Essential Skills
Hairstylists
Introduction
Hairstylists cut and style hair and perform related services. They are employed in hairstyling or hairdressing salons, barbershops, vocational schools, healthcare establishments and theatre, film and television establishments.
A. Reading Text
1
to 3
4
Hairstylists
- read instructions, precautions and other short comments on labels, product inserts, customers' history cards and forms such as supplier invoices. For example, they read product inserts to learn that latex gloves are required when handling peroxides. They read instructions on labels for maintaining, sanitizing and disinfecting equipment. (1)
,
(daily)
- read descriptions of new products in catalogues and brochures. For example, hairstylists may read brochures describing how the use of ceramic hair dryers will improve the appearance of hair and the advantages of using ultraviolet sanitizing equipment. (2)
,
(monthly)
- may read short memos, notices and bulletins to learn of upcoming events and changes to workplace practices. For example, hairstylists working in large salons may read notices outlining changes to prices, hours of work and housekeeping procedures. (2)
- may read manuals to learn about policies and procedures. For example, hairstylists working in retail chains read policy manuals that describe dress codes, hours of work, workplace safety and hygiene. (3)
- read articles in trade magazines such as Canadian Hairdresser and Salon Magazine to stay informed about industry trends and developments. For example, self-employed hairstylists may read articles describing various pricing strategies or offering tips for achieving salon style by carrying out simple renovations and using monogrammed robes, smocks and styling capes. (3)
,
(monthly)
- may read regulations, chair rental contracts and agreements outlining salaries and commissions. For example, hairstylists renting chairs from salon owners read contracts with clauses outlining fees charged to hairstylists to cover costs such as the use of furniture, utilities, capes, towels and shampoos. Self-employed hairstylists working out of private residences may read city bylaws to determine licensing requirements and allowable business practices. (4)
Reading Summary
The symbol √ is explained in the Use of Symbols section.
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Type of Text
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Purpose for Reading
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To scan for specific information/To locate information
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To skim for overall meaning, to get the 'gist'
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To read the full text to understand or to learn
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To read the full text to critique or to evaluate
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Forms
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Labels
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Notes, Letters, Memos
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Manuals, Specifications, Regulations
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Reports, Books, Journals
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B. Document Use
1
to 3
2
Hairstylists
- scan labels on product packaging to learn about ingredients, storage techniques and safety hazards. They skim signs to determine prices, promotional specials and the location of supplies such as capes, towels, disinfectants and cleaners. (1)
, (daily)
- complete a variety of forms. They record appointments in daily schedules. They enter operating data such as numbers of clients served in monthly business summary forms. They use inventory count forms to monitor inventories of supplies such as appointment books, safety glasses, shampoos, first aid kits, cutting capes and perm picks. (1)
- follow procedures described in line art diagrams and photograph sequences to learn how to achieve particular hairstyles. For example they may scan a series of line art diagrams to learn how to reproduce hairstyles by dividing and cutting sections of hair at different lengths and angles. (2)
- review specifications on colour charts and tables to locate product names, identification numbers, processing times and mixing ratios for peroxides and colouring agents. (3)
, (daily)
Examples
- may sketch hairstyles and the facial features of customers to help them visualize how various hairstyles would suit their bone structure and looks.
Document Use Summary
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Read signs, labels or lists.
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Complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information or entering words, phrases, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks varies depending on what was reported.
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Read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases, addresses, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks varies depending on what was reported.
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Read tables, schedules or other table-like text (e.g., read work shift schedules).
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Enter information on tables, schedules or other table-like text.
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Obtain specific information from graphs or charts.
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Recognize common angles such as 15, 30, 45 and 90 degrees.
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Draw, sketch or form common shapes such as circles, triangles, spheres, rectangles, squares, etc.
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Obtain information from sketches, pictures or icons (e.g., computer toolbars).
C. Writing
1
2
Hairstylists
- write short reminder notes and comments on customer history cards. For example, hairstylists may write notes to remind helpers about the proper storage of cleaners or to record events such as problems with hair colouring dyes on customer history cards. (1)
, (daily)
- may write letters to suppliers and manufacturers expressing opinions about specific products and services. (2)
Writing Summary
The symbol √ is explained in the Use of Symbols section.
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Length
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Purpose for Writing
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To organize/to remember
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To keep a record/to document
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To inform/to request information
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To persuade/to justify a request
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To present an analysis or comparison
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To present an evaluation or critique
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To entertain
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Text requiring less than one paragraph of new text
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Text rarely requiring more than one paragraph
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Longer text
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D. Numeracy
Hairstylists
- may make payments for supplies such as shampoos and conditioners using purchase orders, cash and credit cards.
