Job requirements Hairdresser in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a hairdresser in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Hairstylists and barbers (NOC 63210).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Trade certification for barbers is compulsory in Ontario and available, but voluntary, in the Yukon.
  • Hairstylists
  • Completion of secondary school education is required.
  • Several years of experience may replace formal education and training.
  • Employers may require applicants to provide a hairstyling demonstration before being hired.
  • Barbers
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to barbers, as qualified hairstylists, upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
  • Completion of a seven-month to one-year apprenticeship or other barber program is usually required.
  • On-the-job training may be substituted for formal education.
  • Completion of a one- or two-year hairstyling apprenticeship program or completion of a college or other program in hairstyling combined with on-the-job training is usually required.
  • Trade certification for hairstylists is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified hairstylists upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
  • Completion of secondary school education is required.
  • In New Brunswick, licensing by the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick is mandatory to use the titles “Hairstylist” or “hairdresser”.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

British Columbia

Job title Hairstylist (cosmetologist)
Regulated
Regulatory body: Skilled Trades BC

Manitoba

Job title Hairstylist
Regulated
Regulatory body: Apprenticeship Manitoba

New Brunswick

Job title Hairstylist
Job title Barber

Nova Scotia

Job title Barber
Job title Hairstylist
Regulated

Ontario

Job title Hairstylist
Regulated
Regulatory body: Ontario College of Trades

Prince Edward Island

Job title Hairstylist
Regulated
Regulatory body: PEI Hairdressers Association

Québec

Job title Hairstylist
Regulated
Regulatory body: Québec.ca

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Red Seal endorsement

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This job may be eligible for Red Seal endorsement in some provinces and territories

When you get a Red Seal endorsement on your trade certificate, it lets employers know that you meet the national qualification standards for workers in your trade. Learn more about the Red Seal endorsement.

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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