THASA: Potchefstroom’s Premier Hairdressing Academy
- Charlene Bekker
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
THASA (The Hair Academy of South Africa) is based in the university town of Potchefstroom (North West province) and has been shaping professional hairdressers since 2008.
The academy occupies air-conditioned, modern facilities on the Technical High School campus, offering a safe, student-friendly environment close to local shops and amenities. THASA’s mission is to train “top-class hair professionals” for both local and international careers.
Students at THASA benefit from a creative, hands-on learning atmosphere, small class sizes allow instructors to give each learner personalised attention. One graduate notes that THASA’s “smaller groups… allow more individual attention” and that teachers “taught me everything I have to know about hairdressing, theory and practical”.
Accredited Courses and Qualifications
THASA offers nationally recognised hairdressing qualifications as well as a prestigious City & Guilds International Diploma. In practice, this means students can earn a South African Hairdressing Certificate and/or the City & Guilds International Hairdressing Diploma, which is acknowledged worldwide and especially valued by employers and cruise ship salons abroad.
The curriculum covers the full spectrum of salon skills, from cutting, styling and colouring to advanced hair design and salon management. A special emphasis on barbering and men’s grooming means THASA graduates are skilled in fades, tapers, beard-trimming and hot-towel shaves. (In fact, THASA runs a focused 10-day Barbering Skills short course that includes hot-towel shave techniques.) This breadth of training, combined with industry-aligned accreditation (THASA is registered with SETA and QCTO and approved as an official trade test centre) , ensures graduates leave fully prepared for real-world salon work.
Hands-On Training and Facilities
THASA’s campus is designed to simulate a professional salon environment. The academy boasts a spacious, air-conditioned salon floor and fully equipped classrooms. Students practice everyday cutting, styling and colouring techniques on mannequins and live models under the supervision of qualified instructors.
The classroom itself is fitted with overhead projectors for theory lessons. This practical approach, “not just reading about styling or coloring, but doing it”, helps learners gain confidence quickly. Professional-grade tools and products (the same used by salons) are provided, so trainees become comfortable with the equipment they will use on the job.
As a result, THASA reports that its students complete the course with a strong portfolio of hands-on skills and high confidence in their craft.
An image above shows the THASA salon product display, featuring sample-size hair products and gift items for sale. (Products such as Icon and Pure Envy are sold at a 25% discount, and small sample/gift items are available to clients.)
Enrollment, Open Day and Early-Bird Discount
Prospective students can enroll now for the 2026 academic year. THASA has announced that 2026 enrollments are officially open, welcoming both male and female candidates. Those who register early (by the end of October 2025) qualify for a R5,000 discount on their course fees.
To help applicants learn more, THASA will host an Open Day on 20 September 2025 (10:00–13:00). This event (by booking only) allows visitors to tour the academy, meet instructors, and see live demonstrations.
Together, these opportunities make it easier for Potchefstroom residents (and others) to explore hairdressing as a career path at THASA.
2026 Enrollment: Now open (National Certificate & City & Guilds Diploma). Early-bird discount of R5,000 for registrations before 31 Oct 2025.
Open Day: 20 Sept 2025, 10:00–13:00. Tour the school and meet the team (booking required).
Public Salon Services: Professional hairdressing and barber services available by appointment.
Product Specials: 25% off Icon & Pure Envy haircare products; sample-size and gift items for sale.
Seasonal Promotion: Free sugar-scrub hand massage on request (August & September only).
Men’s Grooming: Barbering cuts and classic straight-razor shaves (appointment-based).
Salon Services and Promotions
THASA operates a student-staffed salon that is open to the public by appointment. Clients can book professional haircuts, styling, colouring or treatment services performed by senior trainees (under instructor supervision).
Appointments ensure each client gets personalised service, and visiting the salon also gives students valuable real-world experience. In addition to hair services, THASA sells retail products. Brands like Icon and Pure Envy are stocked in the salon and currently offered at a 25% discount, and a range of sample-size shampoos, conditioners and gift items are available for purchase.
For the months of August and September, THASA is also running a special client promotion: customers can request a complimentary sugar-scrub hand massage with their service, adding a pampering touch to the experience.
Men’s Barbering and Grooming
THASA’s curriculum includes barbering skills, and these are made available as services as well. The academy’s barbershop teaches traditional techniques – fades, clipper cuts, beard trimming and hot-towel straight-razor shaves, so male clients can enjoy full grooming services on-site.
All barber services (including the cut-throat blade beard shave) are offered by appointment only, ensuring each client is treated by a dedicated student with close oversight from an expert instructor. This means Potchefstroom men looking for a classic barber experience can get it right at THASA, benefiting from professional equipment and skilled stylists-in-training.
Quality Training and Industry Outcomes
Underlying all of THASA’s offerings is a strong commitment to quality training. For over 17 years, THASA has built a reputation for producing highly skilled stylists who go on to work in top salons across South Africa and even abroad.
The academy’s graduates are known for their well-rounded education, combining technical proficiency with practical experience, making them “job-ready” on day one. One student testimonial sums it up: THASA’s training methods are “excellent”, with instructors who guide learners step-by-step and truly care about each student’s success.
Whether training the next generation of cosmetology professionals or serving local salon clients, THASA, Potchefstroom’s own Hair Academy, emphasizes excellence at every level. Its modern facilities, skilled instructors and industry-recognized programs together “deliver exceptional hairdressers into the industry”. With current enrolments open and new promotions on offer, THASA is keen to welcome Potchefstroom residents into its salon and classrooms alike.
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