Description of the Hairstylist trade
“Hairstylist” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA.
Hairstylists shampoo, cut, style and chemically treat hair. In some jurisdictions, hairstylists may also provide services such as scalp treatments, hair addition applications and barbering techniques.
To be a successful hairstylist, one must incorporate technical and interpersonal skills. Continuous personal and professional development and client retention are crucial for long-term success. Hairstylists may recommend styles based on trends, clients’ physical features and lifestyle. Critical thinking, questioning and listening skills are important to serve their clientele. Depending on the workplace and jurisdiction, recommending and selling hair and skin products may be done by the hairstylist.
According to jurisdictional requirements, hairstylists may work in hair salons, spas, barber shops, schools, hair replacement clinics, health care establishments, hotels, and in the tourism, fashion and entertainment industries. With experience, hairstylists may move into other positions such as salon managers, salon owners, fashion consultants, educators, platform artists and product sales representatives. Hairstylists may be remunerated through salary, commission, a combination of salary and commission or chair rental agreements. Some hairstylists work out of their residences where by-laws allow.
Hairstylists work with various tools and equipment including brushes, combs, shears, clippers, razors, hair dryers and thermal tools. They own most of their tools and must keep them sanitized, disinfected and maintained according to health and safety rules and regulations.
Some hairstylists specialize in areas such as cutting, hair additions, chemical services and gender-spectrum services. In addition, diversity across Canada may require further specialization in ethnic specific services.
Hairstylists work in clean environments, though the chemicals that they use may irritate their skin and have strong odours and fumes that may result in respiratory issues. Some physical considerations of this trade are long periods of standing, posture fatigue and repetitive motion. This may result in repetitive strain injury, back and foot pain, although ergonomic considerations may reduce these effects.
Key attributes for people entering this trade are communication skills, personal interaction, self-motivation, coordination, manual dexterity, stamina, colour vision and depth perception. Respect, professionalism, teamwork, tact, discretion and creativity are important personal qualities. To keep current with trends and styles, hairstylists need to update their skills through trade shows, online platforms and other educational venues. They may need skills in using and maintaining social media sites to showcase and promote their services to existing and potential clients. They must also understand and implement personal and public hygiene procedures to maintain workplace health and safety.
Continuous learning and upgrading on styles, techniques, products and tools are crucial to this trade for professional success.