Hairstylists and Barbers

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.

Regulations

Contacts

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