How to hire a Barber in Canada?

4. Job Interview

Following resume screening, we ask the most qualified barber candidates to participate in a face-to-face interview with our recruiters.

During this phase, we will conduct interviews to get to know the candidates better, assess their suitability for the role, and determine if they align with our barbershop’s values and culture.

The following include some of the questions we typically ask when hiring barbers:

General Questions:

• Can you tell us about your background and experience as a barber? What inspired you to pursue a career in barbering?
• How do you handle client consultations? How do you ensure you understand their preferences and provide personalized services?
• How do you prioritize customer service, and what steps do you take to ensure clients have a positive experience in the barbershop?
• How do you stay updated with the latest hairstyle and grooming trends? Do you attend workshops or seek continuous learning opportunities?
• Can you describe a situation where you encountered a challenging client request or a difficult hair type? How did you handle the situation?
• What steps do you take to maintain a clean and hygienic workspace and ensure proper sanitation of barbering tools?
• How do you manage your time effectively in a fast-paced barbershop environment to ensure clients receive timely services?
• How do you handle situations when a client is dissatisfied with a haircut or grooming service? How do you ensure their concerns are addressed professionally?
• Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your barbering techniques to accommodate a unique client request. How did you approach the situation?
• How do you handle stressful or busy periods in the barbershop? How do you remain calm and focused during high-demand situations?

Technical Questions:

• What different haircutting techniques are you proficient in? Can you describe how you approach each technique?
• How do you handle various hair types, such as straight, curly, or textured hair? Do you have specific approaches for each hair type?
• Can you explain the steps involved in providing a clean and precise fade haircut?
• How do you approach beard grooming and shaping? Do you have any specific tips for maintaining a well-groomed beard?
• What products do you recommend for different hair types and styles? How do you educate clients about haircare and grooming products?
• Can you describe the steps involved in providing a traditional wet shave? How do you ensure a comfortable and safe shave for clients?
• How do you create a personalized haircut or style that complements a client’s facial features and head shape?
• Have you worked with any specific hair colour techniques, such as highlights or lowlights? If yes, can you describe your experience with these techniques?
• How do you handle hairline and neckline detailing to achieve a polished and professional finish?
• Can you showcase any unique or challenging haircuts or styles you have created in the past? What made them stand out?

5. Checking References

After the interviewing stage, we contact the references the barber candidates have provided. This helps us thoroughly understand their work history, skills, and overall professionalism.

Our reference check procedure typically follows the following steps:

• Reference request: As part of our barber hiring process, we request that barber candidates provide a list of professional references who can speak to their barbering skills and experience. We prioritize references who have closely collaborated with them in a barbershop or grooming environment.
• Contacting references: We will proactively contact the provided references via phone or email. During these conversations, we will seek candid feedback on the candidate’s barbering expertise, work ethic, and suitability for the barber position.
• Tailored questions: Our reference check questions are tailored to the barber profession. We will focus on inquiries about their proficiency in various haircutting techniques, beard grooming, hair styling, and their ability to work with diverse hair textures and styles.
• Verification and growth areas: Our team will diligently verify the barber candidates’ work history to ensure accuracy. Additionally, we will inquire about their strengths as a barber and explore areas where they may have professional growth and development opportunities.
• Detailed documentation: Throughout the reference check process, our team will take detailed notes to ensure comprehensive documentation of the feedback provided by the references. These notes will help us assess the candidates’ barbering abilities.
• Reporting results: The gathered information from the reference check will be compiled into a report. This report will provide an insightful overview of the candidate’s references and their assessments, assisting us in making well-informed and thoughtful hiring decisions.

6. Assessing the Barber Candidates

After checking references, we evaluate the barber applicants’ skills in real-world scenarios. To gauge their barbering proficiency, we administer the following assessments:

• Haircutting and styling demonstration: Candidates are asked to perform live haircutting and styling demonstrations on mannequins or models. This allows us to observe their technique, precision, and creativity in creating various hairstyles.
• Beard grooming and shaping: We assess the candidates’ ability to groom and shape beards effectively. This includes detailing and sculpting beard styles based on client preferences.
• Fade and blending test: Barbering candidates are also evaluated on their blending and fading techniques, as these are essential skills for achieving seamless and well-executed haircuts.
• Texture and hair type handling: We provide candidates with different hair textures and types to work with, assessing their versatility in managing diverse hair needs.
• Hair colouring (if applicable): For barbering candidates with expertise in hair colouring, we assess their ability to apply colour techniques and achieve desired results while considering clients’ preferences.
• Client interaction and consultation: We observe how barbers interact with clients during the assessments. Their ability to conduct effective consultations and understand clients’ expectations is critical in delivering satisfactory services.
• Time management: We also give specific timeframes to barber candidates to complete each assessment, evaluating their efficiency and time management skills in a busy salon or barbershop setting.
• Sanitation and hygiene practices: Throughout the assessments, we monitor candidates’ adherence to proper sanitation and hygiene practices, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for clients.
• Adaptability and problem-solving: We may introduce unexpected challenges during the assessments to assess candidates’ adaptability and problem-solving abilities while maintaining composure and professionalism.

7. Training the Barbers

Following the evaluation process, we offer tailored hands-on training to barber candidates who might need more familiarity with your business’s specific requirements. This training enables them to improve their comprehension of the specific techniques and processes unique to your barbershop.

