Have you ever left a salon feeling amazing and wondered what it would be like to create that same experience for others—and get paid for your creativity and people skills? If you enjoy style, trends, and talking to people, a career as a Hairstylist in Ontario combines hands-on artistry with strong Sales and Customer Service. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the job looks like day-to-day, how to qualify legally in Ontario, where to study, what you can earn, and how to grow in this profession.
Job Description
Hairstylists in Ontario cut, colour, style, and treat hair for clients in salons, spas, Barber shops with salon services, mobile businesses, and sometimes on sets for media or events. In Ontario, hairstylist is a skilled trade (332A) and is a compulsory trade. That means you must be a registered apprentice or hold a Certificate of Qualification to perform the full scope of work.
Beyond the technical work, modern hairstylists are also sales professionals. You build a loyal client base, consult clearly, recommend services and products, meet Retail and rebooking targets, and often promote yourself through Social Media. Your income can include hourly wages or chair rental income plus commissions and tips, so your ability to sell your expertise and deliver a great client experience matters.
Daily work activities
– Greet clients, review their service history, and consult about hair goals, Maintenance, budget, and timing.
– Cut, colour, highlight, balayage, blow-dry, style, and perform treatments based on a tailored plan.
– Recommend aftercare and retail products that protect colour, improve hair health, and extend results.
– Rebook next appointments and encourage clients to try add-on services (e.g., gloss, treatment, fringe trim).
– Sanitize tools, maintain a clean station, follow infection Prevention and control rules, and manage Laundry.
– Process payments, handle tips, track retail and service commissions, and maintain accurate records.
– Take photos (with permission) and post to social media or online booking platforms to attract new clients.
– Collaborate with team members, participate in product or technique Training, and meet salon sales goals.
– Manage your schedule, handle walk-ins, and adjust to last-minute changes or colour corrections.
Main tasks
– Provide hair cutting and styling services for different hair types and textures.
– Perform chemical services (colour, lightening, toning, perming, relaxing) safely and accurately.
– Conduct client consultations and create personalized service plans and maintenance schedules.
– Recommend and sell salon retail products and add-on services to Support hair health and client results.
– Maintain hygiene and Safety standards per Ontario’s Personal Service Settings requirements.
– Use salon software for booking, point of sale, client notes, and inventory.
– Build and retain clientele through excellent service, follow-ups, and online presence.
– Keep up with trends, manufacturer education, and the Ontario Hairstylist (332A) training standards.
Required Education
Hairstylist is a skilled trade in Ontario, regulated by Skilled Trades Ontario (STO). Certification is compulsory. You can qualify by apprenticeship or, if you have significant related experience, through a Trade Equivalency Assessment.
Diplomas and credentials
– Certificate (Trade Credentials):
– Certificate of Apprenticeship (Hairstylist 332A) — awarded after completing the required in-school and on-the-job training.
– Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) — required to work independently; you earn this by passing the provincial exam after completing training or equivalency. Red Seal endorsement is available and helps with mobility across Canada.
– College Diploma:
– Ontario College Diploma in Hairstyling — offered by public colleges and some private career colleges. These programs prepare you for entry-level salon work and can be used to support your apprenticeship pathway.
– Bachelor’s Degree (optional, not required):
– Not needed to become a hairstylist. However, if you plan to manage multi-location salons, move into product education or sales, or open and scale a brand, a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or Commerce can help.
Length of studies
– Apprenticeship (typical pathway):
– About 3,020 hours total, including approximately 2,520 hours of paid on-the-job training and 480 hours of in-school training (usually delivered in two 240-hour levels).
– Time to completion is often 2–3 years, depending on your schedule, employer, and training availability.
– College Diploma in Hairstyling:
– Usually 12–24 months, sometimes offered in accelerated formats.
– Private Career Colleges (PCC):
– Many offer intensive hairstyling programs (often 10–12 months). PCC programs must be registered under Ontario’s Private Career Colleges Act.
How to become certified in Ontario
1) Find an employer sponsor and register as an apprentice:
– You must be registered as an apprentice with the Ministry and Skilled Trades Ontario before you begin the full scope of hairstyling work (or hold a C of Q).
– Start here: Apprenticeship Ontario (Government of Ontario)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario
2) Complete in-school and on-the-job training:
– Your training follows the official Hairstylist (332A) training standards and curriculum.
– Skilled Trades Ontario — Hairstylist 332A
https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/hairstylist-332a/
3) Write the Certificate of Qualification exam:
– After you complete the required training hours (or pass a Trade Equivalency Assessment if you have prior experience), you can attempt the provincial exam for your C of Q.