(Money Math),
(1)
- may prepare bills and collect cash, debit and credit card payments for hairstyling and related services. They charge set rates for the services performed and add applicable taxes such as the goods and services tax.
(Money Math),
(2)
, (daily)
- may schedule appointments of varying lengths to accommodate customers and minimize slack time. They choose dates, times and intervals between appointments to ensuring sufficient amounts of time are available to complete scheduled services and minimize down time.
(Scheduling, Budgeting & Accounting Math),
(1)
, (daily)
- may reconcile cash floats and prepare financial summaries. They separate, count and record cash and credit receipts. They calculate totals for deposit slips and closeout books.
(Scheduling, Budgeting & Accounting Math),
(2)
, (daily)
- measure amounts of fluids such as colouring solutions, peroxides and disinfectants using graduated beakers and tubes.
(Measurement and Calculation Math),
(1)
, (daily)
- compare measurements of time, temperature and fluid volume to specifications outlined in product information sheets and colour charts so that they can control the outcomes of hair colouring treatments.
(Data Analysis Math),
(1)
, (daily)
- estimate lengths of hair being cut. They eyeball lengths and use their fingers, combs and clipper guards as approximate guides.
(Numerical Estimation),
(1)
, (daily)
- estimate the amount of time it will take to complete appointments. They consider the services being delivered, the condition of hair, times specified on product information sheets and the amount of time previously needed for similar tasks.
(Numerical Estimation),
(2)
, (daily)
Math Skills Summary
a. Mathematical Foundations Used
Whole Numbers
Read and write, count, round off, add or subtract, multiply or divide whole numbers.
For example, calculating inventory quantities and counting customers.
Rational Numbers - Fractions
Read and write, add or subtract fractions, multiply or divide by a fraction, multiply or divide fractions.
For example, measuring hair lengths using fractions of an inch.
Rational Numbers - Decimals
Read and write, round off, add or subtract decimals, multiply or divide by a decimal, multiply or divide decimals.
For example, calculating amounts for invoices, commissions and applicable taxes; measuring quantities using litres and millilitres.
Rational Numbers - Percent
Read and write percents, calculate the percent one number is of another, calculate a percent of a number.
For example, reading percentages on product labels and inserts; writing percentages on invoices; calculating sales taxes; using mark-up percentages to determining retail prices.
Use of Rate, Ratio and Proportion
Use a ratio showing comparison between two quantities with the same units.
Use a proportion showing comparison between two ratios or rates in order to solve problems.
For example, using ratios such as 1:2 and 2:3 to mix water with colouring agents; using proportions to determine the additional amount of peroxide needed for long hair.
Measurement Conversions
Perform measurement conversions.
For example, converting fluid measures of colouring agents from ounces to millilitres.
Geometry
Use geometry.
For example, cutting hair at specified angles to create hairstyles.
Recognizing common angles.
Drawing, sketching and forming common forms and figures.
Statistics and Probability
Use descriptive statistics (e.g. collecting, classifying, analyzing and interpreting data).
For example, using information collected on business summary forms to determine sales trends.
Using tables, schedules or other table-like text.
b. How Calculations are Performed
c. Measurement Instruments Used
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Time. For example, using timers, clocks and watches.
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Distance or dimension. For example, using measuring combs, rulers and clipper guards.
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Liquid volume. For example, using calibrated beakers, tubes and measuring cups.
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Temperature. For example, using thermometers.
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Use the SI (metric) measurement system.
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Using the imperial measurement system.
E. Oral Communication
1
to 3
3
Hairstylists
- may greet customers in person, listen to voice mail messages and respond to questions over the telephone. They use the telephone to provide customers with pricing details, hours of operation and availability of appointments. (1)
, (daily)
- talk with customers about a wide variety of topics including lifestyle, hair style preferences, application techniques, new products and fashion trends. For example, they discuss the hair style choices best suited to customers' facial features and life style preferences and promote advertised specials. They provide customers with information about the safe use tools such as irons and blow dryers and exchange incidental information such as the names and ages of children to establish relationships. (2)
, (daily)
- exchange information with helpers, co-workers, suppliers and supervisors. For example, they may instruct apprentices how to wash hair properly, mix colouring agents, peroxides, disinfectants and how to use equipment such as hair straightening tools and blow dryers. They may speak with other hairstylists during in-house training sessions to learn how to achieve desired hair colours and styles. They may speak with supervisors about shift schedules, hours of works, product sales and changes to policies and procedures. (2)
, (daily)
- talk with distressed and unsatisfied customers to provide reassurances and resolve conflicts. For example, They may reassure and calm distressed customers with badly damaged hair by explaining how specially formulated conditioners will restore sheen and lustre. They may negotiate agreements and resolve misunderstanding with customers who are unsatisfied with their hairstyles. (3)
, (daily)
Modes of Communication Used
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In person.
