Self-employed or employee in hairdressing: what's the difference?
Chair rental, freelance shifts or a permanent job: an overview of the differences to help you choose, and the questions to ask before committing.
In hairdressing, you can work as a salon employee, rent a chair or take freelance shifts. Each option has its advantages.
Employee
The salon sets the schedule, provides clients and equipment, and pays a salary or commission. The employer handles payroll deductions and you are covered by labour standards.
Self-employed
You manage your schedule, prices and clients. You invoice your services, pay your own expenses and file your taxes accordingly. Above a certain income, you must also register for GST and QST.
Who decides?
What matters is not the title written in the agreement but how the work actually happens: who controls the schedule, who provides the tools, who carries the financial risk. Revenu Québec and the CNESST publish guides on this topic. Ciseaux Montreal is an intermediary, not the employer: the salon and the pro determine the nature of their relationship.
Questions to ask
- Who provides products and tools?
- Who sets prices and the schedule?
- Who keeps the clients if I leave?
This article is for information only. For your situation, consult an accountant or the resources of Revenu Québec and the CNESST.