Beauty, Nails & Hairdressing
Create, style, shine! Get ready to turn your creativity into a career!
Step into the exciting world of hairdressing and beauty with UCOL, where you’ll gain real life experience working with clients in our vibrant campus salons.
The beauty industry in New Zealand is booming, which means there’s a big demand for skilled hairdressers, beauty therapists and nail technicians - and you could be one of them!
Our courses in hairdressing, beauty therapy, and nail technology are designed to give you everything you need to succeed: from science and nutrition to skincare, trends, tools, and client care. Plus, training in our professional salons helps you build confidence and skills that make you industry ready.
Explore our programmes below and get in touch to chat with our friendly team.
Beauty
Become a qualified beauty therapist with UCOL and unlock endless opportunities in this vibrant, ever-growing industry. Gain both national and international qualifications that open doors to luxury salons, cruise liners, and even your own business.
New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy
1 year full-time (40 weeks)
Palmerston North
23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Masterton
23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Looking to upskill your beauty therapy skills? Refine your talent, expand your knowledge, and become a leader in the world of beauty therapy.
New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy
1 year full-time (40 weeks)
Palmerston North
23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026
Whanganui
23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Masterton
23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Do you love making people look and feel good? Learn the science behind the glow with hands-on training in beauty therapy.
U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Skin Care and Cosmetics Level 3
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 13 Nov 2026
Delivery days:
Wairarapa and Palmerston North - Thursdays and Fridays
Whanganui – Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Passionate about skin care and cosmetics? Learn the skills you need to build a career as a professional in the beauty industry.
U-Skills STAR Beauty
1 day per week over 5 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Love cosmetics and skincare? Find out if building a career in the beauty industry is for you.
Hairdressing
Give yourself a head start to a career in the hairdressing industry with a qualification at UCOL. Taught by highly-experienced lecturers, our programmes will give you the skills and techniques to confidently join a professional hairdressing salon. There are also opportunities to compete in regional and national events to showcase your skills.
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing
1 year full-time (40 weeks)
Palmerston North
23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 (intake full)
Whanganui
23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Masterton
23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Style, shape, and shine - kickstart your career in hairdressing and gain the skills to make your mark in the beauty industry!
New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist)
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North
1 year full-time (40 weeks)
23 Feb 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
Increase your hairdressing knowledge and skills to become a professional hairstylist!
U-Skills Academy Hair, Beauty & Retail
1 day per week
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Fridays
Whanganui - Thursdays
Masterton - Fridays
Discover if the hairdressing and beauty industry is the right career pathway for you and study while still in secondary school.
U-Skills Academy 2 Day New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills (Introductory) (Level 2)
2 days per week for 9 months
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 20 Nov 2026
Delivery days: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Interested in entering the exciting world of hairdressing or beauty therapy? Discover the vast range of career pathways these two ever-evolving industries offer!
U-Skills Academy Barbering
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton
Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026
Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026
Delivery days:
Palmerston North - Mondays and Tuesdays
Masterton - Fridays
Passionate about styling hair? Take the first step to start shaping a career as a professional barber!
U-Skills STAR Hairdressing
1 day per week over 5 weeks
2026 dates TBC
Interested in hair and fashion? Find out what it takes to become a hairdresser and learn basic skills while still in secondary school.
Nails
Learn how to master the art of nails at UCOL, from manicures to pedicures, acrylic and gel nail application to nail sculpture, and 3D nail art - all to professional standards.
New Zealand Certificate in Nail Technology
1 year full-time (40 weeks)
23 Feb 2026 – 27 Nov 2026 (intake full - please contact us to go on the waitlist)
Step into the glamorous world of nail artistry and technology, and let your creative flair shine as you hone your skills.