For example, speaking with customers about hairstyle and colour preferences.
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Using a telephone.
For example, telephoning suppliers to inquire about product delivery dates.
Environmental Factors Affecting Communication
Significant environmental factors affecting oral communication were not reported by job incumbents.
Oral Communication Summary
The symbol √ is explained in the Use of Symbols section.
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Type
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Purpose for Oral Communication (Part I)
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To greet
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To take messages
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To provide/receive information, explanation, direction
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To seek, obtain information
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To co-ordinate work with that of others
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To reassure, comfort
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Listening (little or no interaction)
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Speaking (little or no interaction)
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Interact with co-workers
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Interact with those you supervise or direct
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Interact with supervisor/manager
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Interact with peers and colleagues from other organization
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Interact with customers/clients/ public
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Interact with suppliers, servicers
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Participate in group discussion
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Present information to a small group
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Present information to a large group
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The symbol √ is explained in the Use of Symbols section.
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Type
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Purpose for Oral Communication (Part II)
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To discuss (exchange information, opinions)
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To persuade
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To facilitate, animate
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To instruct, instill understanding, knowledge
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To negotiate, resolve conflict
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To entertain
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Listening (little or no interaction)
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Speaking (little or no interaction)
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Interact with co-workers
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Interact with those you supervise or direct
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Interact with supervisor/manager
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Interact with peers and colleagues from other organization
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Interact with customers/clients/ public
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Interact with suppliers, servicers
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Participate in group discussion
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Present information to a small group
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Present information to a large group
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F. Thinking Skills
1. Problem Solving
1
to 2
2
Hairstylists
- fall behind schedules because of delays created by late and double-booked customers. They apologize to customers inconvenienced by delays and request help from co-workers to get back on schedule. (1)
- may find that customers are unable to pay for their hair cuts because they have forgotten their money. They allow customers to drop off payments later, pay at the next appointment or leave items of value behind until payments are received. (2)
- discover that customers have contagious skin and hair conditions. They speak with customers to determine the seriousness of their conditions and may ask them to leave to avoid infecting others. They then sanitize and disinfect equipment and tools that may have been contaminated. (2)
- discover that customers are dissatisfied with the services they have received. They talk to customers to determine the source of the dissatisfaction. They may re-cut, re-colour and restyle hair as requested. (2)
- find that chemical treatments result in unexpected hair colours. After consoling the customers, they use peroxides to remove the unwanted colour and then apply colouring agents and special conditioners to obtain the desired colours and minimize hair damage. They offer the customer price discounts or free products and note the incidents in customers' history cards. (2)
2. Decision Making
1
to 2
2
to 3
Hairstylists
- select tools and products to create specific hairstyles. They select from a variety of tools such as electric clippers, rollers and styling irons and from products such as colouring agents, peroxides, shampoos and conditioners to create various hairstyles. (1)
, (daily)
- choose methods to repair and colour chemically damaged hair. They consider customers' hairstyles, colour preferences and hair conditions when choosing products that would be most restorative. (2)
, (weekly)
- may set fees for services such as colouring, perms, cuts and styling. They consider the fees charged by competing hairstylists and factors such as the locations of their salons, the sizes of their existing customer bases and numbers of walk-in clients they get. (3)
, (daily)
3. Critical Thinking
1
to 2
2
Hairstylists
- judge the performance of hair care products such as colouring agents, shampoos and conditioners by considering the effects these products have on customers' hair. (1)
, (weekly)
- evaluate the condition of hair and scalps to determine treatment and hairstyle options. They evaluate the health and condition of hair by observing features such as the hair porosity, elasticity, density and texture. They assess the condition of scalps by noting cuts, abrasions and signs of psoriasis and head lice. (2)
, (daily)
- judge the suitability of customer hairstyle choices. They consider bone structures, facial shapes, hair growth patterns, ear and nose sizes, skin tones and eye colours. (2)
, (daily)
- may assess the competence and attitudes of helpers and apprentices. They observe the workers' technical skills, efficiency and attitudes when interacting with co-workers and customers. (2)
4. Job Task Planning and Organizing
2
Own job planning and organizing
- Hairstylists organize their daily activities to accommodate scheduled and walk-in customers. Hairstylists working in larger salons and retail chains do not normally schedule their own appointments. They accept customers without appointments as time permits. Self-employed stylists organize their own appointments. Hairstylists occasionally experience scheduling disruptions when customers arrive late or when they are double-booked, but generally they are able to get back on schedule within short periods of time. Their tasks are generally repetitive in nature.
