Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation
Learn to formulate your own complete, professional range of natural and organic shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments and styling products on our accredited course.
Our Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation is the only course you need to create and launch your own natural and organic haircare brand.
Have your attempts at DIY haircare recipes resulted in disasters? Maybe they’ve left you with hair that is weighed down, rough or dry and now you’re ready to learn a better way?
Do you want to avoid synthetic ingredients and harsh detergents, and create natural and organic products that actually do what you need them to do?
Are you eager to understand the science of healthy hair while expanding your skills to formulate professional-grade haircare products with customizable ingredients?
Introducing our accredited Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation
The only online course you need to formulate high-performance natural and organic shampoos, conditioners, hair and scalp treatments, and styling products tailored to specific hair types, textures and preferences.
In this comprehensive course, you’ll:
- Learn how to formulate shampoo without harsh sulfates like SLS, and instead discover a wide variety of gentle, natural surfactants.
- Learn how to formulate conditioners that leave hair smooth, soft and silky, with a natural shine (and not weighed down or greasy).
- Be able to understand the characteristics and needs of different hair types and textures, and how to customize your formulations to suit them.
- Explore the functions, properties and benefits of a wide range of natural and organic haircare ingredients, so you can select ingredients for your formulations with confidence.
- Learn how to create a haircare brand and comply with cosmetic regulations so you can sell your products.
- Plus, receive expert guidance and support from experienced cosmetic scientists and chemists.
Say goodbye to frizzy hair, itchy scalp, and products that don’t work.
Ready to turn your formulation dreams into a successful reality? Join us today!
Find out more
Haircare products require specialized knowledge to get right, so it’s no surprise the internet is full of DIY solutions that just don’t work and, worse still, can actually damage your hair.
Through our Diploma course, you’ll learn the professional way to formulate haircare products, select the ingredients that align with your values and eliminate those that are ineffective or too harsh.
Formulate your own complete haircare range, for yourself or to sell, with confidence, knowing you’re learning from the experts, including cosmetic scientists and chemists, using tried-and-tested formulations that have passed Preservative Efficacy Testing.
Just imagine how it would feel with more of this in your life…
Clarity
Haircare products that work – made by you
Creativity and possibility
Learn to formulate a complete haircare range:
Shampoos
- Regular shampoo.
- Clarifying shampoo.
- Daily use shampoo.
- Conditioning/2-in-1 shampoo.
- Anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Solid shampoo bar.
Conditioners
- Rinse-off conditioner.
- Leave-in conditioner (spray).
- Leave-in conditioner (cream).
- Intensive conditioner.
- Detangling spray.
- Co-wash.
- Solid conditioner bar.
Hair and scalp treatment
- Hair and scalp oil.
- Hair mask/butter.
- Anti-frizz spray.
- Dry shampoo.
- Clay-based mask.
- Ayurvedic shampoo.
- Scalp scrub.
- Scalp serum.
Styling products
- Hair wax/pomade.
- Styling gel.
- Edge control.
- Sea salt texture spray.
- Curl custard/pudding.
Your journey on the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation
Brand values
Identify your brand values and align them with professional standards
Hair anatomy
Learn to formulate for different hair types and textures
Formulation skills
Set up your home lab and develop professional formulation skills
Natural ingredients
Discover beneficial natural and organic ingredients for hair
Business
Comply with cosmetic regulations and take your products to market!
Treatments & Styling
Formulate a wide range of hair treatments and styling products
Conditioner
Learn conditioner theory and formulate a range of conditioners
Shampoo
Explore the science of surfactants and formulate a range of shampoos
Brand values
Identify your brand values and create a unique brand
Hair anatomy
Learn professional formulation skills
Formulation skills
Formulate for different skin types, tones and concerns
Natural ingredients
Increase your knowledge of natural ingredients
Shampoo
Set up your home lab, develop lab skills and carry out GMP
Conditioner
Preserve skincare effectively and increase product shelf-life
Treatments & Styling
Formulate a wide range of natural skincare products to a professional standard
Business
Comply with cosmetic regulations and take your products to market!
Meet your instructors and tutors
Learn from and be supported by cosmetic scientists and professional formulators.
Tina Svetek
Tina is a cosmetic formulator, formulation consultant and safety assessor, who leads new product development for natural skincare and wellness brands.
Dr Nicole Voster
Nicole is a cosmetic formulation consultant and senior lecturer with extensive experience teaching chemistry and cosmetic formulation at South African universities and aiding brands in new product development.
