SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102497  Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-Services SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Personal Care 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  540  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
97226  Occupational Certificate: Hairdresser  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  417  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Hairdresser.

A Hairdresser performs hair and scalp treatments, cuts and styles hair and performs chemical hairdressing services in a professional, safe and environmentally responsible manner.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Shampoo, condition and treat hair and scalp.
  • Provide hairstyling services.
  • Provide hair cutting services.
  • Apply chemical services to hair.
  • Maintain professional standards when interacting with clients.

    Rationale:
    Fully qualified hairdressers with a three-year qualification and who have completed the trade test for hairdressers are in short supply.

    The original apprenticeship for hairdressers was converted into three one-year learnerships, which means that to be a fully competent hairdresser one has to go through three learnerships at Levels 2, 3 and 4. The result of this has been that candidates may leave when they feel they have enough skills to be employable and do not undergo the trade test. Professional standards in hairdressing have suffered because of this practice.

    The industry has been highly frustrated in its efforts to access the trade test for persons who are eligible in terms of the past regulatory framework. This resulted in a large number of persons working in the industry who have not been able to achieve recognition as qualified trade persons.

    This qualification reconceptualises the qualification for hairdressers as a single qualification culminating in a trade test and the recognition of qualified hairdressers as a trade person.

    Key industry representative bodies, the Afro Hairdressing and Beauty Employers Association of Southern Africa, the Employers' Organisation for Hairdressing, Cosmetology and Beauty industries, and the United Association of South Africa (UASA), a trade union, participated through nominated representatives in the development and verification of this qualification.

    The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers were represented by a number of persons from campuses who are currently delivering training for hairdressers.

    Persons seeking a career in the hairdressing industry will benefit from this qualification and will be able to achieve a qualification as a trade person once completed.

    This occupational curriculum responds to a specific need in the South African labour market to provide a standard for the Hairdresser as a listed trade.

    Qualified persons will be able to deliver professional services with due regard for personal and environmental safety.

    This qualification addresses the need for qualified trade persons in Hairdressing. Further specialised areas of learning are still being investigated and will inform the labour market need for further formal qualifications.

    As with all trades, progressive learning will focus on the achievement of management-related competencies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Level 1 with Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 514101100-KM-01, Introductory studies for Hairdressers, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 514101100-KM-02, Hair and skin, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 514101100-KM-03, Shampooing, conditioners and treatment, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 514101100-KM-04, Communication and sales, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 514101100-KM-05, Hairstyling, Level 3, 20 Credits.
  • 514101100-KM-06, Hair Cutting, Level 4, 30 Credits.
  • 514101100-KM-07, Chemical hair services, Level 4, 30 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 108.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 514101100-PM-01, Shampoo, condition and treat scalp and hair, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 514101100-PM-02, Style hair, Level 3, 25 Credits.
  • 514101100-PM-03, Cut hair, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 514101100-PM-04, Colour hair, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 514101100-PM-05, Provide chemical hair treatments, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 514101100-PM-06, Maintain professional customer services, Level 3, 2 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 108.
    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 514101100-WM-01, Provide shampooing, conditioning and treatment of hair and scalp services in a hair salon, Level 2, 25 Credits.
  • 514101100-WM-02, Provide hairstyling services in a hair salon, Level 4, 91 Credits.
  • 514101100-WM-03, Provide hair cutting services in a hair salon, Level 4, 100 Credits.
  • 514101100-WM-04, Provide chemical hair treatment services in a hair salon, Level 4, 100 Credits.
  • 514101100-WM-05, Maintain professional standards when interacting with clients, Level 3, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 324. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Shampoo, condition and treat hair and scalp.
    2. Style hair.
    3. Cut hair.
    4. Provide chemical colouring hair services.
    5. Provide chemical reformation hair services.
    6. Provide professional client services. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Work stations, tools and equipment are prepared and maintained to meet hygiene and sanitation standards.
  • Client protection standards are adhered to.
  • Analysis forms and recommendations are recorded accurately and completely.
  • Knowledge of hair and scalp conditions is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of product specifications is demonstrated.
  • Correct selection of shampoo, conditioner and treatment for different hair types is demonstrated.
  • Shampooing and conditioning are performed as per manufacturer's instructions.
  • Treatments are performed as per manufacturer's instructions.
  • Health, safety and environmental protection standards are upheld throughout the session.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Styling tools are sterilised and selected for a required service.
  • Client draping, care and protection activities are performed to prevent injury or discomfort.
  • Client preparatory activities, including client reception, consultation, hair and scalp analysis and recording of findings are performed professionally and accurately.
  • Hair styling services are conducted as requested by the client.
  • Knowledge of different hair styling techniques is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of hair structure and condition as related to hair styling services is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of styling products is demonstrated for specific applications and recommended.
  • Health, safety and environmental protection standards are upheld throughout the service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Hair cutting tools are sterilised and selected for a required cutting service.
  • Client preparatory activities, including client reception, consultation, hair and scalp analysis and recording of findings are performed professionally and accurately.
  • Client draping, care and protection activities are performed to prevent injury or discomfort.
  • Hair is sectioned and sub-sectioned in accordance with the requirements of the cutting technique.
  • Hair cutting tools are used and handled with proficiency and care.
  • Hair cutting services are conducted as requested by the client.
  • Knowledge of different hair cutting techniques is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of hair structure and condition as related to hair cutting service is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge of hair growth patterns, facial shapes and body proportions is reflected in the cutting service.
  • Health, safety and environmental protection standards are upheld throughout the service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Chemical hair colouring tools are sterilised and selected for a required chemical service.
  • Client preparatory activities including client reception and consultation are performed professionally.
  • Client draping, care and protection activities are performed to prevent injury or discomfort.
  • Knowledge of colour chart and selection of colour is demonstrated.
  • A colour analysis sheet is prepared for specific client requirements and hair types.
  • Colour formula is measured and mixed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
  • Chemical colouring services are conducted as requested by the client.
  • Colour is applied according to the desired colour service.
  • Emulsification and rinsing of product are performed according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • The target shade is achieved and colour service concluded in accordance with desired end result.
  • Health, safety and environmental protection standards are upheld throughout the service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Chemical hair reformation tools are sterilised and selected for a required chemical service.
  • Client preparatory activities, including client reception and consultation are performed professionally.
  • Knowledge of reformation chemicals is demonstrated.
  • Analysis sheet is completed for specific client requirements and hair types.
  • Client draping, care and protection activities are performed to prevent injury or discomfort.
  • Reformation chemicals are prepared and applied in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
  • Chemicals are applied according to desired reformation service requirements.
  • Chemical reformation services are conducted as requested by the client.
  • Rinsing of chemicals is performed according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • The target result is achieved and the reformation service is concluded in accordance with the desired end result.
  • Health, safety and environmental protection standards are upheld throughout the service.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conduct and client interaction meet accepted principles of communication.
  • Client needs are met and questions are answered.
  • Services are rendered in a structured, organised and professional manner.
  • Documents and records are complete and accurate.
  • Time management meets the required standard for the services.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    The external summative assessment will be a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26 D of the Skills Development Act through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects of the trade and conducted in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) by an assessor registered by National Artisan Moderation Body. The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days.
  • Time management meets the required standard for the services. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study examined comparable qualifications and programs, which exist in other countries. The comparability exercise focused on two countries namely, Australia and Canada.

