What Does a Hairstylist Do?

Hairstylists shampoo, cut, perm, shave and style hair. With appropriate training, Hairstylists also perform more complex tasks, such as colouring/frosting hair, weaving, or adding hair extensions.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Using and maintaining a variety of tools, such as scissors, razors, combs etc.
  • Working with a customer’s personal tastes and fashion trends to design a hairstyle that will please the customer
  • Using a variety of hair care beauty products to best achieve a particular style or look
  • Training or supervising other hairstylists, hairdressers and assistants
  • Ordering supplies, keeping records and accounts as well as other administrative tasks

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Hairstylist is a restricted or compulsory trade, meaning that a certificate of qualification gained through apprenticeship and/or examination is mandatory. To become a Hairstylist you must complete Grade 12, and enter a two to three year hairstyling apprenticeship program or complete a college hairstyling program combined with on-the-job training. Locally, the Oakville School of Hair Design offers hairstyling training in a salon/school environment. For more information on their programs, click here.

What’s Your Future as a Hairstylist?

There is a steady demand for Hairstylists. Many larger beauty salons rent out their chairs to hairstylists, who in effect become self-employed. Some hairstylists with established clientele work out of their home. Wherever the work is performed, a Hairstylist needs good physical stamina to be on their feet for long periods of time. There is also exposure to a variety of chemicals. The majority of hairstylists work full-time, but a significant number are part-time or self-employed. Places that hire Hairstylists include:

  • Barber and Beauty Salons
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals
  • Private Clubs
  • Prisons

Wage Rate

  • Apprentices generally earn significantly less than fully qualified workers
  • As skills and expertise are acquired, wages increase
  • A fully qualified licensed Hair Stylist can make from $25,000-$40,000 per year; those with a larger clientele can earn significantly more
  • Some Hairstylists work for a salary plus tips, while others work on commission; those who own and operate their own salon can earn an amount proportionate to the numbers of paying customers they attract

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Hairstylist for You?

Do you enjoy working with people and enhancing their self-image?

Yes      No

Can you stand on your feet for up to 8-11 hours per day?

Yes      No

Do you enjoy keeping up with fashion trends and new ideas?

Yes      No

Are you able to work with chemicals such as shampoos, perms, dyes?

Yes      No

Do you mind working evenings or weekends?

Yes      No

Are you good at visualizing hairstyles compatible with people's physical features?

Yes      No

Do you pay attention to detail and like to get things just so?

Yes      No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Hairstylist may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Painter and Decorator
  • Horticultural Technician
  • Baker
  • Auto Body Painter
  • Industrial Woodworker