HAIRDRESSING COURSES IN NAIROBI AND MAKINDU
Learn cutting, colouring, braiding, weaves, wigs and natural hair care in a working training salon. Choose a Certificate (6 months), Diploma (8 months) or Advanced Diploma, examined by City & Guilds / NITA / ICM
Why study Hairdressing at Carenic College
Hairdressing is one of the most reliable trades in Kenya: every neighbourhood needs a good stylist, and skilled hairdressers can work in a salon, freelance or open their own business. At Carenic, you learn the services clients actually ask for, from cuts and colour to braids, weaves, wigs and locs, by practising on real clients in our training salon.
- Recognised qualifications. Sit exams with City & Guilds / NITA / ICM. We are a TVETA-registered institution (Reg. No. TVETA/PRIVATE/TVC/0064/2020).
- Skills for the Kenyan market. Braiding, natural hair care, relaxing, weaving and wig making are taught alongside cutting and colouring.
- Practical from week one. About 70% of class time is hands-on, first on mannequin heads and then on real clients.
- Small classes. So, you get individual feedback.
- Flexible study. Day, evening and weekend classes at our Nairobi (Donholm) and Makindu campuses.
- Career support. Help with industrial attachment, CVs and introductions to salons.
Register Today.
Compare the three levels
Not sure which level to choose? Start with the Certificate if you are new to hair. Choose the Diploma if you want advanced colour, cutting and salon leadership skills. Choose the Advanced Diploma if you are already trained and want to add a specialism.
| Certificate | Diploma | Advanced Diploma | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners starting a hair career | Learners aiming for senior stylist roles | Trained hairdressers adding a specialism |
| Duration | 6 months | 8 months | Duration depends on specialisation |
| Entry requirement | Grade 9, KCPE, KCSE D or equivalent | KCSE C- or Certificate | Diploma in Hairdressing or equivalent experience |
| What you learn | Shampooing, conditioning, basic cuts, blow-drying, setting, relaxing, braiding, basic colour | Everything at Certificate level plus advanced cutting, colour correction, perming, weaves and wigs, salon supervision | One or more specialisms: locs, bridal styling, advanced colouring, wig making, weaving |
| Career roles | Salon hairdresser, braider, junior stylist | Senior stylist, colour technician, salon supervisor | Specialist stylist, bridal stylist, salon owner |
| Class options | Day / evening / weekend | Day / evening / weekend | Day / evening / weekend |
| Fees (KES) | 6,500 | 6,500 | Fees depends on specialisation chosen. Call to enquire |
| Registration Fees – One-time payment | Registration fees @1,500, Activity book @500, Uniform @2,500 | Registration fees @1,500, Activity book @500, Uniform @2,500 | Registration fees @1,500, Activity book @500, Uniform @2,500 |
Instalment plans are available. Call to Enquire.
Certificate in Hairdressing (6 months)
The Certificate teaches the everyday services every salon offers. You will learn to consult clients, assess their hair and scalp, and deliver safe, neat results.
You will learn to:
- Carry out client consultations and hair and scalp analysis
- Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
- Cut and style using basic techniques
- Blow-dry, set and dress hair
- Relax and press natural hair safely
- Braid, including cornrows and box braids
- Apply basic colour
- Work safely: hygiene, sterilisation and safe use of chemicals
- Care for clients and promote products and services
Diploma in Hairdressing (8 months)
The Diploma builds on the Certificate with advanced technical work and the skills to run a salon floor. It takes two months longer because colour correction, chemical work and supervision need more theory and supervised practice.
You will learn everything in the Certificate, plus how to:
- Cut using advanced and precision techniques
- Colour and lighten hair, and correct colour mistakes
- Perm and use other chemical restructuring services
- Fit weaves and make and install wigs
- Care for natural hair and treat damaged hair
- Supervise juniors, manage bookings and handle stock
Advanced Diploma in Hairdressing
The Advanced Diploma is for trained hairdressers who want to add a specialism or refresh specific skills. This covers the specialism of your choice.
Specialisations include:
- Locs: starting, maintenance and styling
- Bridal and occasion hairstyling
- Advanced colouring and creative colour
- Wig making and custom units
- Advanced weaving and extensions
What you need to join
- Certificate: minimum Grade 9, KCPE, KCSE or equivalent, aged 16 or over
- Diploma: minimum KCSE C-, or a Certificate in Hairdressing
- Advanced Diploma: Diploma in Hairdressing or equivalent experience
- A copy of your national ID or birth certificate, academic certificates and 2 passport photos
How you will train
Each topic starts with a short demonstration and theory session. You then practise on mannequin heads until you are confident, and move on to real clients in our training salon under tutor supervision. Before graduating, you complete industrial attachment in a working salon.
Where it can take you
Graduates work as hairdressers, braiders, colour technicians, wig makers and bridal stylists. They work in salons, hotels, spas and on photo and film shoots, or freelance from home. Many go on to open their own salon. Our Salon Management course can help you do that, and Barbering or Full Cosmetology can widen the services you offer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any experience to join?
No. The Certificate is designed for complete beginners. The Diploma and Advanced Diploma need prior training at certificate or equivalent level.
How much does the course cost, and can I pay in instalments?
Fees are KES 6,500 for the Certificate and Diploma. The fees for Advanced Diploma will depend on the specialisation of choice. You can pay in monthly instalments.
Which certificate will I receive?
You will sit NITA, ICM or CDACC exams and receive a certificate qualification in Hairdressing. It is recognised by employers in Kenya and internationally.
Do you teach braiding and natural hair?
Yes. Braiding and natural hair care are part of the Certificate, and the Diploma adds weaves, wigs and treatment of damaged hair. Locs are available as an Advanced Diploma specialism.
When does the next class start?
We take new students every month. Call us or WhatsApp us.
Can I study part-time while working?
Yes, we have evening and weekend classes.
Which campus offers this course?
Hairdressing is taught at our Nairobi (Donholm) and Makindu campus.
Do I need to buy my own tools?
No, Carenic College provides all equipment such as dryers and products, and what students buy, such as scissors, combs and a mannequin head.
Will I practise on real clients?
Yes. After practising on mannequin heads, you work on real clients in our training salon under tutor supervision.
Will you help me find a job?
Yes, we arrange industrial attachment and help with CVs and introductions to salons.
Can I move up from the Certificate to the Diploma?
Yes, once you cover the Certificate level Course, you can advance to Diploma level.
Start your hairdressing career this month
Apply online or call us to talk to our admissions team.