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Skills that raise your pay

• Colour specialist

  Colour is the highest-margin service. Brand certifications run a few days each.

• Barbering

  Fades and beards. Men's salons have grown fast.

• Extensions and keratin treatments

  High-ticket services, $300 and up.

• Editorial, film and TV work

  Union hair and makeup for productions in Toronto and Vancouver pays well but is hard to break into.

• Educator for a product brand

  Travel and a salary.