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How to become a hairstylist in BC

Hairstylist Red Seal Journeyperson ยท British Columbia

Cut, colour and style hair. You need a ten-month hair school program, apprenticeship hours and the Red Seal exam.

How long
About 2 years: 3,150 salon hours + 15 weeks of school
Cost
Not published
Who licenses it
SkilledTradesBC

THE ROUTE

The route at a glance

STEP 1

Hairstylist Certificate Program (VCC / JCI)

Complete hairstyling technical training program at VCC or JCI Institute

STEP 2

Salon Sponsorship & 3,150 Apprenticeship Workplace Hours

Work in a salon and log required hours in the SkilledTradesBC portal

STEP 3

Interprovincial Red Seal Hairstylist Examination

Score 70% or higher on the national Red Seal exam

JOB

Certified Red Seal Hairstylist (Senior Stylist / Salon Owner)

Practice professionally as a senior stylist, colorist, or salon business owner

This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.

See the full route, step by step โ†’

THE JOB

What the job is like

Pay and outlook from WorkBC.

Pay
$17.85 โ€“ $32.97 / hr$23 median
Job outlook
5,380 forecasted job openings (2025โ€“2035) ยท 2025โ€“2035
Where the work is
Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island / Coast, Thompson-Okanagan
What a day looks like

Work takes place in well-lit commercial hair salons, barbershops, and boutique private styling suites, as well as direct customer-facing environment with continuous conversation and consultations.

Watch out for

Be mindful of chemical exposure from peroxide, ammonia, bleach, and permanent wave solutions requiring gloves and ventilation and follow all required safety procedures.

Where it can lead

Specialize in balayage, corrective hair color, and premium bridal styling.

Run an independent hair styling business renting a private salon studio chair.

JOBS

Find jobs

Live postings on the big job boards, searched for this job in British Columbia.