Scope

Hairstylists possess the knowledge and ability needed to shampoo, cut, style and chemically treat hair. They may also provide other services such as scalp treatments and hairpiece services. In some jurisdictions, hairstylists also provide basic facial, make-up, hair removal, manicure and pedicure services.

While hairstylist services are the core of this occupation, it also includes employability skills, workplace maintenance, cleaning duties and the ability to build client loyalty. Hairstylists may recommend styles that suit clients based on their physical features and trends. Critical thinking, questioning and listening skills are important to serve their clientele. Depending on the workplace, recommending and selling hair and skin products may be done by the hairstylist.

Hairstylists may work in hair salons, barber shops, schools, hair replacement clinics, health care establishments, hotels, spas, and in the cruise, fashion and entertainment industries. Some salons specialize in services to either men or women and others are unisex salons. In salons, 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 irons. They own most of their tools and must keep them sanitized, disinfected and maintained.

Some hairstylists specialize in areas such as cutting, hair extensions and chemical services. In addition, diversity across Canada requires specialization in ethnic specific services.

Hairstylists work in clean environments, though the chemicals that they use may irritate their skin and produce strong odours and fumes. 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 feet pain.

Key attributes for people entering this trade are: coordination and manual dexterity, stamina, communication skills, 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. They must also understand and implement personal and public hygiene procedures to maintain workplace health and safety.

This analysis recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of estheticians.

With experience, hairstylists may move into other positions such as salon managers, owners, fashion consultants, educators, platform artists and product sales representatives.

Continuous learning and upgrading on styles, techniques and products are important to this trade.

Observations

In many areas of the country, there is an increase in demand for qualified hairstylists.

Business management skills continue to be important for hairstylists. Regionally, chair rental within hairstyling salons has increased.

Increasingly, computers are used to track appointments, advertise products and services, store client information and perform financial functions.

There is a continuing amalgamation of the barber and hairdresser/cosmetologist occupations into the hairstylist trade.

The esthetician occupation continues to mature, resulting in a decrease in the practice of esthetics within the hairstylist trade. Some jurisdictions offer separate certification and training for esthetic specializations such as nail technician, skin care technician and esthetician. Many salons are delivering expanded services such as spa treatments, tanning and massage therapy.

Safety

Safe working procedures and conditions, accident prevention and the preservation of health are of primary importance to industry in Canada. These responsibilities are shared and require the joint efforts of government, employers and employees. It is imperative that all parties are aware of circumstances and conditions that may lead to injury or harm. Safe learning experiences and environments can be created by controlling the variables and behaviours that may contribute to accidents or injury.

It is generally recognized that a safety-conscious attitude and work practices contribute to a healthy, safe and accident-free working environment.

It is imperative to apply and be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) Regulations. As well, it is essential to determine workplace hazards and take measures to protect oneself, co-workers, the public and the environment.

As safety education is an integral part of training in all jurisdictions, personal safety practices are not recorded in this document. However, the technical safety aspect relating to each task and sub-task are included throughout this analysis.

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