Whakarākai Tangata

Hair, Beauty and Massage

Express your creativity, interact with clients and be the one to make people look and feel their best.

Careers in hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy and massage therapy offer wide potential across many industries and can take you around the world.

You'll learn from industry professionals who will teach you both theory and practical skills in our modern salons and clinics. You'll gain valuable industry knowledge by operating clinic and salon days with real clients, replicating industry practices and dealing with the challenges involved. When you graduate, you'll be industry-ready and highly capable with good problem-solving skills.

NB: If you’re still at high school, a Dual Enrolment programme at Ara can equip you with skills while you continue your education at school. Find out more here.

Subjects

We offer a range of practical, industry-relevant programmes in hairdressing and barbering, beauty therapy and massage therapy.

Facilities and resources

Our purpose-built facilities provide a professional salon environment with up-to-date equipment and industry-leading products such as Wella, American Crew, O Cosmetics, Sothys.

Industry and community

We work closely with businesses and organisations in the hair and beauty therapy industries, and an advisory committee, to ensure our programmes will equip you with the skills employers need. These relationships also enable us to facilitate work experience opportunities that often lead to employment.

You can be confident that a qualification from Ara gives employers a clear signal that you have the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to be effective in the workplace from day one.

Disability Statement

If you think you may require modifications in order to undertake the practical components of a particular course of study, we encourage you to discuss these with us so we can give them careful consideration.

As it may take time to consider and implement any modifications, please contact disability@ara.ac.nz as early as possible prior to the course starting. We’ll also need to check that there’s no risk of harm to you or anyone else before making a final decision.

Throughout this process we’ll communicate with you in a clear and timely manner.

Related programmes & courses

New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy

Expand your skills and expertise to become a leader in beauty therapy.

New Zealand Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage (Level 5)

Embarking on a career as a wellness and relaxation massage therapist offers a fulfilling path that combines hands-on healing with a deep understanding of body mechanics and psychological wellbeing