Education · 1 of 4
The path
Job Bank says a 7-month to 1-year apprenticeship or barber program is the usual route. The rules depend on your province.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12. Some high schools have cosmetology classes with a real salon floor.
- 2
Check your province
Before you enrol
In Ontario, barbering falls under the compulsory hairstylist trade, so you must register as an apprentice. Nova Scotia licenses through its Cosmetology Association. New Brunswick has a Registered Barbers' Association. Other provinces are voluntary.
- 3
Barber school or apprenticeship
7 months to 2 years
A private academy takes a few months full time. An apprenticeship means working under a licensed barber or stylist while doing school blocks.
- 4
Exam, where required
After your hours
Ontario's hairstylist Certificate of Qualification. Hairstylist is a Red Seal trade in 12 provinces and territories, and its scope includes barbering techniques.
- 5
Build a book
1 to 3 years
Regulars are everything. Instagram, word of mouth and consistent fades. Expect 1 to 3 years to fill your chair.