Have you ever thought, “I love meeting people, I’m good with style, and I want a career where my skills and my Sales work can grow my income”? If that sounds like you, becoming a Barber in Ontario could be a strong fit. As a barber, you build a loyal client base, sell grooming services and Retail products, and control your earning potential through service quality, repeat business, and upselling.
Job Description
Daily work activities
As a barber in Ontario, you focus on precision haircuts, fades, beard trims, and shaves. You also coach clients on grooming routines and products. Your day mixes technical work, Customer Service, and sales. In most shops, you’ll be on your feet for long periods, working in a fast-paced, social environment with steady client flow—especially evenings and weekends.
Main tasks
– Perform men’s and short-hair cuts (fades, tapers, scissor over comb)
– Provide beard shaping, line-ups, and hot towel straight-razor shaves
– Consult with clients to understand hair type, lifestyle, and desired look
– Maintain strict sanitation and infection control (tools, stations, linens)
– Upsell services (beard treatments, designs, scalp care) and retail products
– Manage appointments (POS systems, online booking, rebooking)
– Handle payments, tips, and retail transactions
– Build and retain a personal client list through service quality and follow-up
– Collaborate with team members to keep the shop clean, safe, and welcoming
– Keep up with trends and advanced techniques through ongoing learning
In Ontario, barbers are covered under the compulsory trade of Hairstylist (332A). This means, to work unsupervised with the public, you must hold a valid Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) as a hairstylist or be a registered apprentice working under a licensed hairstylist. See Skilled Trades Ontario: https://skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/hairstylist-332a/
Required Education
Diplomas and pathways
– Certificate (Private Career College – Barbering or Hairstyling)
– Many private career colleges offer barbering or hairstyling certificates that focus on clipper/scissor work, fades, beard care, and shop operations. These programs are helpful for building your skills, but a certificate alone does not allow you to work unsupervised. You still need to complete the provincial pathway to a Certificate of Qualification in Hairstylist (332A).
– Verify programs through Ontario’s Private Career Colleges: https://www.ontario.ca/page/private-career-colleges
– Ontario College Diploma (Public Colleges – Hairstyling)
– Public colleges in Ontario offer Hairstyling programs that combine theory, practical labs, and often in-school apprenticeship Training. These can position you to register or continue as an apprentice and eventually write the C of Q exam.
– Examples of public colleges that offer Hairstyling programs (check each site for current availability):
– Durham College (Oshawa) – Programs: https://durhamcollege.ca/programs
– Georgian College (Barrie) – Programs: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/programs/
– Algonquin College (Ottawa) – Programs: https://www.algonquincollege.com/programs/
– Cambrian College (Sudbury) – Programs: https://cambriancollege.ca/programs/
– St. Clair College (Windsor) – Programs: https://stclaircollege.ca/programs
– St. Lawrence College (Kingston/Brockville/Cornwall) – Programs: https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/programs
– Collège Boréal (French) – Programmes: https://www.collegeboreal.ca/programmes
– La Cité (French, Ottawa) – Programmes: https://www.collegelacite.ca/programmes-et-formations
– You can also browse Hairstyling programs through Ontario Colleges: https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/Beauty-and-esthetics/hairstyling
– Bachelor’s Degree
– Not required for barbering/hairstyling in Ontario.
Apprenticeship and licensing (compulsory trade: Hairstylist 332A)
– Pathway overview:
– Register as an apprentice with the province.
– Complete in-school training and on-the-job hours with a sponsor (employer).
– Pass the provincial Certificate of Qualification exam (Red Seal is available for Hairstylist).
– Get started:
– Apprenticeship Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario
– Start an apprenticeship: https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship
– Hairstylist trade profile (332A): https://skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/hairstylist-332a/
– Examination Information: https://skilledtradesontario.ca/examinations/
– Trade Equivalency Assessment (if you have experience/training and want to challenge the exam): https://skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-equivalency-assessment/
Length of studies
– Apprenticeship length (Hairstylist 332A): approximately 3,000+ hours total (a mix of in-school training and on-the-job hours). See Skilled Trades Ontario’s trade profile for current details: https://skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/hairstylist-332a/
– Public college Hairstyling diplomas: typically 12–24 months (often 3–4 semesters), depending on program structure and whether apprenticeship levels are included.
– Private career college barbering/hairdressing certificates: commonly 6–12 months. These can help you gain skills, but you’ll still need to follow the provincial licensing pathway to work unsupervised.