Gail Després
Gail is an award-winning entrepreneur and author of the A-Z of Natural Cosmetic Formulation. After creating her natural skincare brand, Gail moved into education, founding the School of Natural Skincare in 2010.
Gareth Després
Gareth qualified as a certified aromatherapist in 2010 and enriches the content of our online courses with his specialist knowledge of essential oils.
Is the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation right for me?
This course is perfect for…
Beginners
Beauty enthusiasts who care about what they put on their hair
Create customized products for your hair type and values.Read more
Perhaps you’ve tried making haircare products following DIY recipes, and it’s been a disaster. Learn to create your dream products and unlock the secret to happy hair and scalp using natural and organic ingredients.
Intermediate
Formulators ready to diversify into haircare formulation
Enhance your formulation skills by learning to formulate professional quality haircare products.Read more
Entrepreneur
Beauty brand owners
It’s time to take your brand to the next level.Read more
Why learn to formulate your own haircare products?
Many online haircare recipes actually damage the hair due to having an unsuitable pH and not closing the hair cuticle – instead, formulate products that care for and protect the hair.
Select ingredients and design products tailored to the needs of different hair types and textures – this is the key to creating products people love!
Save time and costly mistakes. Learn the skills to formulate like a professional, not an amateur.
It is YOUR responsibility to sell safe products. Don’t take any chances. Have peace of mind that you are creating high-quality, safe products.
Want to try before you buy?
Sample a selection of our course material inside our online classroom.
How does the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation work?
Our proven system for teaching formulation skills, developed over more than a decade of training provision, means when you study with us, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and support to succeed at formulating.
Knowledge
You don’t need a scientific background; our courses cover everything you need to know.
Skills
We start with more straightforward products and progress to the more complex or challenging ones so you can build your skills and confidence.
Support
You can rest assured that you are learning from qualified and experienced professionals and are not misled by inaccurate, poor-quality and unsafe information often found online.
We’ll teach you to formulate by providing the following resources for each type of product:
More than just a course, our Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation includes the support and community you need to truly thrive in your formulating journey
You’ll receive:
10 in-depth modules accompanied by detailed textbooks with step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs.
Full HD video classes including step-by-step product making demonstrations.
35+ formulation examples to practice with and 25+ preservative efficacy test reports.
Join our supportive, vibrant community of like-minded students and graduates across the world.
Easy-to-use online classroom, quizzes, and activities.
10 workbooks and 28+ downloadable, fillable worksheets.
Assignments marked personally and a course completion certificate.
An in-depth library of ingredient information.
Be supported by cosmetic scientists
Get your questions answered
each week in our dedicated Tutor Q&A
Join the professionals
for LIVE course sessions
Expand your understanding
with our monthly Formulators Forum, a LIVE learning and discussion session on Zoom
Have your end-of-course assignments personally marked
by our cosmetic scientists
Plus
Receive an invitation to join our private student and graduate online community.
Connect with like-minded formulators around the world inside our friendly student community. It’s the perfect place to discuss, support and inspire each other.
Student testimonials
I wanted to avoid DIY methods so I could start my brand.
- Morgan Brooks,
- USA
The Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation gave me the confidence I needed. I now understand the exact breakdown of each product, the ingredients and quantities required, and how to label my products and follow cosmetic regulations. I especially enjoyed learning the detailed formulation process and now I create professional standard products.
- Morgan Brooks,
- USA
DIY products I found online didn't give me the results I wanted.
- Saskia Galloway,
- Netherlands
The Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation has been invaluable as I want to create products for my hair salon. Now, I’ve learned about natural haircare ingredients, how to work with them, and where to buy them. The online study, quizzes, videos, and formulation templates were particularly valuable. I’m happy I joined your course!
- Saskia Galloway,
- Netherlands
Now I have all the knowledge I need to formulate professional quality hair products.
- Norma Nlanda,
- Botswana
Before enrolling on this course, I didn’t know how to make different kinds of shampoo for different hair types but that changed very quickly. What I loved about this course is the fact that the different challenges and activities allowed me to practice so much. I can also refer to the correct information from the course to refresh my mind any time I need to and I frequently do that.
- Norma Nlanda,
- Botswana
This course is like always having a teacher on call.
