Hairstylists style, cut, curl and perm hair and apply other hair and scalp treatments.

Barbers cut and trim hair, and shave and style beards and moustaches. They may also wave or tint hair and provide other hair and scalp treatments.

In general, you must have some high school education.

To be a hairstylist, you usually need a two- to three-year apprenticeship, or a college or other hairstyling program combined with on-the-job training. Certification/licences vary across the country.

To be a barber, you usually need a two-year apprenticeship or other barber training program. On-the-job training may replace formal education. Certification/licences vary across the country.

Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available for qualified hairstylists/barbers.

Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate or community college.