Guide

You’ve decided to learn barbering. Now all you need to do is figure out what course is best for you and what academy or school to choose. So here is our guide to help you make the right choice.

Common myths that just aren’t true!

1. You need NVQ Level 3. You don’t. In fact it’s pointless and just a way for barber schools to get more money from students. The components in Level 3 are not a realistic reflection on what barbershops want from quality barbers. Don’t waste your money! Stick with Level 2 as that’s a useful qualification to have.

2. You can be a barber without using scissors. So wrong! Clippers are vital to barbers but so are scissors. Current trends are fades, fades, fades but you still need scissor skills for the top box, texturising and soft blends.

3. Barbering is a job people end up in if you’re not smart. This one really upsets barbers. A good barber is a skilled artisan, a business person and a great communicator. Be proud to be a multi talented creative person.

4. Barbers can’t cut long hair. Ok this one may have some truth to it. A less skilled barber may avoid long hair but we train our students to cover all lengths of hair. Fashions change so you need to be good at everything.

5. A barbers first job is just sweeping up hair from the floor and nothing else. Wrong! A well trained barber will get a job cutting hair. Like a real barber. Because you are a real barber. But you still tidy up and clean up after yourself. Because you’re a professional barber.
   

Short answer is NO. All you need to get a barber job is skill and personality. Paperwork isn’t the main criteria barbershops look for, but more and more are heading that way. Barbering is one of those jobs where the proof is in the result, not the certificate.

Long courses, (8 10 or 12 weeks) are aimed at teaching you everything in detail. Best suited for those who are either new to barbering, want to start from scratch or want to be fully prepared for work. The only difference between our 8 and 10/12 week course is the NVQ certificate. 8 weeks is ideal for those who want to avoid exams and paperwork. You still learn everything and you can always pop back at a later date to complete your NVQ if you wish.

Short courses are for those with some skills already, hairdressers and make up artists wanting to learn barber skills or those needing a quick brush up course.

Call us if you need advice on choosing the right course.

NVQ IS A NATIONAL VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION for the U.K. It was established to create a standard of education across the board, but frustratingly that doesn’t always seem to be the case. NVQ is a piece of paper that shows someone has learnt barbering but it doesn’t show how good that person is or how well they have been trained. Level 2 is the most common certification given for barbering and it does differ from a hairdressing qualification. It is dedicated to teaching purely barbering skills.

NVQ level 2 courses will get you trained up to work in, or open your own barbershop. A good academy or school will prepare you correctly for all the day to day skills, techniques and advice you’ll need.

NVQ level 3 is a certificate that has more emphasis on traditional hairdressing elements than barbering. Featuring aspects such as styling for photography sessions and advertised as offering more advanced skills. However, we do not believe this is of value to students for a few reasons and therefore we don’t offer this course.

Let us explain why:

Barbershops don’t usually feature fashion shows/catwalks.

There are no ‘new’ skills being taught. You get the same techniques as the level 2 or any main course.

It doesn’t help students get jobs. Level 3 is rarely asked for.

Many level 3 students regret wasting their time and money on this level. They often say they were pressured into level 3 believing it was important and crucial to their future career.

The cost!
You’ll need level 2 before you can take the level 3. This will add a few thousand pounds extra which we strongly believe is a money making machine for the schools but of no benefit to the student. Some schools offer it as a combined course with level 2. We know of one of these school have even been banned at one point for cheating exams, so please be careful. Schools realised they can make more profit by offering more certificates. Even if those certificates are not useful or of value for life in a barbershop. Is it a rip off? For 99% of people it is. A good school teaches you correctly and teaches you high skills as part of all their main courses.

Nobody likes to waste money, so best avoid.

Find a school that suits you. You’re going to spend a good amount of money and spend a long time there so it’s important to feel relaxed and supported throughout your course and beyond.

Sounds obvious, but it’s worth mentioning.

Search on social media, search hashtags and google for info on the schools. Don’t take the schools word for it. See what people think of the various places and ask questions.

Remember that being a barber takes dedication and good communication skills. Ask your tutors questions, soak up everything and try new things each day. Push yourself and never stop learning.

Oh and enjoy your course because it’s the start of your new barber life!