Completing a barbering course or qualification is the best way to kickstart a career as a barber. A good barbering course will teach you to master scissor and clipper cutting, moustache and beard shaving, as well as more contemporary techniques in men's coloring.
The recent revival of barbering means there are great opportunities for qualified barbers and with fees-free studies available to a lot of New Zealanders, you may even find you can complete a free barbering course. In terms of career prospects, graduate barbers can find full-time work in a barbershop, or even look to open a small business of their own.
Barbering qualifications usually sit at Level 4 and could take up to one year to complete. On a day-to-day basis you will be
Consulting with clients on their hair and style needs
Washing client's hair
Shaving or trimming beards with razors and clippers
Cutting hair with scissors and clippers
If you are self-employed, promotingyour services online and through social media
At apprentice level you will start on a training wage, with pay increasing as your skills grow
An experienced barber with a good base of regular clients can earn up to $65,000 per year
If you are running your own barbershop business your income will depend on how successful you are at promotion and gaining new clients
“The course taught me what to expect when I’d finished my studies and moved into a real salon or barber shop."
"Cut Above has given me the knowledge and skill to perfect my style/art of barbering, with a lot of good support and good people around me. It’s the place to be. No doubt."
“I just love it too much, and the connection I made with our class was just really good and I could see that some of our boys needed a bit of a push.”