Where to study? Useful links
– Public Colleges (program discovery)
– Ontario Colleges (Hairstyling programs): https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/beauty-and-esthetics/hairstyling
– Durham College Programs: https://durhamcollege.ca/programs
– Georgian College Programs: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/programs/
– Algonquin College Programs: https://www.algonquincollege.com/programs/
– Cambrian College Programs: https://cambriancollege.ca/programs/
– St. Clair College Programs: https://stclaircollege.ca/programs
– St. Lawrence College Programs: https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/programs
– Collège Boréal (French): https://www.collegeboreal.ca/programmes
– La Cité (French): https://www.collegelacite.ca/programmes-et-formations
– Apprenticeship training Delivery
– Find training delivery agents (in-school training for apprentices): https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario
– Contact colleges listed above or Apprenticeship Ontario to confirm which offer in-school Hairstylist (332A) training in your region.
– Private Career Colleges (barbering/hairdressing)
– Verify barbering programs and program status using Ontario’s Private Career Colleges portal: https://www.ontario.ca/page/private-career-colleges
– Infection Prevention and shop Safety (important for barbers)
– Public Health Ontario – Guide to Infection Prevention and Control in Personal Service Settings: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/G/2019/guide-ipac-personal-service-settings.pdf
– City of Toronto – Personal Service Settings: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/personal-service-settings/
Salary and Working Conditions
Entry-level vs experienced salary
– Base wages
– In Ontario, barbers (NOC 63210 – Hairstylists and barbers) often start near hourly rates close to minimum wage, plus tips. As you gain speed and a client base, your earnings increase with tips, commissions, and retained service revenue.
– Official wage data for Ontario: Job Bank – Wages (Hairstylists and barbers, NOC 63210): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/63210/ON
– Typical real-world ranges
– Entry-level employees: about $17–$20 per hour equivalent, including tips. If you’re paid hourly or on commission, your take-home can fluctuate with sales and bookings.
– Experienced barbers with strong clientele: $25–$35+ per hour equivalent when you factor in tips, retail commission, and service volume. In busy urban shops (e.g., GTA), top barbers who manage their Books well can exceed this, especially with premium services and effective upselling.
Income models you’ll see
– Hourly wage plus tips
– Commission split (e.g., 40–60% of services to you, depending on shop policy)
– Chair rental (you pay a fixed weekly/monthly fee to the shop and keep most service revenue)
– Hybrid models (commission plus rental or performance bonuses)
Your net income will vary based on booking rates, service pricing, retail sales, tips, hours worked, and your business model (employee vs self-employed).
Job outlook
– Ontario outlook: Job Bank – Outlook (Hairstylists and barbers, NOC 63210): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/63210/ON
– What you need to know
– Demand is steady, with strong client loyalty and repeat visits.
– Urban centres and fast-growing communities may offer more opportunities.
– Your Marketing, customer service, and product sales skills have a direct effect on how quickly you can grow your client base and income.
Working conditions
– Schedule: Evenings and weekends are common peak hours. Many shops are open 6–7 days per week.
– Physical demands: Standing for long periods; repetitive motions for cutting; posture and ergonomics matter.
– Health and safety: Strict sanitation and infection control are required (single-use razor blades; proper Cleaning and Disinfection of tools; Laundry protocols; hand hygiene). See Public Health Ontario guidance above.
– Environment: Client-facing, social, fast-paced; Music and lively conversation are typical.
– Mobility: Some barbers add mobile services for events (weddings, film sets). Check municipal rules for mobile businesses and infection control.
Key Skills
Soft skills
– Customer service and Hospitality: making clients feel welcome and relaxed
– Active listening and consultation: understanding the look a client wants
– Sales and upselling: recommending services and retail products that fit client needs
– Time Management: staying on schedule without rushing service quality
– Communication: clear, friendly, and professional language
– Reliability: consistent results that build trust and repeat business
– Cultural awareness: serving diverse hair types, styles, and preferences
– Resilience: handling peak periods and staying positive
Hard skills
– Haircutting techniques: scissor-over-comb, clipper-over-comb, fades, tapers, razor work
– Beard grooming: shaping, line-ups, bulk removal, beard treatments
– Straight-razor shaving: hot towel prep, skin stretching, single-use blade hygiene
– Sanitation and infection control: cleaning, disinfecting, sterilization where appropriate, PPE use
– Product knowledge: clays, pomades, oils, tonics, aftershaves, tools
– Booking and POS systems: Fresha, Booksy, Square, or shop-specific software
– Retail and inventory: merchandising, stock rotation, shrink control
– Photography/Social Media: taking quality before/after photos, brand building
– Business basics (if self-employed): pricing, budgeting, HST/GST, client retention, promotions
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
– Strong client relationships: You directly see the impact of your work and build a loyal following.
– Clear path to higher earnings: As your skills and sales grow, so does your income.
– Creative work: Trends, designs, and personal style keep the job interesting.
– Flexible models: Choose hourly, commission, or chair rental; move toward self-employment if you prefer.
– Transferable business skills: Marketing, sales, and client management are valuable beyond the chair.
Disadvantages
– Compulsory trade requirement: You must be licensed (C of Q in Hairstylist 332A) to work unsupervised with the public.
