Barbering, today, has evolved into a profitable business. However, more than a profession, it is an art, a way of life, and a fulfilling means of earning a living. It is suitable for those who have imagination and aspire to grow. But, one question that often emerges is: How long does it take to become a professional barber?
The quick response? It depends. However, when it comes to entering the grooming industry, especially by attending a barber school in Mississauga (like MZ Academy), the experience can be described in full. We will guide you through each step in this blog to provide a clear picture of what you can expect on your journey to becoming an experienced, confident, and easily hired professional barber.
What Does It Mean to Be a Professional Barber?
Before delving into the timelines, it is essential to clarify the concept of a professional barber.
There is more to being a professional barber than being a haircutter. You are supposed to acquire various competences such as:
- Traditional and modern hairstyles
- Shaves with straight razors and beard grooming
- Scalp and hair treatment
- Customer service
- Sanitation and hygiene
- Basics of business and marketing (particularly, in case you want to open your barbershop)
All these barbering skills require time, training, and professional coaching, and this is why you need to enroll in a high-quality barber school in Mississauga.
It All Starts Here: Joining the Barber School
The typical way for every professional barber to start is by attending a certified barber school. It is where they learn theoretical and practical skills. As a top barber school in Mississauga, MZ Academy specializes in men’s grooming and barbering.
Here’s what we offer to bright, aspiring candidates:
At MZ Academy, we offer students a variety of programs which they can choose based on their experience and goals.
Barbers Fundamentals (2 Weeks)
The ultimate beginners’ course, this is an intensive course on the basics that all barbers must know: clipper skills, hygiene, dealing with customers, and simple grooming services.
Intermediate Barbering (4 Weeks)
This course expands on the basics and dives more into cuts, blending, fading and shaping. Perfect for those who have a bit of experience or training.
Advanced Barbering (5 Weeks)
At an intensive level, this course delves into precision cutting, creative styling, beard shaping, and client retention techniques, preparing the students to work in a demanding barbering world.
Hair Styling (43 Weeks)
A comprehensive hairstyling diploma course on men’s and women’s haircut, theory of colour, chemical application, updo, salon management and client services. It is ideal for individuals seeking to venture into the field of full-service hairstyling.
Based on which course you pick, it may take you two to five weeks or up to 43 weeks until you become a fully-trained professional.
The Requirement of a License and a Certificate
If you are planning to start your own business in Ontario or searching for a job in the area, you do not need a formal barber’s license. However, being recognized as a professional barber with a certificate issued by a renowned institution, such as MZ Academy — a barber school in Mississauga — works as a catalyst in finding better job opportunities and building a loyal client base.
For example, James, who recently completed his training at MZ Academy, found that having a certification not only helped him land a job at a top barbershop but also allowed him to build a strong, loyal clientele faster. Most employers and clients demand the services of a barber who has undergone structured training, completed practice hours, and holds a certificate to demonstrate their competency. This is why selecting the right school is so crucial; it seems to be directly dependent on how well you will perform in the future.
The Essence of Practising: How Long is Enough?
The occupation of barbering is more about showing one’s practical skills. To master it, daily practice is needed. Beyond formal education, you are required to focus on improving your speed, accuracy, and interactive skills.
Most barbers agree that you need 6 to 12 months of work experience, either as an apprentice, as a barber in a barbershop, or on your own, to feel truly comfortable in being behind the chair. In the course of this time, you will hone your:
- Time scheduling for each client
- Consultation skills
- Focus on the details
- Confidence in dealing with different hair types and textures
Having said that, you don’t have to be a perfectionist to start working. Many barbers start taking on clients while still perfecting their trade, particularly when they have been trained at a prestigious barber school in Mississauga, which is trusted by many.
The Importance of Staying on Trend
Like any other industry, barbering also continues to evolve. New trends, tools, and techniques highly impact it. Completing a professional course or working as a barber does not mean your learning has come to an end. It is a lifelong process that requires regular attention and care. This can be done by:
- Attending online workshops or tutorials
- Enrolling in advanced offline courses
- Attending trade expos or styling shows
- Following social media trends and influencer education
Becoming a Barber in 6 Months? Is It Possible?
Yes, but this may vary from person to person, depending on the course they chose.
For example, you may start with the “Barbers Fundamentals” at MZ Academy barber school, which will help you in learning the basics in two weeks. If you already have some experience, you could be working and also complete the “Intermediate Barbering” course in four weeks. Barbers looking to upgrade their skills can join the “Advanced Barbering” course of five weeks.
All in all, yes, it is possible to become a barber within six months, provided you work on improving your skills regularly. If you are seeking a career in barbering, you need to carry on what you have learned and be open to a learning mindset to succeed.
Choosing MZ Academy for Your Successful Barbering Career
At MZ Academy, we nurture our commitment to providing practical as well as industry-related training. What makes us a top choice as a barber school in Mississauga is:
Experience of Instructors
Our classes are conducted by experienced instructors, and we arrange special classes mentored by industry experts who own and run successful barbershop chains.
Hands-on Learning Opportunities
We provide the opportunity for every student to work with real clients in a real barbershop. This not only helps students improve their skills but also builds their confidence.
Job-Ready Curriculum
The courses we provide are not only developed to teach students the skills and techniques of a barber but also to work on their communication skills that will help them build and retain a loyal customer base.
Modern Techniques
In hairstyling, there is always scope for change, be it by following the latest trends. This is why we teach new techniques that are on trend and make every cut an Instagram-worthy snap.
What’s more? Learning at MZ Academy does not stop with the end of our courses. We have strong connections with local barbershops, because of which our students can grab the opportunity to immediately start earning or even start their own business.
The Timeline to Becoming a Professional Barber
Every aspirant must go through these stages before they establish themselves as a professional barber. This includes:
| Stage | Timeline | Details |
| Getting into a Barber School | 6-12 weeks | Chosen as per the skill level of the applicant |
| Gathering Experience | 6-12 months | Confidence-building and practical experience |
| Learning New Skills | Ongoing | Attending workshops and seminars to learn advanced barbering techniques |
| Building a Career | 1-2 years or more | Building a brand, a loyal clientele, and establishing a business |
Final Words
Have you got a definitive answer yet? To become a barber, more than time, it requires one’s dedication, proper training and a learning mindset. It is possible to start earning within a few months, but you must not put an end to your growth once a professional course is completed. Tame your hunger for knowledge, search for what new you could learn and how it can be applied to your work.
Your first step to starting your barbering career is to find and enroll in a professional course offered by a renowned barber school. Having been recognized as one of the top barber schools in Mississauga, you can go through in detail about our hairstyling courses, and check which of the four courses match your skill requirements. For more information, please contact our consultants today.
