Growing Demand for Hair and Esthetics Services Driving Increased Need for Professional Development Courses

Demand for Hair and Esthetics services is expanding quickly in British Columbia. These services, usually provided by skilled practitioners employed by Personal Service Establishments (PSEs), include a diverse range of product offerings such as hairstyling, manicures, skin care, makeup, tattoos, piercings, electrolysis, tanning, and more.

2025 market figures reveal that the Hair and Esthetic industry in B.C. is projected to reach $902 million, following an average annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent since 2020. At present, the sector includes 7,358 businesses and 11,058 workers, with employment rising 6.6 per cent annually over the same period. This growth is consistent with a similar surge in demand for personal care services across the country, with the broader beauty and personal care market expected to generate more than $9 billion this year.

While the province does not require mandatory Red Seal certification for jobs in this sector, it does issue and monitor health and safety regulations that PSEs are required to follow. The industry itself is represented by the Cosmetology Association Western Canada, aka BeautyCouncil, which supports industry best practices through the development of professional certifications, codes of practice, industry guidelines, and ongoing education.

For those seeking to broaden their knowledge and learn new skills, the BC government's TradeUpBC program provides trades professionals and employers in all industry sectors with easy access to an exciting array of short courses and micro-credentials to help them keep up with rapidly changing workplace demands, advance their current careers, or prepare for a career change. These courses, with flexible learning options, have been developed in partnership with BC's post-secondary institutes and are curated into seven unique areas of demand: Changes in Technology, Climate Change, Leadership Skills, Business Skills, Inclusive Workplaces, Educators Training, and Healthy and Safe Workplaces.

Some of the courses currently available to Hair and Esthetics professionals on the TradeUpBC website include Workplace Health and Safety, Professional Practice in Conflict and Change Management, Marketing and Branding Your Business, Professional Sales Skills, and Customer Service Excellence – Micro-Credential.

To view the complete list of courses, visit the Hair and Esthetics courses page.