Weaving
  • Chemical Relaxing
  • Hair Coloring
  • Professional Image
  • Shampooing
  • Hair Cutting/Barbering
  • Thermal Irons
  • Blow-Drying
  • Permanent Waving
  • Braiding
  • Setting (including Bridal Setting)
  • Pedicure and Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Eyebrow Shaping
  • Body Massage
  • Facial Treatments
  • Henna Printing
  • Hair Removal (Tweezing and Threading)
Taught by skilled instructors, students develop proficiency in these techniques, ensuring that they are well-prepared for a successful career in the beauty industry. In addition to practical training, students are also equipped with business skills through coursework in entrepreneurship, customer care, salon management, and computer applications.
As part of their training, students complete a two-month industry attachment before taking their final exams.

1. Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy - Artisan Level

This course is accredited by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and upon successful completion, trainees are awarded a certificate. This qualification allows graduates to further develop their skills at a higher level. The course duration is two years, during which students also receive training in life skills, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and entrepreneurship. These additional support subjects enhance the trainee's overall competence and career readiness.

2. Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy III

This is a one-year course that is undertaken concurrently with other related programs. By the end of the year, trainees will be proficient in key skills such as weaving, chemical relaxing, hair coloring, professional image development, shampooing, hair cutting/barbering, thermal ironing, blow-drying, permanent waving, braiding, setting, bridal setting, pedicures, manicures, waxing, eyebrow shaping, body massage, facials, henna printing, and hair removal techniques (tweezing and threading). This course is examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in the November/December examination series.
This course is open to individuals with KCSE, KCPE qualifications, or school dropouts who possess basic literacy skills.

3. Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy II and I

The Grade II and Grade I courses are designed to build upon the skills acquired in Grade III. A Grade III certificate holder with a pass can progress to Grade II, and a Grade II certificate holder can proceed to Grade I. These advanced courses enhance the student's proficiency and are available on both a full-time and part-time basis, with part-time classes held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The courses last six months, and upon completion, trainees are examined by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) during the July/August examination series.

 

Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy Course Pathway
Course Level Duration Examination Body Prerequisite
Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy - Artisan Level 2 Years KNEC KCSE, KCPE, or School Dropouts (with literacy)
Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy III 1 Year NITA KCSE, KCPE, or School Dropouts (with literacy)
Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy II 6 Months NITA Grade III Certificate
Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy I 6 Months NITA Grade II Certificate

 

Career Opportunities in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

Graduates from the Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy program are well-equipped to enter the vibrant beauty industry. The program offers a variety of technical skills, including hairdressing, skincare, massage, and beauty treatments, along with essential business skills such as entrepreneurship and customer service. Below are some career paths and opportunities for individuals who complete these courses:

1. Professional Hairdresser/Stylist

  • Description: A professional hairdresser provides services such as hair cutting, styling, coloring, weaving, relaxing, and blow-drying. They work with clients to create customized looks for everyday wear, special events, or bridal occasions.
  • Skills Required: Expertise in hair cutting, styling, chemical treatments, hair coloring, weaving, and weaving techniques.
  • Employment Opportunities: Salons, spas, hotels, or self-employment as an independent stylist.

2. Barber

  • Description: A barber specializes in cutting and styling men’s hair, including shaving, trimming beards, and performing haircuts with specific techniques.
  • Skills Required: Proficiency in barbering skills, including haircuts, beard trimming, and grooming techniques.
  • Employment Opportunities: Barbershops, male grooming salons, or self-employed barbers.

3. Salon Manager/Owner

  • Description: A salon manager or owner oversees the daily operations of a beauty salon. They are responsible for managing staff, handling client relations, inventory, and ensuring that the salon provides high-quality services.
  • Skills Required: Leadership, business management, and customer service skills, in addition to proficiency in hairdressing and beauty therapy.
  • Employment Opportunities: Managing a salon or starting an independent salon business.

4. Beauty Therapist

  • Description: Beauty therapists offer a wide range of services such as facials, waxing, body massage, manicures, pedicures, henna printing, eyebrow shaping, and hair removal techniques. They work in spas, beauty salons, or as independent service providers.
  • Skills Required: Expertise in skincare treatments, massage techniques, waxing, and hair removal.
  • Employment Opportunities: Beauty salons, spas, wellness centers, or self-employed beauty therapists.

