You can become a professional barber by following one out of four different courses/options. Here are the top four ways:
- A private course (can take you anywhere from 1-3 months)
These can be anywhere from 6-12 weeks. You should invest a significant sum of money, but you will end up with a lot of knowledge and your skill set level will be high. You can pay your courses in installment payments (usually) and you can expect to work with hair-dressers and professionals at your own pace.
- A barber/hairdressing school
Some schools in London will provide you with 150 models for real-life haircuts. This way, you will develop as a barber. The school itself works in smaller groups and it provides an amazing 1:1 training experience. You can expect to finish this school in 3-4 years.
- Apprenticeship (2 to 3 years)
An apprenticeship is for people who are 16-18 years old. You will need to find a barbershop that is willing to take an apprentice and they should train you once a week. You will spend your first 6 to 12 months washing towels, sweeping floors, shampooing hair, and doing smaller tasks. Although it is a slower-paced program, you do not have to pay for it.
- College
You can go to college and spend around 1-2 years while mastering your skills. Your college education will cost a lot less than private training, but it is quite time-consuming + there are not a lot of colleges to choose from.
CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free barbering courses and work placement