How Do I Talk to My Parents About Hair School?
If you’re passionate about hair and beauty but unsure how to explain your decision to your parents, this guide breaks down how to start the conversation, what career opportunities exist, and why hairstyling is a long-term skilled trade—not a fallback option.
Is hair school a real career path?
Yes. Hairstyling is a skilled trade career with multiple pathways for long-term growth.
It is also an industry where hands-on trades cannot be replaced by AI, because success depends on physical technique, creativity, client interaction, and real-time decision-making.
Hair school leads to careers in:
Salon hairstyling
Colour specialist roles
Editorial and fashion work
Film and television
Education and training
Salon ownership and entrepreneurship
Why choose hair school instead of university?
Traditional university is not the only path to a successful career.
Hair school is a strong option if you want:
A creative, hands-on career
Direct client interaction
Faster entry into the workforce
Flexible career growth opportunities
At Aveda Institute Winnipeg, students train in a real salon environment and graduate career-ready in as little as 10 months.
How fast can you become a hairstylist in Winnipeg?
At Aveda Institute Winnipeg, students complete:
1400 hours of hairstyling training (approximately 10 months)
After graduation:
Students enter a 2200-hour apprenticeship (2 years)
They complete the Red Seal certification exam through Apprenticeship Manitoba
Once certified, they become a Red Seal Hairstylist (recognized across Canada)
Students may begin accumulating apprenticeship hours while still in school, allowing them to gain experience earlier.
What do hairstylists earn in 2026?
Hairstyling offers strong earning potential based on experience, clientele, and specialization.
Average hourly wage: $40.50/hour
Annualized (40 hours/week): $84,247/year
Income can increase significantly with advanced skills, retail sales, tips, and specialization (colour, extensions, or education roles).
What will you learn in hair school?
At Aveda Institute Winnipeg, students receive both technical and business training, including:
Cutting and colouring techniques
Client communication and consultation
Salon business fundamentals
Retail and product knowledge
Social media and personal branding
Hands-on salon floor experience
Students also participate in industry exposure opportunities like salon visits, guest artists, and career fairs.
Why Aveda training matters
Aveda-trained graduates benefit from a global professional network.
With thousands of salons worldwide, the Aveda network supports:
Career opportunities
Industry recognition
Exposure to high-performing salon environments
Pathways in both local and international markets
How to talk to your parents about hair school
Here’s how to make the conversation easier:
Explain that hairstyling is a licensed skilled trade
Share earning potential and career paths
Highlight that training is hands-on and career-focused
Show that education is shorter and more direct than university
Emphasize long-term opportunities, not just entry-level work
Still have questions?
It’s normal for both students and parents to want clarity before making a decision.
A good next step is to book a campus tour (in-person or virtual) to:
Meet the admissions team
Learn about the program structure
Explore career outcomes
Ask questions directly
Hair school isn’t just a fun choice—it’s a structured career path with real earning potential, hands-on training, and long-term stability.