– Skilled Trades Ontario — Trade Equivalency Assessment
4) Consider Red Seal:
– Red Seal is national recognition of your skill level. It can help with mobility and credibility, especially if you ever work across provinces.
– Red Seal Program
https://www.red-seal.ca/
Where to study? (Ontario)
Note: Always confirm program details, start dates, and admission requirements with the school. For apprenticeship in-school training, check Skilled Trades Ontario’s Training Delivery Agents (TDAs).
– Skilled Trades Ontario — Training Delivery Agents (find approved colleges that deliver the Hairstylist in-school curriculum)
https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/training-delivery-agents/
– Public Colleges in Ontario (examples that commonly offer Hairstyling diplomas; verify current offerings):
– Fanshawe College (London) — Programs
https://www.fanshawec.ca/programs
– Georgian College (Barrie) — Programs and Courses
https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/programs/
– St. Lawrence College (Kingston, Brockville, Cornwall) — Programs
https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/programs
– Durham College (Oshawa, Whitby) — Programs
– Algonquin College (Ottawa) — Programs
https://www.algonquincollege.com/future-students/programs/
– Niagara College (Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake) — Programs
– Confederation College (Thunder Bay) — Programs
https://www.confederationcollege.ca/programs
– Private Career Colleges (Ontario):
– Search the official directory for registered PCCs offering hairstyling programs.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/search-private-career-colleges
– Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) — for high school students interested in starting apprenticeship early:
https://www.oyap.com/
Regulations and health guidance (Ontario)
– Personal Service Settings Regulation (O. Reg. 136/18) — infection prevention and control requirements:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/180136
– Public Health Ontario — Personal Service Settings resources:
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/HealthTopics/PersonalServicesSettings
– City of Toronto — Personal Services Settings (example of local public health Information; check your local health unit if you live elsewhere in Ontario):
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-inspections-monitoring/personal-services-settings/
Salary and Working Conditions
Entry-level vs experienced salary
– Pay structures vary: hourly wage, commission on services, commission on retail, tips, or chair/station rental (self-employment). Many salons combine hourly plus commission, or move you to commission-only once you’re established.
– Entry-level hairstylist (apprentice or new grad):
– Often starts near hourly minimum wage plus tips, with modest service/retail commissions.
– Early monthly income varies widely based on hours, salon location, and client volume.
– Experienced hairstylist with a strong clientele:
– Higher service pricing and higher commission rates (or independent chair rental/net business income).
– Retail commissions and consistent tips can be significant.
– Ontario Job Bank data (Hairstylists and Barbers, NOC 63210) shows typical wages ranging from entry-level near minimum wage to higher hourly rates for experienced stylists, with many professionals earning additional income from tips and retail sales. For wage and outlook details by region, see:
– Job Bank — Hairstylists and Barbers (Ontario)
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca
Working conditions
– Hours: Days, evenings, weekends, and holidays are common. Peak times include late afternoons/evenings and Saturdays.
– Physical demands: Long periods of standing, repetitive arm and hand motions, and some lifting (e.g., supplies).
– Chemical and safety exposure: Dyes, bleaches, developers, aerosols; follow WHMIS training and salon safety procedures. Your employer must comply with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
– Dress code: Professional appearance; often black attire; closed-toe shoes; PPE as required.
– Pace: Fast and customer-facing; you’ll juggle appointments, consultations, sanitation, and sales targets.
Job outlook
– Demand is steady across Ontario, with stronger opportunities in growing urban and suburban areas. Stylists who build repeat clients, specialize (e.g., colour correction, curls/textured hair, extensions), and sell retail tend to do well.
– For current provincial and regional outlooks:
– Job Bank — Explore labour market information for Ontario
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-occupation?searchstring=hairstylist
Key Skills
Soft skills
– Client service and communication: You must listen closely, confirm expectations, and explain maintenance clearly.
– Sales and consultation: Confidently recommend services and products that fit hair goals, lifestyle, and budget.
– Time Management: Keep appointments on schedule without compromising quality.
– Relationship-building: Earn trust, encourage rebooking, and handle issues with empathy and professionalism.
– Teamwork: Coordinate with assistants, reception, and other stylists; support shared sales targets.
– Adaptability: Manage last-minute changes, colour corrections, and new product launches.
– Professionalism: Reliability, punctuality, hygiene, and a positive, solutions-focused attitude.
Hard skills
– Cutting and styling: Foundational and advanced techniques for all hair types and textures; Finishing and blowouts.
– Colour theory and applications: Global colour, highlights, balayage, foiling, toning, glossing, and corrections.
– Chemical texturizing: Perms, relaxers, smoothing treatments; safe handling and timing.