– Physically demanding: Long hours standing; repetitive strain if ergonomics are poor.
– Income variability: Commission/chair rental earnings depend on bookings, rebooking, and retail sales.
– Peak hours: Evenings/weekends are often required to meet client demand.
– Upfront costs: Quality tools and ongoing education can be expensive (clippers, shears, razors, disinfection supplies).
Expert Opinion
If you’re serious about becoming a barber in Ontario, treat the trade like both a craft and a business. The technical foundation—fades, scissor control, beard work, and razor technique—matters, but what sets top barbers apart is their ability to deliver a consistent experience and drive sales ethically. That means a solid consultation every time, clear aftercare instructions, and personalized product recommendations. You want clients to feel that every visit makes their life easier: they look good, they know how to maintain the cut, and they trust you.
From day one, build habits that Support growth:
– Be punctual and protect your schedule. Running on time builds confidence.
– Photograph your work. Post regularly and show diversity (hair types, styles).
– Track rebookings and retail. Set simple goals (e.g., rebook 60% of new clients; offer at least one tailored retail recommendation per guest).
– Invest in top sanitation. Clients notice. Health inspectors will check.
– Keep learning. Take short courses or advanced workshops; Ontario has many providers through colleges and private academies.
Finally, choose your work model wisely. Early on, hourly or commission may be best while you learn and build clientele. As your bookings fill up, a chair rental model can increase your take-home—but only if you understand your costs, pricing, and marketing. Keep detailed records. Consider registering your business name and, when you cross the federal “small supplier” threshold for sales, registering for HST. See:
– Register a business name (Ontario): https://www.ontario.ca/page/registering-business-name
– Register for a GST/HST account (Canada Revenue Agency): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/register-gst-hst-account.html
FAQ
How do I legally work as a barber in Ontario if barbering is covered by Hairstylist (332A)?
In Ontario, barbers fall under the compulsory trade of Hairstylist (332A). To work unsupervised with the public, you must:
– Register as an apprentice and complete required training and hours, then pass the Certificate of Qualification exam; or
– Qualify to challenge the exam through Skilled Trades Ontario’s Trade Equivalency Assessment if you already have substantial training/experience.
Links:
– Hairstylist (332A): https://skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/hairstylist-332a/
– Start an apprenticeship: https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship
– Trade Equivalency Assessment: https://skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-equivalency-assessment/
– Examinations: https://skilledtradesontario.ca/examinations/
Can I start in high school?
Yes. You can begin exploring the trade through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which lets high school students start apprenticeship training while completing their diploma. Speak to your school’s guidance office or cooperative education teacher. Learn more:
– Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-youth-apprenticeship-program
What grants or financial help are available for apprentices?
Two key federal grants may apply to apprentices in Red Seal trades, which include Hairstylist:
– Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)
– Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG)
Check your eligibility and how to apply:
– Government of Canada – Apprenticeship grants: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices/grants.html
Ontario also offers employer incentives for hiring and training apprentices. Ask Apprenticeship Ontario or your employment service provider for current programs:
– Apprenticeship Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario
Do I need special health or municipal approvals for straight-razor shaves and other services?
You must follow infection prevention and control (IPAC) rules for Personal Service Settings. Health units inspect shops for Compliance with sanitation, single-use blades, tool disinfection, linen handling, and more. Requirements can vary by municipality, so check with your local public health unit and licensing office.
– Public Health Ontario – IPAC for Personal Service Settings: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/G/2019/guide-ipac-personal-service-settings.pdf
– City of Toronto – Personal Service Settings: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/personal-service-settings/
How are tips, commissions, and chair rental income handled for taxes in Ontario?
Tips and gratuities are taxable income in Canada. Keep accurate records and report them at tax time. If you are self-employed (e.g., chair rental), track all business income and expenses, and register for a GST/HST account when required.
– CRA – Tips and gratuities: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/Payroll/tips-gratuities.html
– Register for a GST/HST account: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/register-gst-hst-account.html
If you hire employees, you may need to register with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB):
– WSIB – Register a business: https://www.wsib.ca/en/businesses/register-business
Salary and job outlook references
– Job Bank – Wages (Hairstylists and barbers, NOC 63210) Ontario: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/63210/ON
– Job Bank – Outlook (Hairstylists and barbers, NOC 63210) Ontario: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/63210/ON
Important notes for your barber career in Ontario
– You must be licensed (C of Q in Hairstylist 332A) or be a registered apprentice working under Supervision to serve the public independently.
– Focus on both craft and commerce. Your sales skills—rebooking, add-on services, and retail recommendations tailored to each client—are key to growing income.
– Build your brand early: quality work, consistent service, good photos, and reliable booking habits.
– Follow infection control standards strictly. It protects clients, protects you, and supports a professional reputation.