Thinking about hairdressing school in Montreal? First decide what you want to learn. If you want the whole trade (cutting, colouring, styling every hair type), you are looking at a long program of about a year. If you want to offer a specific, in-demand service quickly, such as braids, wig installation or sew-in extensions, a short specialised course is the faster route. Here is what to expect from each path, and from a training day at BF Beauty.
Two paths into hairdressing
The long path is the Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in hairdressing, offered by vocational training centres. It takes about a year of full-time study and covers the whole trade.
Short specialised training focuses on one technique and takes days rather than months. It suits people who want to start offering a service soon, add a specialty to their existing work, or try the field before committing further. This is what BF Beauty Training Academy offers: our courses do not replace a DEP. They are focused professional trainings, each ending with a certificate issued by the school.
Our hair specialties
Our hair programs focus on textured, Afro and mixed hair, and on the services these clients ask for most:
| Specialty | What you learn | Price (1 day / 4 days) |
|---|---|---|
| African and American braiding | Box braids, knotless, cornrows, twists, tension-free braiding | $1,000 / $2,000 |
| Wig installation | Lace frontals, 360° wigs, glued or sewn installs, baby hair | $1,000 / $2,000 |
| Wig making | Machine-made and hand-made wigs, frontals and closures | $2,000 (4 days only) |
| Sew-in extensions | Braided base, full sew-in, quick weave, partial installs | $1,000 / $2,000 |
| Treatment and colouring | Colour theory, lightening, balayage, repair treatments | $1,000 / $2,000 |
| Wedding hair | Updos, braided crowns, ceremony styles | $1,000 / $2,000 |
Prices are before taxes (GST and QST). The certificate is included in every program and all materials are provided on site; a learning kit is available as an option (price on request).
What a training day looks like
Every program is 70% hands-on. A typical session alternates short demonstrations by the instructor with practice time:
- Demonstration: the instructor shows the technique step by step and explains why each gesture matters.
- Practice on a mannequin head: you repeat the gesture until it becomes comfortable, without tiring a model.
- Practice on models: you work on real hair, check your client’s comfort and learn to keep a steady pace.
- Corrections: the instructor corrects your hand position, tension and finishing in real time.
The 4-day programs end with a business module: organising your workstation, timing each service, pricing, client care and social media.
What to look for in a hair school
- Real practice time, not just demonstrations.
- Expertise in the hair you want to work on: curly and coily hair needs specific detangling, tension and scalp care.
- Optional learning kit to keep practising (price on request): braiding hair and a mannequin head for braiding, a lace frontal wig, adhesive and tape for wig installs, curved needles and thread for sew-ins.
- A schedule that fits your life: our groups run on weekdays, evenings and weekends, in English or French.
- Clear pricing: price, taxes, deposit and payment options up front.
Combining specialties
Many students start with one specialty and add another to offer more services: wig installation and wig making, braids and sew-ins, colouring and wig making. Our combo certificates bundle several programs at a lower price, for example Colouring + Wig Making + Frontal Installation in 12 days.
How to enrol
A new session starts on the first Monday of every month (see the 2026 start dates). Choose your program, the 1-day or 4-day format and your start date, then reserve your spot with a $500 deposit. All our programs are listed on our training programs page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need hairdressing experience?
No. Our programs welcome complete beginners as well as stylists who want to add a specialty.
Are classes taught in English?
Yes. Every program can be taken in English or French.
Where is the school?
At 350 rue de Louvain Ouest in Montreal.
American & African Braids program: all the details
Get the details by email📍 Find Us — BF Beauty Training Academy
Location
350 Rue de Louvain O
Montréal, QC H2N 2E8
Public Transit
Crémazie or Henri-Bourassa metro (orange line)
Parking available nearby
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