- Saskiea Halley,
- USA
I can always refer back to this information while practising. I enjoyed the fact that I learned that it is not just about formulating products, but making certain that these products are safe for customers. I enjoyed the videos that showed the examples of different formulations. Most useful was the regulation guidelines and the list of formulations offered for different products.
- Saskiea Halley,
- USA
Studying with your School has revolutionized my approach to haircare.
- Ella Elhoudiri,
- Libya
The course taught me how to craft high-quality, natural hair masks and treatments using diverse ingredients like silk and lavender oil. The knowledge gained has enabled me to create effective, luxurious products that my clients love. I’m thrilled with the results and grateful for the expert guidance provided.
- Ella Elhoudiri,
- Libya
Enjoy learning anywhere, anytime
All our training is completed through our easy-to-use online classroom.
Study from anywhere in the world at your own pace.
Why study with the
School of Natural Skincare?
Be part of our accredited, globally acclaimed, award-winning online formulation school that’s seen over 25,000 students from 150 countries enjoy mastering the art, science, and creativity of making natural and organic skincare.
Learn from and be supported by professional cosmetic scientists.
Tried and tested formulations. Our formulas have passed Preservative Efficacy Testing.
Formulate your way – natural, organic, vegan, sustainable – and customized to your skin type, tone and concerns.
Multi-award winning and accredited school, established in 2010.
Study with us for your own enjoyment and learning or to create a beauty brand.
Study at a pace that fits your lifestyle.
95% of our students would recommend the course to others.
Realize your dreams of formulating natural haircare like a pro.
Featured in
Where are our graduates now?
For many of our students, their ultimate goal when studying with us is to start their own beauty brand.
Here are some of our graduates who have gone on to become beauty entrepreneurs across the world. If this is what you aspire to, we can’t wait to see your story here one day soon.
Rediscovering Natural Beauty: Rediate Afework’s Transformation from Corporate Professional to Haircare Entrepreneur
Sarah Bent: From Self-Confessed “Do it Yourselfer” to Professional Natural Skincare Formulator and Brand Owner
From Curiosity to Craftsmanship: Arcenia’s Adventure in Natural Hair and Skincare Formulation
Bukola Akinbinu’s Triumph: Navigating Postpartum Challenges to Thrive in the Natural Skincare Industry
How Sarah’s mission to detox her skincare led to the launch of her own small batch luxury natural skincare brand
Dare to be Natural; Going One Step Further in Natural Haircare Inspiration
The Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation in detail
By the end of the course, you will:
Formulate your own professional haircare range using a wide range of natural, organic and/or vegan ingredients aligned with your values for different hair types, textures and curl patterns.
Be clear on your brand values, your niche, and the customers you’d like to serve.
Understand the science behind haircare products and how they work.
Formulate products safely and correctly to meet compliance and regulation standards.
Be able to set up your home lab, develop your lab skills, and carry out good manufacturing practice (GMP).
Know how to preserve haircare effectively and increase product shelf-life.
Sell your products with confidence. Be empowered by your new knowledge and skills to comply with regulations and take your products to market.
What you need to know:
Level
Beginner to intermediate
Schedule
Self-paced course with on demand lessons. Study at a time that suits you. Optional live sessions.
Study time
Approximately 70-150 hours. Complete the course as quickly or slowly as you wish. Most students complete the course within 6-18 months.
Course access
18 months. This can be extended for a small fee.
Prerequisites
None. You’ll need the internet and a computer or tablet to access our online classroom.
When can I start?
Enrollment is open all year round, and you can begin the course as soon as you’re ready.
What you’ll study:
Module 1: Creating Professional Haircare Formulations
Read more
- Define your values so you can create a unique brand that stands out from the crowd.
- Learn the three main types of cosmetic formulas. You will never be confused about whether you need a preservative again!
- Discover how to write a professional formula, the essential information to include and why.
- Use our signature product development brief as your secret weapon to designing haircare products that work.
- Discover how to ‘reverse formulate’ or use a product on the market to create a similar product.
- Learn about types of cosmetic product testing to ensure your products are safe for consumers and that you are meeting your legal requirements.
Module 2: Hair Biology and Hair Types
Read more
- Discover hair anatomy and physiology and the best pH for your haircare products.
- Learn about 12 hair types, 1A to 4C, and how hair types vary by cross-sectional shape, degree of curl, sebum and shine, grooming ease and breakage, maximum length and strength.
- Identify the four types of stressors that cause damage to the hair and how to protect the hair from them.
