Hairstylist

Hairstylists are attentive and creative tradespeople who help to shape the way we look and feel. They enjoy interacting with customers and working in a bustling environment. 

As a Hairstylist, you’ll feel energized every time you meet a customer, sit them down and begin the process of designing their new look.  

You’ll need to be friendly and precise, as you work with multiple clients every day. In addition to cutting and trimming, you’ll also be looked at as an expert in hair care.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to cut, trim, perm, straighten and style hair 
  • How to colour hair, including bleaching, tinting, dying and streaking 
  • How to apply hair extensions 
  • How to analyze a client’s hair and scalp and recommend treatments and care 
  • How to recommend hairstyles and colours that suit a client’s features and preferences. 

Key Job Skills

  • Communication 
  • Client service and business management 
  • Hygiene, sanitation and disinfection 
  • Use and maintenance of tools and equipment 
  • Hair cutting, styling and colouring 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

Technical Training 15 weeks over 2 years
Work-Based Training
3150 HOURS
General Skills
Creative Expressive Precise Visual

Program Updates

 

Practical Assessment Information

  • In addition to the written examination, candidates are required to undertake a practical assessment. Details of the assessment criteria are contained within the Hairstylist Practical Assessment Information package.

  • Please note that there is a fee attached to the practical assessment which is set by the assessment agency and will be approximately $500. 

To book a practical assessment, contact North Pacific at assessment [at] north-pacific.ca.

 

Foundation Program Information

  • The Foundation program for this trade requires a 300 hour practicum in order to meet completion requirements. Instructors will need to fill out this form for each Foundation student and send it in alongside their class marks.

Program Information and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

Information:

Updates:

As of July 2021, Interprovincial exams written for Hairstylist are aligned to the 2019 Hairstylist Red Seal Occupational Standard.

Information:

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.