5. Significant Use of Memory
- remember colouring agent product codes, application times and ingredients.
- remember customers' names, their colour and style preferences and incidental information such as their hobbies and the names and ages of their children.
6. Finding Information
2
2
Hairstylists
- locate specifications such as application times, colour codes, grey coverage and ingredients by scanning product labels, packaging and information posted at manufacturers' web sites and by talking with suppliers and other hairstylists. (2)
- find information about fashion and fashion trends by observing hairstyles worn by models, musicians and actors and by talking with suppliers and other hairstylists. (2)
- locate information about customers, such as their hairstyle and colour preferences and the names and ages of children by asking them questions and reviewing customer history cards. (2)
G. Working with Others
1
Hairstylists work independently to carry out their tasks. In larger salons, there may work with receptionists and helpers who provide support within established work routines.
Participation in Supervisory or Leadership Activities
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Participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement.
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Have opportunities to make suggestions on improving work processes.
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Monitor the work performance of others.
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Inform other workers or demonstrate to them how tasks are performed.
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Select contractors and suppliers.
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Assign routine tasks to other workers.
H. Computer Use
Hairstylists
- may use databases. For example, they may use salon management software to input customer and product data, to query inventory quantities, upcoming appointments and customers' names, phone numbers and hairstyle preferences. (2)
, (weekly)
- may use bookkeeping, billing and accounting software. For example, self-employed hairstylists may use salon management software to input and track sales and commissions and to produce and print reports such as payment method summaries, product sales summaries and income and expenses statements. (2)
- use communications software. For example, they use programs such as Outlook to send or receive e-mail confirming customers' appointments. (2)
, (daily)
- use the Internet. For example, they use Internet browsers to locate information on new products by accessing websites operated by suppliers and product manufacturers. (2)
Computer Use Summary
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Use financial software.
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Use communications software.
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I. Continuous Learning
2
Continuous learning is very important to hairstylists because they need to be familiar with changing hairstyles and new products such as shampoos, conditioners and colouring agents. They learn about style trends by reading articles and analyzing photographs in trade, general interest and fashion magazines and noting the hairstyles worn by style leaders such as celebrities. They also learn by talking with co-workers and colleagues and by participating in training offered by major product suppliers. Hairstylists working in larger salons and shops may receive regularly-scheduled in-house training.
How Learning Occurs
Learning may be acquired:
The symbol √ is explained in the Use of Symbols section.
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As part of regular work activity.
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Through training offered in the workplace.
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Through reading or other forms of self-study
- at work.
- on worker's own time.
- using materials available through work.
- using materials obtained on worker's own initiative.
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Through off-site training
- during working hours at no cost to the worker.
- partially subsidized.
- with costs paid by the worker.
In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our interviews with job incumbents also asked about the following topics.
Physical Aspects
Hairstylists and barbers require good hand-eye and upper limb coordination. They need fine motor skills to hold and cut strands of hair to desired lengths and angles using scissors, clippers, combs and brushes. They are required to meet the physically challenging task of standing for long periods of time with arms raised at shoulder level. They are frequently required to walk short distances to greet and escort customers in and out of salons. They lift loads such as boxes of shampoos and conditioners that generally weigh less than ten kilograms.
Attitudes
Hairstylists need to be friendly and personable so that customers feel at ease. They must be detail-oriented and have the patience required to work for long periods of time on intricate hairstyles.
Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills
In the future, hairstylists will need enhanced continuous learning skills to keep pace with quickly changing fashion trends and stronger reading text and document use skills to effectively use new hair treatment products. Enhanced computer skills will be required of those hairstylists that use new salon management software.
K. Notes
This profile is based on interviews with job incumbents across Canada and validated through consultation with industry experts across the country.
For information on research, definitions, and scaling processes of Essential Skills Profiles, please consult the Readers' Guide to Essential Skills Profiles.