- Follow an ideal haircare routine for different hair types (1 – 4).
Module 3: Lab Skills, Equipment and Packaging
Read more
- Recommendations for simple pieces of equipment you need to set up your own small-scale lab at home.
- Discover professional laboratory equipment useful for scaling up production.
- Use our easy-to-follow guidelines and templates for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Develop the key lab techniques and skills you need: weighing, heating, calibrating, sanitizing, mixing, homogenizing, filling and calibrating.
- Follow our detailed demonstrations on how to use a pH meter to measure and adjust pH – an essential skill for all formulators to develop.
- Finally understand formulation math and how to calculate different batch sizes. We even provide a handy batch calculator to make it really easy!
- Discover types of cosmetic packaging and closures and the nine factors to consider when choosing packaging.
View all modules
Module 4: Shampoo Theory and the Science of Surfactants
Read more
- Learn how shampoo works and the six different types of shampoo available.
- Discover the typical structure of a shampoo formula, the types of ingredients used and their function, and what factors to consider when choosing ingredients.
- Delve into the science of surfactants so you can formulate with them effectively.
- Discover gentle, natural, plant-derived surfactants.
- Grasp surfactant active matter – what it is and why it is important.
Module 5: Haircare Ingredients and Raw Materials
Read more
- This module is a vast library of reliable, accurate information you’ll refer to again and again.
- Enhance your formulations with natural humectants, conditioning ingredients, active ingredients, plant extracts and vitamins.
- Create safe and stable formulations by working with natural thickeners, emulsifiers, preservatives, solubilizers and pH adjusters.
- Calculate essential oil allergen levels and know when to include allergens on your product label.
- Organize and store ingredients properly in your home lab and follow our six-step process for finding substitute ingredients.
Module 6: Formulating and Making Shampoos
Read more
This module includes:
- Formulation guidelines and templates to make formulating easy.
- Guidelines for formulating different types of shampoo.
- How to customize shampoos to suit different hair types.
- Product shelf-life, packaging and how to evaluate your formula.
- Detailed step-by-step video demonstrations to follow.
- A helpful troubleshooting guide.
- Example formulations for Gentle Aloe and Lavender Shampoo for Moderate Hair, Hydrating Aloe and Chamomile Shampoo for Dry Hair, Aloe and Geranium Shampoo for Oily Hair, Citrus Burst Clarifying Shampoo, Rosemary Daily Use Shampoo, Lavender and Cedarwood Conditioning Shampoo, Tea Tree Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Cocoa Butter and Peppermint Shampoo Bar, Fragrant Orange Solid Shampoo Bar, Fortifying Shampoo Bar and Argan and Geranium Shampoo Bar.
- Preservative Efficacy Test reports.
Module 7: Conditioner Theory and the Science of Emulsification
Read more
- Understand how conditioners function, important conditioner ingredients, and seven different types of conditioner.
- Discover the typical structure of a conditioner formula, the types of ingredients used and their function, and what factors to consider when choosing ingredients.
- Master emulsification – an essential skill for creating conditioners.
- Discover the best natural and organic emulsifiers for haircare products.
Module 8: Formulating and Making Conditioners
Read more
This module includes:
- Formulation guidelines and templates to make formulating easy.
- Guidelines for formulating different types of conditioners.
- How to customize conditioners to suit different hair types.
- Product shelf-life, packaging and how to evaluate your formula.
- Detailed step-by-step video demonstrations to follow.
- A helpful troubleshooting guide.
- Example formulations for Shea and Coconut Conditioner, Green Tea Leave-in Conditioner, Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream with Black Castor Oil, Argan Oil Intensive Conditioner, Lavender and Mandarin Detangling Spray, Herbal Boost Co-wash, Vanilla and Benzoin Conditioner Bar and Honey and Banana Deep Conditioner Bar.
- Preservative Efficacy Test reports.
Module 9: Formulating and Making Hair Treatments and Styling Products
Read more
This module includes:
- Formulation guidelines and templates to make formulating easy.
- Guidelines for formulating different types of hair treatments and styling products.
- Product shelf-life, packaging and how to evaluate your formula.
- Detailed step-by-step video demonstrations to follow.