    Australia:
    Comparable Hairdresser qualifications are registered at two levels in Australia:
  • SIH20111 - Certificate II in Hairdressing - Introductory studies related to financial transaction, shampooing, drying, salon safety, merchandising.
  • SIH30111 - Certificate III in Hairdressing - Basic studies related to cutting, colouring and the application of chemical treatments.

    Canada:
    The Hairstylist trade qualification in Canada is registered under the Read Seal Program as a national Canadian standard and includes:
  • Hair and Scalp Care.
  • Cutting Hair.
  • Styling Hair.
  • Chemically Waving and Relaxing Hair.
  • Colouring Hair.
  • Specialized Services.
  • Sales and Marketing.

    Summary:
    Australia:
    The Certificate III in Hairdressing on the Australian qualifications framework is comparable with this South African qualification. The scope and content is similar to the South African standard.

    Canada:
    The Red Seal Trade qualification for Hairstylists, published in 2011 as a national Canadian standard of excellence, is a comparative trade qualification for the South African Hairdresser trade.

    The Canadian standard also recognises that hairstylists in some jurisdictions also provide basic facial, make-up, hair removal, manicure and pedicure services. These are included as "not core standards" or speciality areas. Services related to extensions, hairpieces and wigs are also recognised as speciality areas.

    This South African trade standard compares very favourably with the scope and the content of the Canadian standard in core areas but does not include speciality areas of non-core areas of learning.

    This qualification recognises the current South African standards and learning practices, with further refinement in areas where amendments were required by the industry.

    The South African qualification, however, is designed to meet current transformational challenges in South Africa. This is especially reflected by the scope and structure of this qualification to address all hair types and services without any racial or ethnic divides.

    The qualification is structured to meet the requirements of listed trades and will therefore prepare the learner for a national trade test resulting in a national certificate as a trade qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Beauty and Nail Technology, SAQA ID 80646, Level 4.
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Generic Management, SAQA ID 57712, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Diploma: Customer Management, SAQA ID 20908, Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence or equivalent.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Hairdresser, 514101100.

    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • 60714, Gentleman's Hairdressing.
  • 60781, Gentleman's Hairdresser.
  • 60713, Ladies Hairdressing.
  • 60780, Ladies Hairdresser.

    Part Qualifications:
    None. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.