5. Makeup Artist

  • Description: Makeup artists specialize in applying makeup for various occasions, such as weddings, photo shoots, and fashion shows. They create looks that enhance the client's appearance using different cosmetics and techniques.
  • Skills Required: Expertise in makeup application, color theory, and skin care.
  • Employment Opportunities: Bridal makeup, media, fashion industry, theater, or freelance makeup artist.

6. Nail Technician

  • Description: Nail technicians focus on manicures, pedicures, nail art, and the application of artificial nails such as acrylics, gels, or shellac. They also provide hand and foot massages.
  • Skills Required: Expertise in manicure, pedicure, nail art, and artificial nails application.
  • Employment Opportunities: Nail salons, spas, beauty salons, or as a self-employed nail technician.

7. Bridal Stylist

  • Description: A bridal stylist specializes in preparing brides for their weddings, including hairstyling, makeup, and even helping with the bridal dress. They may also offer package deals for the bridal party.
  • Skills Required: Expertise in bridal styling, hair, makeup, and understanding bridal trends.
  • Employment Opportunities: Bridal salons, wedding planners, or self-employed bridal stylist.

8. Waxing Specialist

  • Description: Waxing specialists are trained in providing hair removal services using wax. They typically work in spas or beauty salons and offer services for clients looking for a smoother, longer-lasting alternative to shaving.
  • Skills Required: Expertise in waxing techniques for hair removal on various body parts.
  • Employment Opportunities: Spas, beauty salons, or as a self-employed waxing specialist.

9. Spa Therapist

  • Description: Spa therapists perform therapeutic treatments including body massages, facials, and skin care treatments. They may also specialize in aromatherapy or hot stone massages.
  • Skills Required: Knowledge of therapeutic massage techniques, skin care treatments, and relaxation techniques.
  • Employment Opportunities: Spas, wellness centers, luxury resorts, or self-employed.

10. Cosmetic Sales Representative

  • Description: Cosmetic sales representatives are responsible for selling beauty products and cosmetics. They work with retail outlets or cosmetic brands to promote and sell beauty products.
  • Skills Required: Sales skills, product knowledge, and customer service.
  • Employment Opportunities: Retail stores, cosmetic brands, or self-employed.

11. Hair Removal Technician (Tweezing and Threading)

  • Description: Specializing in hair removal techniques like tweezing and threading, these technicians offer services in salons, particularly for facial hair and eyebrow shaping.
  • Skills Required: Proficiency in threading and tweezing techniques, as well as client safety protocols.
  • Employment Opportunities: Beauty salons, wellness centers, or self-employed hair removal specialists.

12. Entrepreneur in Beauty Services

  • Description: With skills gained through the program, individuals may choose to start their own beauty business, offering services such as hairdressing, beauty therapy, and spa treatments. This requires entrepreneurial skills, including customer management and financial planning.
  • Skills Required: Business management, marketing, customer service, and technical beauty skills.
  • Employment Opportunities: Self-employment, owning a beauty salon or mobile beauty service business.

13. Instructor/Trainer in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

  • Description: Hairdressing and beauty therapy instructors teach the practical and theoretical aspects of beauty services to aspiring students. They may work in vocational schools, beauty academies, or private training institutions.
  • Skills Required: Teaching skills, industry experience, and proficiency in hairdressing and beauty treatments.
  • Employment Opportunities: Beauty academies, vocational schools, or as independent trainers.

Career Pathway Summary:

  • Professional Hairdresser/Stylist
  • Barber
  • Salon Manager/Owner
  • Beauty Therapist
  • Makeup Artist
  • Nail Technician
  • Bridal Stylist
  • Waxing Specialist
  • Spa Therapist
  • Cosmetic Sales Representative
  • Hair Removal Technician (Tweezing and Threading)
  • Entrepreneur in Beauty Services
  • Instructor/Trainer in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

Conclusion

The Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses provide a wide range of career opportunities, from technical services such as hairstyling, beauty treatments, and makeup, to business management roles like salon ownership. With an increasing demand for professional beauty services and a growing beauty-conscious society, graduates have access to a diverse array of career paths in the beauty industry. The combination of technical expertise and entrepreneurial skills also empowers graduates to pursue independent businesses, making this an excellent field for those seeking both creativity and financial success.

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