- Example formulations for Reviving Hair and Scalp Oil, Black Castor Seed Hair and Scalp Oil, Monoi Hair Butter, Shea and Black Castor Oil Hair Butter, Mojito Hair Wax, Edge Control Stick, Anti-Frizz Spray, Purifying Dry Shampoo, Detox Clay Hair Mask, Ayurvedic Color-protect Paste Shampoo, Energizing Scalp Scrub, Tonifying and Protecting Scalp Serum, PHA and AHA Exfoliating Scalp Serum, Nourishing and Styling Hair Gel, Sea Salt Texture Spray and Coconut and Shea Curl Custard/Pudding.
- Preservative Efficacy Test reports.
Module 10: Cosmetic Regulations and Business Essentials
Read more
This module includes:
- Seven important steps to take before you sell your products.
- Guidelines and templates for all the most important documents you need to keep including a Product Information File (PIF).
- Detailed guides to the cosmetics regulations in the USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India.
- Advice about cosmetic claims – what you can and cannot claim about your products and how to substantiate any claims you make.
Plus
Enjoy our student loyalty rewards
10% off
your next course
Enjoy a student discount when you continue your studies with us. What will you choose next? High-performance serums, color cosmetics, haircare, soap? So many exciting topics to choose from!
A free month
in the Club
Towards the end of your studies we’ll invite you to join us for a free month in the Natural Cosmetic Formulation Club where you can enjoy a complimentary class or two on a subject of your choice.
Students become eligible for student loyalty rewards once their enrollment fee has been paid in full.
10% discount can be used on pay in full courses and cannot be applied to programs, payment plans or in conjunction with any other offers.
Ready to become a professional-level haircare formulator?
Sign up to the
Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation
Here’s what you get:
- Online course: Value $1500
- Tutor support: Value $500
- Live learning sessions: Value $500
- Community membership: Value $500
Total value:
$3000+
All included
Enroll now for just:
It’s easy to get started
Choose your preferred payment option below and get immediate access to our online classroom.
Pay in full
Instant access to the
whole course for
US $997
Access the entire course
immediately.
or
Installments
Four monthly
installments of
US $297
Spread your investment over four months, with new course material available monthly*.
*A full breakdown of the release schedule can be found in the FAQ section of this page
We accept all major debit and credit cards and Paypal
By joining the course you accept our terms and conditions found here.
Bundle Offer
Join our Natural Haircare and Skincare Formulator Program
Save $250 and get four FREE classes
How incredible would it feel to build a natural beauty brand with skincare and haircare products too?
You can do just that with our Natural Haircare and Skincare Formulator Program.
You get access to our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation and Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation to continue your exciting adventure as you extend your skills, become a confident natural skincare and haircare formulator, and realize your dreams of launching your own beauty brand.
Plus
Get four bonus classes FREE
1
Formulating with AHAs and BHAs
2
Formulating Face and Body Washes with Natural Surfactants
3
Men’s Facial Hair Products
4
Digital Copy of the International Bestselling Book A-Z of Natural Cosmetic Formulation
1
Formulating with AHAs and BHAs
2
Formulating Face and Body Washes with Natural Surfactants
3
Natural Bath Products
4
Digital Copy of the International Bestselling Book A-Z of Natural Cosmetic Formulation
Read the full details of the
BUY THE BUNDLE AND SAVE!
Enroll in the Natural Skincare and Haircare Formulation Program today
Here’s what you get:
- Two online courses: Value $2500
- Tutor support: Value $1000
- Live learning sessions: Value $1000
- Community membership: Value $500
- Bonus classes: Value $400 +
Total value:
$5400+
All included
Enroll now for just:
Pay in full
Instant access to the
whole program for
US $1997
Save $250 compared to enrolling on both courses separately. Plus, get four bonus classes for free.
or
Installments
Six monthly
installments of
US $397
Spread your investment over six months, with new course material available monthly and four bonus classes.
We accept all major debit and credit cards and Paypal
By joining the course you accept our terms and conditions
Hear what students are saying
Studying haircare formulation with the School of Natural Skincare has been transformative.
- Rhodeline Hamelo,
- USA
From learning precise measurement techniques to mastering unique ingredient combinations, the course empowered me to create customized leave-in conditioners and deep conditioners that my clients love. The practical knowledge and supportive community gave me the confidence to launch my own product line. Highly recommend for anyone serious about natural haircare!
- Rhodeline Hamelo,
- USA
I wanted to pivot my science and teaching background into a creative career.
- Cortney Salmen,
- USA
That’s when I found and enrolled with the School of Natural Skincare. The ability to access all resources online and experiment in my own kitchen was perfect for my schedule! The most exciting part of formulating haircare was the endless experimentation possibilities and meeting customer needs.
