Hairstylists and Barbers
(NOC 6341)
in All Sales and ServiceHairstylists and barbers cut and style hair and perform related services. They work for hairstyling or hairdressing salons, barber shops, vocational schools, health care institutions and theatre, film and television companies.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Hairstylists and Barbers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 53% of Hairstylists and Barbers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $19,936. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$13.11
Median$18.75
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,126
Minimum$15,701
Median$32,557
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Hairstylists and barbers cut and style hair and perform related services. They work for hairstyling or hairdressing salons, barber shops, vocational schools, health care institutions and theatre, film and television companies.
Job duties
Hairstylists:
- Suggest hair style 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 judge in competitions.
- 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 like 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.
Sample job titles
- barber
- beauty salon operator
- hair colour technician
- hair-care specialist
- hairdresser
- hairstyling specialist
- hairstylist
- hairstylist apprentice
- wig stylist
Skills
You must have good manual dexterity, imagination, and creativity. Good communication, organization, and interpersonal skills are definite assets. You should be tactful, patient, and able to follow directions closely. You must be in good health. Business skills are a definite asset.
Job requirements
Hairstylists
- Some high school education is required.
- A two- or three-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.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified hairstylists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Barbers
- Some high school education is required.
- A two-year apprenticeship or other barber program is usually required.
- On-the-job training may be substituted for formal education.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to barbers, as qualified hairstylists, upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Other considerations
Self-employment is common for these jobs. Earnings for people in these jobs are often supplemented by tips or gratuities. Therefore, an individual's income will likely depend upon their ability to attract and retain a group of clients. This work usually occurs in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and comfortable temperatures. The work can be tiring and physically demanding. Hairdressers and barbers must be on their feet for long periods of time. This work is often carried out during evenings and weekends, when salons are busiest.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other services (except public administration)
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
Apprenticeship
$16,021 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$14,806 median annual incomeHigh school
$17,833 median annual incomeBachelor
$22,236 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$12,977 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Barbering
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to shave and trim facial/neck hair and beards, cut and dress hair, fit hairpieces, give facial and scalp massages, apply cosmetic treatments, and to prepare for licensure as professional barbers at various levels. They include courses in facial shaving, beard and moustache shaping and trimming, shampooing, hair cutting, hair styles and styling art, facial treatments and massage, chemical applications, hair and scalp anatomy and physiology, hairpiece and toupee fitting, equipment operation, health and safety, customer service, and shop business practices.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Cosmetology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to cut, trim, style, or remove scalp, facial, and body hair, apply cosmetic preparations, do manicures and pedicures, massage the head and extremities, and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. They include courses in hair cutting and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, facial treatments, shampooing, chemical applications, esthetics, shop management, sanitation and safety, customer service, and applicable professional and labour laws and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
North Sydney, NS
Stellarton, NS
Hair Styling and Hair Design
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to shampoo, cut, style, set, and dress the scalp hair of women and/or men, braid hair, apply hair cosmetics and wigs, and prepare for licensure as professional cosmetologists, hairdressers, and barbers at various levels. They include courses in hair design theory and concepts, hair cleaning and shampooing, hair colouring, chemical applications and permanent reconstructions, hair anatomy and physiology, scalp diseases and treatments, wig and hairpiece fitting, hair braiding, customer service, shop management, equipment operation, health and safety, and applicable laws and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
North Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. A valid Certification of Qualification, an apprentice ID, or a temporary work permit is required to legally do this work.
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.