Our trainers at Hookjobs train the barber candidates focusing on the following techniques:

• Trends and industry updates: Our trainers keep the barber candidates up-to-date with the latest hairstyle trends and industry advancements, encouraging a dynamic and contemporary approach to barbering.
• Precision haircutting: Our trainers emphasize precision haircutting techniques, ensuring candidates can deliver clean and accurate haircuts that meet clients’ preferences and expectations.
• Client consultations: We accentuate the significance of effective client consultations, teaching barbering candidates how to understand clients’ desires, suggest suitable styles, and build trust with their clientele.
• Hygiene and sanitation: Our training emphasizes the utmost importance of hygiene and sanitation practices in the barbershop, ensuring candidates prioritize client safety and well-being.
• Time management and workflow: Our trainers guide candidates on efficient time management and workflow organization to seamlessly handle a busy barbershop environment.
• Customer service and communication: We highlight the importance of excellent customer service and effective communication, enabling candidates to build lasting relationships with their clients.
• Barbershop etiquette: Our training also includes guidance on professional barbershop etiquette, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for clients.

8. Drawing up a Contract

The final step in our hiring process is drawing up a contract with the selected barber candidates. We include specific measures to ensure legally sound agreements in Canada.

Here are some points we consider when drawing up a contract with the prospective barbers:

• Employment status: We clearly state the barber’s employment status (e.g., employee or independent contractor) and the terms of their engagement.
• Service offerings: We outline the specific barbering services the candidate is expected to provide, including haircutting, beard grooming, styling, and any other relevant grooming services.
• Compensation structure: We clearly define the details of the compensation structure, whether commission-based, hourly, or a combination of both.
• Working hours and schedule: We specify the regular working hours and days the barber is expected to be available for appointments and services.
• Client ownership and non-solicitation: We include clauses regarding client ownership, ensuring clients who visit your barbershop remain with the business if the barber leaves. Non-solicitation clauses may also prevent the barber from taking clients away if they move to a different establishment.
• Equipment and supplies: If your barbershop provides tools, equipment, and supplies, we address their use, maintenance responsibilities, and any potential liability for damages.
• Professional conduct: We outline expectations for professional behaviour, personal hygiene, and adherence to your barbershop’s policies and standards.
• Continuing education: We address opportunities for continuing education and professional development to enhance the barber’s skills and knowledge.
• Confidentiality and privacy: We include clauses related to the confidentiality of client information and protecting client privacy to uphold the trust of your barbershop’s clientele.
• Termination clause: We outline the conditions and notice periods for both parties to terminate the employment arrangement.
• Insurance and liability: We may specify the barber’s liability insurance requirements to protect both the barber and the barbershop in case of unforeseen incidents.
• Health and safety: We may include provisions related to health and safety practices within the barbershop, ensuring a safe environment for both your barbers and clients.
• Uniform and dress code: We specify your barbershop’s dress code, including any required uniforms or attire during working hours.
• State and local licensing compliance: We ensure the barber complies with all necessary state and local licensing and regulatory requirements for practicing as a professional barber.
• Signatures and effective date: The contract concludes with the signatures of both parties, signifying your agreement to the terms, and includes the effective date of the employment arrangement.

Labour Laws and Regulations for Hiring a Barber in Canada

As a barber in Canada, there are specific labour laws and regulations that you must adhere to when hiring new barbers. These laws ensure fair and equitable employment practices and protect your and your barbers’ rights.

Here are some relevant labor laws and regulations to consider:

• Employment Standards Legislation: Each province in Canada has its own employment standards legislation that outlines minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, working hours, vacation entitlements, and other essential employment conditions. As an employer, you must comply with the specific standards set forth in your province.
• Minimum wage: You must pay your barbers at least the minimum wage specified by the provincial or territorial government. The minimum wage may vary depending on the region and can be subject to periodic adjustments.
• Working Hours and Overtime: Ensure that your barbers are aware of their scheduled working hours, and any overtime work should be compensated according to the applicable overtime rates and regulations.
• Employment contracts: It is advisable to have written employment contracts with your barbers outlining the terms of employment, job responsibilities, compensation, and any other relevant details. This helps establish clear expectations and protects both parties in case of disputes.
• Occupational health and safety: Comply with your province’s occupational health and safety regulations to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for your barbers. Train them on proper handling tools, safety procedures, and risk mitigation.
• Workplace harassment and discrimination: Ensure your barbers are treated respectfully and with dignity. Implement policies that prohibit harassment and discrimination in the workplace, and provide a clear mechanism for reporting any issues.
• Payroll deductions and remittances: As an employer, you are responsible for deducting and remitting the appropriate income taxes, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from your barbers’ wages.
• Vacation and leaves of absence: Familiarize yourself with the rules regarding vacation entitlement, sick leave, family leave, and other leaves of absence, as defined by the employment standards legislation in your province.
• Privacy laws: Protect the personal information of your barbers and clients as per the applicable privacy laws. Safeguard their personal data and use it only for legitimate business purposes.
• Work permits (if applicable): If you are hiring barbers from outside Canada, ensure that they have the necessary work permits and authorization to work in the country.

What is the Average Wage for Hiring a Barber in Canada?

the average wage for hiring a barber in Canada can vary based on factors such as the province or territory, the barber’s experience, the type of establishment (e.g., high-end salon or local barbershop), and the specific services offered.

The average barber salary in Canada is $37,005 per year or $18.98 per hour, with novice barbers earning $31,200 annually and more experienced ones making up to $52,635 per year.

The average wage for barber hiring in Canada can vary from province to province. The following table shows the average wages in different provinces in Canada:

Different Types of Barbers we Hire in Canada

We hire various types of barbers with different specializations and roles in Canada.

Here are some common types of barbers we may consider hiring based on your specific requirements: