Barber courses will give you the essential skills to become a first class barber. Or will they?

There are many things to consider when searching for a good barber course and it is difficult if you are a novice to know which is best for you.

First of all you must ask yourself what you want to do once you have learned the skills to become a barber. In other words, do you want to work in a barbers shop or are you considering being self employed and have your own barber shop. You may even want to travel and use your skills to work on cruise ships or in employment in another country.

One of the first things to consider in today’s’ market is whether you want a certificate or qualification. This is not always needed with barbering as not all employers ask for one. However, a good barbers course will provide training which is well structured and where you are taught all the relevant skills with a Diploma or a National Vocational Certificate at the end of the course.

There are different types of barber courses; those where you are learning the skills in a college or school and vocational courses where you will be taught within a working barbershop environment. Your chances of gaining employment are much better if you are taught in the latter. Why? Because you will have the experience. And this is paramount when you come to get a job.

The vocational courses will also provide what is termed the ‘x’ factor – the real life situation and not a sterile classroom environment. Here you will train with real live models and in doing so will be well prepared for employment. You will see how a busy salon operates and be part of the happy and fun environment whilst you are learning.

You need to be taught the basic but important skills that a good barber needs. An example here are techniques such as scissors over comb, beard and mustache trimming, consultation skills and above all if you can learn the skills of wet shaving you will be way ahead of your competitors. Not all barbers have the skills of using a cut throat razor and if you have this skill under your belt you will be a most desirable employee.

Another factor to consider is the size of the barber courses. If they are too big your chances of learning all the skills competently are far less than if you are in a small group.

You need personal guidance throughout the course and continual assessment to ensure you are achieving your goals. Smaller groups can provide this with no problems.

The history of barbers can be traced back as long as history itself. Razors have been found as far back as the Bronze Age. The Romans too were very proud of their barbers and held them in high esteem.

In 1308, the worlds oldest barber organisation, still known in London as the “Worshipful Company of Barbers” (in the City of London) was founded.

If you are considering becoming a barber, you will be joining one of the oldest and one of the proudest professions in the world. Your skills will always be needed and above all in today’s climate you will never be without work.