You want to get into the beauty business? Smart move. It is artistic, highly paid, and employment is never a problem for talented individuals. However, there are various options to choose from, and each results in an entirely different career experience.
Breaking down the big three: hairstyling, barbering and cosmetology. Knowing exactly what is involved in each will help determine the viable direction in your case.
What Each Path Actually Involves
Hairstyling is all about hair–cutting, colouring, and styling for special events. Hairstylists work with everyone, handling everything from basic trims to complex colour corrections. The work involves a lot of chemistry (hair dye isn’t just paint), artistic vision, and keeping up with whatever’s trending on social media.
Barbering has its roots in traditional men’s grooming, though plenty of modern barbers work with all kinds of clients now. Think precise haircuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves with straight razors. It’s a craft that blends old-school techniques with current styles. There’s something satisfying about the precision and the relationship you build with regular clients.
Cosmetology covers the most ground. Hair, skin, nails, makeup – cosmetologists learn it all. It’s the jack-of-all-trades approach to beauty services. Some people love the variety, others find it overwhelming to master so many different skills.
The Training Reality
Here’s where things get practical. The amount of training varies quite a bit between these options, and that affects both your time commitment and your wallet.
Barbering programs are typically the shortest. A majority of them need approximately 1,000 to 1,500 hours of training, and this might sound like a considerable amount, but this is relative when you compare it to full-fledged cosmetology programs that might need up to 2,000 hours or more. In Ontario, these hours stipulate the duration you will spend in school and how much you will pay. Some barbering programs pack everything into just a few intensive weeks. Others spread the training over several months. The accelerated approach works well if you need to start earning money quickly, but it’s intense.
Hairstyling course Mississauga fall somewhere in between, depending on how comprehensive they are. Some focus specifically on hair cutting and colouring without all the extras. Others include more general beauty training.
Cosmetology takes the longest because there’s simply more to learn. You’re not just mastering hair – you’re also learning skincare, nail techniques, makeup application, and the business side of multiple service areas.
Where You’ll Actually Work
These careers are tremendously different when it comes to the work environment, and that is a consideration you must keep in mind before you take the plunge into training.
Barbers tend to perform in stores with a specific atmosphere – either classic, contemporary or hip. A lot of barbershops are community-oriented to the point where normal patrons go there without the intention of getting a haircut, but to have a conversation. It is natural that after working in a barber shop long enough, the master barber may venture out on his own or become an independent contractor.
Hairstylists have more variety in their work settings: full-service salons, boutique studios, department stores, and even working freelance at weddings and photo shoots. The setting may vary between a bustling walk-in salon and a luxury studio with appointments made weeks ahead of time.
Cosmetologists are able to practice in virtually any beauty establishment: salons, spas, resorts, cruise ships, and department stores. The wide training leads to more opportunities, but it can also imply that once you have started to work, you have to decide what you want to specialize in.
The Money Matters
Let’s talk earnings because that’s probably on your mind. In the GTA, barbers and hairstylists starting out typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually. Experienced hairstyling professionals who’ve built up a client base can make $60,000 or more. Those who own their businesses or work in high-end establishments often do even better.
The real money in this industry comes from building relationships with clients who keep coming back and refer to their friends. It’s not just about technical barbering skill – it’s about service, personality, and consistency.
Cosmetologists can have a slight advantage in terms of earning potential; they are able to sell more services, but success epitomizes what you specialize in and where you work. A specialist, such as a cosmetologist, who specializes in the skin and operates in an exclusive spa may earn more than a jack of all trades.
What to Consider
Think about the kind of work environment that appeals to you. Do you like the idea of a traditional barbershop where you get to know your regulars? Or would you prefer a trendy salon where every day brings different clients and challenges?
Consider your learning style too. Some people thrive in intensive, focused programs. Others prefer longer programs that allow time to really absorb the material. There’s no right or wrong approach – just what works for you.
Also, think about your end goal. Do you eventually want to own your own business? Work in a high-end establishment? Focus on a specific technique or service? Different paths make some goals easier to achieve than others.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to move forward, the most important decision is choosing where to train. The school you pick will shape your entire career foundation.
MZ Academy in Mississauga has figured out how to make this work for different situations. Our hair academy Mississauga gets you job-ready in just 2-5 weeks if you need to start earning quickly. For those who want comprehensive hair training, our complete hairstyling program covers everything you need to know.
What sets us apart is the small class sizes – you actually get individual attention instead of being lost in a crowd. The hands-on approach means you’re practicing on real people, not just mannequins, so you graduate with actual experience.
All such programs are set to comply with the licensing requirements of Ontario, which is non-negotiable if you want to practice in the province legally. The hairstyling academy is about applied skills that can be directly transferred to money-making, as opposed to abstract knowledge that sounds appealing on paper.
Going the fast lane into barber school Mississauga or the all-encompassing route of hairstyling is up to you, but the most important thing is getting quality training that will allow you to be ready to face the reality in this field of work. The beauty business rewards skill, professionalism, and the ability to make clients feel good about themselves – everything else is just details.