- Cortney Salmen,
- USA
The Diploma was crucial in reviving my family’s business.
- Mariaceli Gonzalez,
- Philippines
The course not only taught me how to source high-quality ingredients and create effective formulations, but it also deepened my understanding of Ayurvedic principles. Thanks to this course, Forest Herbs has been reborn with products that honor my father’s legacy and delight our customers.
- Mariaceli Gonzalez,
- Philippines
I’m now creating my own haircare line, and I can’t recommend this school enough.
- Bukola Akinbinu,
- Italy
Enrolling in the School of Natural Skincare was transformative. I thought I knew about natural products, but the courses revealed so much more. The structured content and supportive community rebuilt my confidence, especially during a tough time.
- Bukola Akinbinu,
- Italy
Top FAQs
Yes! The Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation is accredited by the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Certification Service. You can read more about our accreditations here
Yes! The course is hosted inside an easy-to-use online classroom. It is designed to be taken from home from anywhere in the world. The products we make meet global quality and safety standards. We’ll provide information on ingredient suppliers in many different countries and will guide you to the relevant cosmetic regulations in many countries around the world, too. We have students in over 150 countries so you’ll be joining a thriving global community.
Yes! In our Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation, you’ll learn about different hair types and curl patterns and how to customize your formulations to suit each type. We’ll use the Andre Walker system that classifies curl patterns into Types 1-4 and you’ll learn about the structure and properties of each type. You’ll learn how to care for each type and we’ll share a suggested hair care routine for each hair type.
In the formulating modules, you’ll learn how to customize shampoo, conditioner and hair treatments for different hair types, including Afro-textured hair.
The course also includes product formulations often requested by our students with Afro-textured hair including co-wash, curl custard/pudding, leave-in conditioning cream, sealing products, hair butter, hair and scalp oil, and edge control. We also explore ingredients popular with our Afro-hair community including black castor oil, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil.
We worked closely with Deborah Johnson, consultant and co-owner of SIMPLYGorgeous hair salon which specializes in Afro haircare, on the course content to ensure it meets the needs of our students with Afro-textured hair.
We are an international school with students worldwide. US dollars are the most widely recognized and accepted currency. You can check the exchange rate for your local currency using exchange rate sites such as xe.com. Either your bank or PayPal will exchange the enrollment fee for your local currency when you join.
At the end of the course, there are several assignments for you to complete and submit to us to be marked personally by our cosmetic chemists. They will provide personalized feedback and guidance if any corrections are needed. Your end-of-course completion certificate will be issued upon successful completion, and you will be the proud holder of our Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation!
You have access to the course within the online classroom for 18 months, so have plenty of time to study. You can download the course textbooks for lifetime access. You can renew your course enrollment for a small fee, which will also give you additional time to complete your assignments, further access to the tutor Q&A and any updates to the course made during this time.
The course is a self-study, self-paced course, so you can study at a time that suits you and complete the course as quickly or slowly as you wish. The lessons are available for you at any time.
To enhance your learning, we provide tutor-led live learning sessions throughout the year, which are optional to attend. You’ll receive plenty of advance notice about when these are happening, and if you can’t attend live, you can enjoy the recording at a convenient time.
Yes, the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation is suitable for beginners and formulators with some experience. Joining the course ensures that you learn the correct way to design and create products from the start, so it is a great way to begin your journey with formulating haircare products!
It’s important that you feel supported during your studies with us, and several avenues of assistance are available to you.
Technical/administrative help:
Our customer service team is on hand if you require help with technical or administrative matters.
Tutor support and feedback on assignments:
To provide you with the best support, we have experienced, professional cosmetic scientists on hand to answer your questions each week in the Tutor Q&A. We also run live tutor-led learning sessions throughout the year where you can deep dive into specific topics from the course.
At the end of your course, you will submit assignments to us that will be marked by one of our professional formulators. You will receive helpful feedback on your assignments, including any corrections that need to be made, so you can feel confident in the quality of your formulations.
Peer support:
When you enroll on a course with us, you receive an invitation to join our Student and Graduate Community (hosted on Facebook), where you can meet and spend time with your student peers. We have students and graduates in the group from all over the world! You can ask questions, discuss formulations and feel part of a community as you progress through your studies.
