How to become a hairstylist or barber
Official title: Hairstylists and barbers
Also called: Barber, Hairstylist, Barber apprentice, Hairstylist apprentice, Hair dyer, Hairdresser, Wig stylist, Men's hairdresser, Hair-care specialist, Beauty salon operator, Hair colour technician, Hairdresser apprentice
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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. Employers may require applicants to provide a hairstyling demonstration before being hired. Trade certification for hairstylists is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. In New Brunswick, licensing by the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the titles "hairstylist" or "hairdresser". Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified hairstylists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. Barbers Completion of secondary school education is required. Completion of a seven-month to one-year apprenticeship or other barber program is usually required. On-the-job training may be substituted for formal education. Trade certification for barbers is compulsory in Ontario and available, but voluntary, in the Yukon. Red Seal endorsement is also available to barbers, as qualified hairstylists, upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. 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. Completion of a seven-month to one-year apprenticeship or other barber program is usually required. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
- Licence or registration: In New Brunswick, licensing by the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the titles "hairstylist" or "hairdresser".
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $38,766 a year The middle half earn $32,273 to $46,878.
- About 90,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 99,600 are projected by 2033. (+10.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a hairstylist or barber?
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. Employers may require applicants to provide a hairstyling demonstration before being hired. Trade certification for hairstylists is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. In New Brunswick, licensing by the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the titles "hairstylist" or "hairdresser". Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified hairstylists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. Barbers Completion of secondary school education is required. Completion of a seven-month to one-year apprenticeship or other barber program is usually required. On-the-job training may be substituted for formal education. Trade certification for barbers is compulsory in Ontario and available, but voluntary, in the Yukon. Red Seal endorsement is also available to barbers, as qualified hairstylists, upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a hairstylist or barber earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $38,766 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $32,273 to $46,878.
Is a hairstylist or barber a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 90,500 to about 99,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a hairstylist or barber?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03