Overview
Hairstylists and barbers cut and style hair and perform related services. They are employed in hairstyling or hairdressing salons, barber shops, vocational schools, health care establishments and theatre, film and television establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Hairstylists
Suggest hairstyle compatible with client's physical features or determine style from client's instructions and preferences
Cut, trim, taper, curl, wave, perm and style hair
Apply bleach, tints, dyes or rinses to colour, frost or streak hair
Analyze hair and scalp condition and provide basic treatment or advice on beauty care treatments for scalp and hair
Clean and style wigs and hair pieces
Apply hair extensions
May shampoo and rinse hair
May perform receptionist duties and order supplies
May train or supervise other hairstylists, hairstylist apprentices and helpers.
Barbers
Cut and trim hair according to client's instructions or preferences
Shave and trim beards and moustaches
May shampoo hair and provide other hair treatment, such as waving, straightening and tinting and may also provide scalp conditioning massages
May book appointments and order supplies
May train and supervise other barbers and barber apprentices.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$41,712
$77,730
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
2,479expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
- Hairstylists
Completion of secondary school education is required.
Completion of a one- or two-year hairstyling apprenticeship program or completion of a college or other program in hairstyling combined with on-the-job training is usually required.
Several years of experience may replace formal education and training.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Hairstylists and barbers in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Hairstylists
- Hairstylist Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Hairstylists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a hairstylist in B.C., you will need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Hairstylist Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.