Hair Shows in Canada

Hair shows in Canada are led by Toronto, with Vancouver adding a strong West Coast event early in the year. Between them they give stylists, barbers and salon owners a full season of education, competition and celebration.

The year opens in February with ESI Show Vancouver at Canada Place on the waterfront, a trade only event that brings hair together with skin, nails, make up and spa. In spring the ESI Show moves east to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and in July the Toronto Barber Expo, Hairfest Chapter IV, takes over the Great Canadian Casino Resort for four days of competitions, education and trade stands, with the public welcome. Each November the Contessa Awards, now in their 38th year, honour the country's leading hairstylists, colourists, barbers and salon teams at a glamorous evening in the convention centre. Together they make Toronto one of the busiest cities for hair events in North America.

Every hair show in Canada is listed below with dates, venues and who can attend, so you can plan your year with confidence.

Getting around

Toronto Pearson International Airport is linked to Union Station by the UP Express train, and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre is a short walk from Union Station, much of it under cover through the PATH network. The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is in the northwest of the city, close to Pearson, so a car or rideshare is the easiest way there. In Vancouver, the Canada Line runs from the airport to Waterfront station, a few steps from Canada Place.

Where to stay

For the convention centre, hotels in downtown Toronto and the Entertainment District are within walking distance. For Hairfest, the resort has its own hotel, which keeps long competition days simple. In Vancouver, Coal Harbour and the downtown core are a short walk from Canada Place.

Tips for Canadian hair shows

• ESI Show Vancouver is trade only, so bring your licence, student card or salon details.
• If you are entering a Hairfest competition, register early and check the categories.
• The Contessa Awards are a ticketed evening, so book your seat and plan your outfit well ahead.
• Vancouver in February is often wet, so pack a waterproof layer.