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.
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High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12. Some high schools have cosmetology classes with a real salon floor.
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Check your province
Before you enrol
In Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, barbering falls under the compulsory hairstylist trade. Alberta has a compulsory barber trade. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick license barbers through barbers' associations, and Prince Edward Island through its hairdresser licence. Elsewhere it is voluntary.
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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.
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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.
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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.