Trade Programs: Hairstylist

This trade is compulsory. To legally work in this trade in Manitoba, you must either be a registered apprentice, a certified journeyperson with a valid authorization to practise in the trade.

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Hairstylist do?

If you enjoy meeting and talking with people and like to work creatively with your hands, a career as a hairstylist allows you unlimited opportunities. Hairstyling is an art and is often associated with the world of fashion. As a hairstylist you achieve a sense of personal satisfaction as you redefine and enhance a customer’s appearance.

As a hairstylist, you use a range of specialty equipment and products to treat the hair and scalp and related skin conditions. Part of your instruction also includes developing a working knowledge of workplace health and safety as well as personal and public hygiene.As an apprentice or certified hairstylist, you can provide the following services:

• hair and scalp analysis and suggested treatments
• men’s, women’s and children's shampooing, hair cutting and hair styling
• heat and chemical preparations for hair including colour, permanents, straightening, bleaching and conditioning
• beautification treatment on the face, neck and scalp
• servicing of wigs and hairpieces
• trimming and shaping of beards and moustaches
• other services related to makeup application, eyebrows or eyelash treatments and manicuring on natural nails only

What personal skills are required?

Good customer relations are essential. You should also have:

• physical stamina required to stand, sometimes for long periods without breaks
• a well-groomed, professional appearance
• an interest in keeping up-to-date on new styles, supplies and technology

What is a hairstylist apprenticeship?

To become a registered apprentice, you must first be enrolled in, or have successfully completed, training at an accredited institution.

The next step is to find an employer who will agree to provide practical skills development and enter into an apprenticeship agreement with you. The agreement should be completed and submitted as soon as possible. After the Apprenticeship Branch registers the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement, the apprentice must complete the required number of technical training hours (if they are still enrolled in an accredited training institution) and practical experience hours and pass any required examinations.

In the trade of hairstylist, apprenticeship training consists of two levels. Level one consists of a period of at least 12 months, during which the apprentice must complete 1500 hours of in-school technical training and practical experience. Level 2 consist of a period of at least 12 months, during which the apprentice must complete 1500 hours of practical experience only.

Your apprenticeship workplace training is 1500 hours per year, for two years.

If you are presently working as a hairstylist, you may be able to receive credit for previous work experience and training. You should negotiate this with your employer and apprenticeship counsellor when your apprenticeship agreement is prepared. Apprentices whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

What are the entrance requirements?

You should have Grade 12 high school or equivalent academic standing. A complete high school education gives you a variety of career options, should you decide later to change occupations. You can also enter the trade in high school as a Senior Years apprentice. You must be at least 16 years of age.

If your strongest language is not English, you may want to have your English language skills tested before you take on the expense and challenge of training in this field. A Canadian Language Benchmark of 6 or higher is recommended for success when studying for and writing the compulsory Red Seal Examination that is needed to practice as a certified hairstylist. For more information on Canadian Language benchmarks assessments, contact the Adult Language Training Branch.

Do I get a certificate?

After the first year and 1500 hours of apprenticeship, you complete a practical examination administered by the Apprenticeship Branch. After passing this examination with a minimum 70 per cent grade, you complete the second year and 1500 hours of your apprenticeship. You then write a final theory exam. Your grade mark must be at least 70 per cent to receive an interprovincial "Red Seal" certificate.

If you have a Manitoba "Red Seal" certificate and can verify work experience during the previous two years, you must obtain an Authorization to Practise. Unless you are registered as an apprentice, this certificate must be renewed every two years and is required, under legislation, to work in this trade.

What salary can I expect?

Hairstylists are paid:

• hourly wages
• straight salary
• weekly/salary plus commission

The employer must pay at least minimum wage plus 10 per cent in the first level of an apprenticeship; in the second level, minimum wage plus 20 per cent.

For current percentages and wages, download the training wage schedule

What are my career prospects?

Hairstylists work full time, part-time or have flexible hours. Some manage a salon or eventually own and operate their own businesses. Others demonstrate new techniques at hair shows, train in-house staff or competition judges.