Willis College to Host the Nova Scotia Skills Competition for Aesthetics and Hairstyling

On March 30, the training salon at Willis College (formerly CBBC Career College’s Halifax campus) will host some of Nova Scotia’s most talented future beauty professionals.

The Nova Scotia Skills Competition is a signature event from Skills Canada – Nova Scotia, bringing together post-secondary students from across the province to demonstrate their technical ability, creativity, and professionalism in real-world industry challenges.

For students in Aesthetics and Hairstyling, the competition is more than just a contest. It’s an opportunity to showcase their training, gain industry recognition, and challenge themselves in a high-pressure professional environment.

Last year, the competition was proudly hosted at the Willis Sydney campus, where students had the chance to demonstrate their skills and connect with peers and industry professionals from across the province.

Aesthetics Competition

The Aesthetics competition combines creativity with technical skill.

Competitors will begin by designing ten nail tips using gel polish and freehand nail art. Five will follow a Galaxy theme, while the other five will incorporate two mystery nail design elements selected from the following themes:

• Flowers
• Dots
• Stripes
• Marble
• Leopard

After completing their nail designs, competitors will perform a dry manicure on a live model, demonstrating proper technique in clipping, filing, buffing, and cuticle care before applying their pre-designed nail tips.

In the second portion of the competition, participants will create a Galaxy-themed fantasy makeup design covering 75% of the model’s face, neck, and décolleté.

Judges will evaluate competitors on creativity, technical precision, hygiene standards, and overall execution.

Hairstyling Competition

Hairstyling competitors will complete three technical tests designed to showcase both creativity and precision.

The first challenge focuses on natural textured hairstyling, where competitors will style textured hair using techniques such as braiding, twists, or Bantu knots to reflect a design selected by the competition sponsor.

The second challenge is a men’s commercial haircut, in which competitors must demonstrate precision cutting using the scissor-over-comb technique to achieve a tapered, professional finish.

The final challenge is a ladies’ commercial cut, color, and style, in which competitors will create a modern, salon-ready hairstyle inspired by a reference image. Competitors will demonstrate their ability to execute a precise cut, apply color creatively, and finish the look with professional styling.

Celebrating Willis Student Success

Willis College students have historically performed exceptionally well at Skills competitions.

Last year, Princess Lyca Cruz (@lyc.a.princessaesthetikos) represented CBBC Career College (Now Willis College) during the 2025 Nova Scotia Skills competition in the Aesthetics category. She went on to represent Nova Scotia at the Skills Canada National Competition and brought home a silver medal, an incredible achievement that reflects the dedication of both our students and instructors. Monique Ryan was another talented student who competed in the 2022 Nova Scotia Skills Competition in the Hairstyling category and won the provincials.

 

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A post shared by Princess Lyca Cruz (@lyc.a.princessaesthetikos)

We are proud to host this year’s competition and look forward to seeing the talent, creativity, and professionalism displayed by competitors from across the province.

Looking Ahead

As competitors prepare for March 30, we wish all participants the best of luck!

Events like the Nova Scotia Skills Competition celebrate the next generation of professionals entering the beauty industry and highlight the skill, passion, and innovation students bring to their craft.

Follow us on social media as we count down to competition day and showcase the incredible work being done by future beauty professionals.

About Willis College’s Beauty Programs

Willis College’s Hair & Aesthetics programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the beauty industry through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training. Students develop practical skills in hairstyling, skincare, nail care, and salon operations while working with industry-standard products and techniques. Programs are delivered by experienced instructors and include training in real salon environments, helping graduates build the competencies needed for entry-level roles or licensure in cosmetology and aesthetics.