How to Become a Qualified Hairdresser in Pretoria: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Denise Cilliers

If you have ever thought about turning your passion for hair into a real career, you are probably asking the same question a lot of people in Pretoria ask: how do you actually become a qualified hairdresser? The good news is that the path is clearer than it looks. This guide walks you through exactly what it takes, from admission requirements to your final trade test, so you can start your hairdressing training with confidence.

What It Takes to Become a Qualified Hairdresser

Becoming a qualified hairdresser in South Africa means completing accredited hairdressing training that leads to a recognised national qualification. This isn’t just about learning to cut and style hair. A proper hairdressing academy will take you through theory, practical skills and real salon experience, so you graduate ready for actual client work, not just a classroom setting.

Accreditation matters here. Look for a hairdressing academy registered with the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) and, ideally, one that also offers an internationally recognised qualification such as City and Guilds. This combination means your qualification is respected both locally and abroad.

Step 1: Meet the Admission Requirements

Most hairdressing courses in Pretoria have fairly accessible entry requirements, which is part of what makes this such a practical career change or first career choice. Typical admission requirements include:

• Grade 10 as a minimum school qualification
• NQF Level 1
• Being at least 16 years of age

Because the bar to entry is relatively low compared to many other qualifications, hairdressing training is a popular route for school leavers, career changers and anyone looking for a hands-on, practical qualification with strong career prospects.

See our full admission requirements

Step 2: Choose Your Learning Route

One of the biggest decisions you will make is how you want to study. Most academies offer a few different formats, and the right one depends on your schedule and financial situation.

Full-Time Study

Classes run Monday to Friday and combine knowledge modules (theory) with practical modules. Workplace modules typically start after the fulltime portion of your training is complete, followed by your final summative assessment or trade test. This is the fastest route if you can commit to full-time study.

Part-Time Study

If you need to earn an income while you train, part-time study lets you register at an academy and an accredited salon at the same time. You attend class one day a week, then work in the salon for the rest of the week to build real experience. Part-time hairdressing courses generally take two to three years to complete, since you are combining logbook and evidence log requirements with your paid work.

Evening Classes

Evening classes follow the part-time syllabus or skills training and usually run one evening a week. This option suits people who already work full-time during the day but still want to move toward a hairdressing qualification.

Compare all learning routes in detail

Step 3: Complete Your Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience Modules

Once you are enrolled, your training is generally broken into three parts:

1. Knowledge modules, covering theory such as hair and skin science, communication and sales, hairstyling, hair cutting and chemical hair services.
2. Practical skill modules, where you actually shampoo, style, cut, colour and chemically treat hair under supervision, while also learning professional customer service.
3. Work experience modules, where you apply everything in a real salon environment, providing shampoo, styling, cutting and chemical services to real clients.

This structure exists for a reason. Employers want hairdressers who can do the work, not just describe it, so the combination of theory, practice and real client experience is what makes a hairdressing qualification genuinely valuable.

Step 4: Decide Whether to Add an International Qualification

Alongside the national qualification, some academies offer the option to also complete a City and Guilds Level 3 qualification. This is optional, but worth considering if you ever want to work internationally, since City and Guilds is recognised in the UK and beyond. It typically involves additional modules covering everything from colour correction to bridal hairstyling and salon reception duties.

See the full City & Guilds module list

Step 5: Pass Your Final Assessment and Trade Test

However you choose to study, your training builds toward a final summative assessment, often referred to as a trade test. This is where you demonstrate that you have met every required competency, from cutting and colouring to client consultation and salon reception. Passing this step is what turns your training into an official, recognised qualification such as a National Certificate in Hairdressing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing based on price alone. A cheaper course that isn’t properly accredited can leave you with a qualification employers don’t recognise.
• Underestimating the time commitment. Part-time and evening study still require consistent attendance and completed logbooks, not just occasional classes.
• Skipping the salon experience. Theory alone doesn’t prepare you for real client work. Make sure whichever route you choose includes genuine work experience modules.
• Not asking about accreditation numbers. A legitimate hairdressing academy should be able to give you their QCTO and City and Guilds accreditation numbers without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a qualified hairdresser?

It depends on your learning route. Full-time study moves faster since you attend class daily, while part-time study, which combines one class day per week with salon work, generally takes two to three years.

Do I need a matric certificate to study hairdressing?

No. Most hairdressing courses only require Grade 10 as a minimum, along with meeting the NQF Level 1 requirement and being at least 16 years old.

What is the difference between a national and international hairdressing qualification?

A national qualification, such as a National Certificate in Hairdressing, is recognised within South Africa. An international qualification like City and Guilds is recognised more broadly, including in the UK, and is often taken alongside the national qualification rather than instead of it.

Can I work while I study hairdressing?

Yes. Part-time and evening study routes are specifically designed for this, letting you attend class while working in an accredited salon or elsewhere.

What happens after I finish my hairdressing qualification?

Once you pass your final assessment, you can begin working as a qualified hairdresser, whether that means joining a salon, working freelance, or eventually managing or owning your own salon.