– Sanitation and safety: Tool sterilization, workstation hygiene, and Compliance with Personal Service Settings rules.
– Salon software and POS: Booking, client notes, inventory, retail sales, and reporting.
– Retail merchandising: Product knowledge, shelf maintenance, promotion, and simple inventory counts.
– Social media marketing: Photography, client consent, captions, and basic content planning to attract new clients.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
– Creative, people-centred work where you see immediate results and client satisfaction.
– Multiple income streams: services, retail, add-ons, tips; potential to increase earnings with sales skills.
– Clear pathway to certification and recognized credentials (C of Q, Red Seal).
– Flexible career paths: employee, chair renter, mobile stylist, salon manager, educator, platform artist, or brand rep.
– Strong community and ongoing learning through manufacturer education and workshops.
Disadvantages
– Income can be variable, especially early on while you build a clientele.
– Physical demands: standing, repetitive motions, and possible exposure to chemicals.
– Evenings/weekends are often required; time off may be limited during peak seasons.
– You must comply with strict sanitation and health regulations and keep up with changes.
– If self-employed or renting a chair, you handle your own business expenses, taxes, and marketing.
Expert Opinion
If you enjoy conversations, trends, and making people feel their best, hairstyling in Ontario can be an excellent fit—especially if you’re comfortable with sales. Your technical skills bring clients in, but your consultation, product knowledge, and follow-up drive retention and income. The Ontario pathway is structured: register as an apprentice, complete in-school and on-the-job hours, then write your Certificate of Qualification. That credential matters—it’s required for the full scope of practice and signals professionalism to employers and clients.
To earn well, focus on:
– Building a signature: Whether it’s blonding, lived-in colour, curls/textures, or precision cuts, get known for something and showcase it online.
– Retail and rebooking: Recommending the right products and pre-booking the next visit protect client results and stabilize your schedule and income.
– Client retention systems: Use reminders, thank-you messages, and loyalty offers. Track your return-visit rate, retail per client, and average ticket.
– Health and safety: Keep high standards. It protects clients, earns trust, and keeps you compliant with Ontario’s rules.
– Continuous learning: Stay ahead with product updates, new techniques, and business skills like pricing, budgeting, and content creation.
FAQ
How do I legally work as a hairstylist in Ontario—do I really need certification?
– Yes. Hairstylist (332A) is a compulsory trade in Ontario. You must be a registered apprentice or hold a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) to perform the full scope of hairstyling services independently. Start here:
– Skilled Trades Ontario — Hairstylist 332A:
https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/hairstylist-332a/
– Apprenticeship Ontario (register, find resources):
https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario
Can I start hairstyling while I’m still in high school?
– Yes, through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). You can explore the trade and, in some cases, start apprenticeship hours while completing high school. Speak with your Guidance Counsellor and visit:
– OYAP:
https://www.oyap.com/
What if I already have years of experience from another province or country?
– You may qualify for a Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA) with Skilled Trades Ontario. If approved, you can write the C of Q exam without completing an Ontario apprenticeship. Details:
– Trade Equivalency Assessment:
Do tips and commissions affect my taxes in Ontario?
– Yes. Tips and gratuities are taxable income in Canada. Commissions are also taxable. Keep accurate records and discuss with your employer how tips are reported. For official guidance:
– Canada Revenue Agency — Tips and Gratuities:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/Payroll/tips-gratuities.html
– Ontario ESA (wages, including commission rules):
https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/wages
I want to be self-employed or rent a chair. What else should I know in Ontario?
– You may need to register a business name (if not using your personal legal name), track HST if you exceed the small supplier threshold, and carry liability Insurance. Also, follow Personal Service Settings rules and any local business licensing rules.
– Register a business name (Ontario):
https://www.ontario.ca/page/register-business-name
– CRA — Register for a GST/HST account:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/register-gst-hst-account.html
– Public Health Ontario — Personal Service Settings:
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/HealthTopics/PersonalServicesSettings
Key Ontario Links (quick access)
– Skilled Trades Ontario — main site:
– Apprenticeship Ontario — start or support your apprenticeship:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario
– Job Bank — labour market information:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca
– Public Health Ontario — safety in personal service settings:
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/HealthTopics/PersonalServicesSettings
Final tips for success in Ontario
– Keep your eye on both artistry and sales. Track your average ticket, pre-booking rate, and retail per client.
– Specialize and showcase your work online (with client consent). Social proof drives bookings in Ontario’s competitive markets.
– Maintain high standards in sanitation and safety to meet Ontario regulations and build trust.
– Treat your chair like a business: manage expenses, set goals, and reinvest in education.
– Build relationships beyond the chair—partner with photographers, wedding planners, and local businesses to grow your clientele.