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. 

woman hairdresser

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 

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

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

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

 

Program Information and Resources

Note for Foundation Program Participants: This trade requires a 300-hour practicum in order to meet completion requirements. Instructors must fill out this form for each Foundation student and send it in alongside their class marks.

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

  • 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@north-pacific.ca.

Program and Exam Updates

  • August 2022: OPSN 2022 021 (HL1 SLE Launch)

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

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.