Certificate III in Hairdressing

The SHB30416 covers all core hairdressing services for salon work. Core units include shampooing and treating hair, cutting hair using scissor, clipper and razor techniques, colouring and lightening hair, performing chemical reformation (perms and relaxers), styling for upstyles and events, designing and applying braids and twists, and providing salon client consultations. You learn the chemistry behind colour development, porosity and density assessment, and safe handling of peroxide and ammonia products under AS 2243 chemical safety standards. Across the three-year apprenticeship you build the speed, consultation skills and client base that distinguishes a salon-ready hairdresser.

Most apprentices attend TAFE one day per week or in one-week blocks each term. Total formal TAFE contact is around 480 hours over the three years, with a roughly 30/70 split between theory and salon-floor practice. Day-to-day on-job work is fully hands-on with paying clients under supervision. Some salons rotate apprentices through front desk, shampoo bay, colour and cutting stations as skills develop.

The apprenticeship is a three-year paid workplace contract under the Australian Apprenticeships framework. You sign a Training Contract with a salon owner or franchise. Apprentice wages are set under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award and rise each year. First-year apprentice rates are low (around minimum award) with the potential to earn well above award once qualified through a strong client book.

After completing the apprenticeship you can pursue Certificate IV in Hairdressing (SHB40216) for salon management work, the Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216), or specialist training in barbering (SHB30516), trichology, wig making and extensions. Many hairdressers set up as chair-renters or open their own salons after a few years on the floor. Some move into product education or platform artistry with brands like Wella, L'Oreal Professionnel or Davines.