With about 100 salons in the area and only one private training provider, Aoraki Polytechnic identified a gap in the market and officially opened its training salon last night.
Dunedin campus manager Craig Radford said there was a definite demand for more training facilities.
The industry had supported the decision, which had resulted in the polytechnic refurbishing the former Moha Morrison Hayes salon, in St Andrew St.
An enlarged work space and the creation of a theory space transformed the site from a professional salon to a teaching facility.
A full intake of 16 students began studying the level 3 certificate in hairdressing last month and will complete the course in November.
Chief executive Kay Nelson viewed the opening as a logical progression for services in Dunedin.
"It is a natural complement to our existing programmes as well as those of other private and public providers."
Tutor Jewelle Lloyd, who moved from Tauranga especially for the position, was pleased to have secured such a "neat" work space.
"It's a unique training space because it's right in town."
It had gained much respect from the students because of its professional atmosphere, she said.
The certificate taught the fundamental elements of hairdressing, allowing students to gain apprenticeships in the industry.
Mr Radford hoped the programme would be enlarged, with the possibility of two streams running next year and a second-year qualification in place in 2012.
