Hairstylists and Barbers
(NOC 6341)
in All Sales and ServiceHairstylists 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.
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 decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Hairstylists and Barbers most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 55% 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
$11.00
Minimum$13.50
Median$26.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,126
Minimum$15,701
Median$32,557
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$10.70
Minimum$12.50
Median$21.17
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 are employed in hairstyling or hairdressing salons, barber shops, vocational schools, health care establishments and theatre, film and television establishments.
Job duties
Hairstylists perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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 perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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.
Sample job titles
- barber
- beauty salon operator
- hair colour technician
- hair-care specialist
- hairdresser
- hairstyling specialist
- hairstylist
- hairstylist apprentice
- wig stylist
Skills
For this work, 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.
- Completion of 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.
- Completion of 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
Northern
Southern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other Services
Accommodation and Food Services
Other Professional Services
Educational Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
45-54
35-44
15-24
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Sales and Service
25-34
35-44
55-64
Top levels of education
Trades certificate
$16,061 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$16,181 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,789 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$23,069 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$14,334 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$12,982 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$19,514 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,486 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$20,807 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,797 median annual incomeEducation & training
Barbering/barber
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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. These programs 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.
Cosmetology/cosmetologist - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to cut, trim, style, or remove scalp, facial, and body hair; apply cosmetic preparations; perform manicures and pedicures; massage the head and extremities; and prepare for practice as licensed cosmetologists in specialized or full-service salons. These programs 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
315 Jamieson Street PO Box 33 Whitney Pier
Sydney, NS B1N 3B1
(902) 564-2222
26 Archibald Avenue
North Sydney, NS B2A 2W3
(902) 794-2460
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
14 Court Street, Suite 101
Truro, NS B2N 3H7
(902) 843-3868
Hair styling/stylist and hair design
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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. These programs 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
315 Jamieson Street PO Box 33 Whitney Pier
Sydney, NS B1N 3B1
(902) 564-2222
363 Windmill Road
Dartmouth, NS B3A 1J2
(902) 469-7788
278 Lacewood Drive
Halifax, NS B3M 3N8
(902) 455-0535
26 Archibald Avenue
North Sydney, NS B2A 2W3
(902) 794-2460
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
77 Crescent Drive, Suite 4
New Minas, NS B4N 3G7
(902) 365-3933
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation, however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.