Promotion of your beauty brand:
If you already have a beauty brand or you establish a new brand after your studies, we can help you by promoting your brand to our vast, international audience! You’ll be invited to take part in an interview and have a feature written about you and your brand, which we will share with hundreds of thousands of our followers, by email and across social media. This is the perfect opportunity to start marketing your business and gain your own following.
It typically takes students 70-150 hours to complete the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation. The amount of time it will take you will depend on how much practical formulating you choose to do, so you may wish to spend more or less time than this. Most students complete the course within six to 12 months. As it is a self-paced course, you can complete it at a speed that suits your schedule.
A variety of formats are used including comprehensive and beautifully designed course textbooks (provided as PDFs), workbooks and worksheets, video lessons, video demonstrations, quizzes and activities.
To get started you can use some basic kitchen equipment that you use solely for the purpose of cosmetic making. Here is a list of the equipment that you should consider using:
Protective clothing.
A water bath or hot plate for a source of heat.
Heat-proof glass lab beakers.
Two thermometers.
A stick blender (immersion blender).
Digital scales.
Pipettes/spoons/spatulas.
pH strips (or meter).
Sufficient packaging.
We have a blog article and video that you may find useful on the equipment you need to get started: The equipment that you need for making natural skincare and haircare products at home.
We go into much more detail about the equipment you need in the Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation.
If you want a more professional lab setup, you can purchase professional pieces of equipment, which we can advise you about when you join the course. This is not necessary, however, as in many cases kitchen equipment is more than adequate.
When it comes to ordering ingredients and materials for this course, you have two options:
1) Complete the theory first
You can wait until you have completed the theoretical side of the course, looked through the formulation examples and guidelines and researched ingredients in detail. At that point you can select which ingredients and materials you would like to purchase in order to practice your formulations.
2) Order a small starter supply of ingredients
You can order a small starter supply of ingredients before commencing the course or early on in your studies. Then you have the basics to practice with and can order a greater variety or more specific ingredients further through your studies when you have discovered more ingredients and have decided the types of product you wish to formulate.
If you would like some suggestions for ingredients to start with, we have compiled an Ingredient Starter List. These ingredients will enable you to practice formulating and making a range of shampoos and conditioners. The course covers many more ingredients that you can experiment with at a later stage.
As part of the course, you receive a comprehensive global supplier list featuring hundreds of cosmetic suppliers, many of which deliver internationally.
We also have a smaller supplier list on our website you might want to look at in the meantime: Recommended cosmetic raw material suppliers
The majority of ingredients used are available in most countries around the world. In some cases, if you wish to use specialist ingredients (such as emulsifiers and preservatives), you may need to order from overseas suppliers.
If you choose to spread the cost of your course by choosing a payment plan, you will not receive all of the course content in one go. Instead, each time we receive your monthly payment, the next installment of your course will be released according to the following schedule.
Month 1: Haircare Diploma Modules 1-3
Month 2: Haircare Diploma Modules 4-6
Month 3: Haircare Diploma Module 7-8
Month 4: Haircare Diploma Module 9-10
What is a haircare formulation course?
A haircare formulation course is a program that teaches you how to create your own haircare products, including shampoos, conditioners and treatments, using natural and organic ingredients.
What is the difference between a Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation and a Diploma in Natural Skincare formulation?
A Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation covers a wide range of haircare products, while a Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation focuses specifically on skincare products.
Are there free online natural haircare courses available?
While free resources may be available online, our comprehensive haircare formulation course provides a structured learning experience with expert guidance.
What is haircare training?
Haircare training involves learning about hair types, hair health, and how to create and use haircare products to maintain and improve hair health.
What can I expect from a hair formulation course?
In a hair formulation course, you can expect to learn about the science of hair, the ingredients used in haircare products, and how to formulate your own products for different hair types and textures.
How can I learn how to make haircare products?
Our Diploma in Natural Haircare Formulation is a great way to learn how to make haircare products. We provide online lessons, practical assignments and expert guidance.
What is a natural haircare course?
A natural haircare course focuses on teaching students how to create haircare products using natural and organic ingredients.
What is organic haircare formulation?
Organic haircare formulation involves creating haircare products using ingredients that are organic, meaning they are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
What will I learn in a shampoo making course?
In a shampoo making course, you’ll learn about the ingredients used in shampoos, how to formulate your own shampoos, and how to customize them for different hair types and needs.
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Want to try before you buy?
Sample a selection of our course material inside our online classroom.
