Home Learners Unlock your career Next steps in Barbering

The Next Step in Your Barbering Career

If you’re wondering how you can become more skilled as a barber, earn more money and raise your profile, we have some tips here to help you take your barbering career to the next level.

Whether you’re looking for extra qualifications to add more treatments or services to your repertoire, higher-level study to enhance your prospects, or business skills to set up on your own, we have a range of options to suit you. We also answer some of the frequently asked questions about progressing in the barbering industry and throw in some career advice to help you make the most of your career journey.

“Seeing how well my friend was doing after training him, I always felt really proud when he did a great haircut. That is what inspired me to share the knowledge that I’d acquired with others. I felt that the legacy of being a great trainer would last longer than just being a great barber.” 

Adam, Barber and Educator

“I want to build up my own client base and my vision for the future is to have a barber shop of my own.” 

Joel, Junior Barber and Mentor

“At 58 years old, I was worried the door may be closed, but I was accepted and have loved every minute.” 

Leslie, Former School Teacher and Qualified Hairdresser

Join over 100,000 students already learning with us

What is the highest qualification in Barbering?

Currently, the highest Barbering qualification we offer is the VTCT Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Barbering

Whilst the purpose of this qualification is to prepare you for employment, you might also choose to develop your knowledge and skills further by completing a specialist qualification at Level 4 in areas such as:

  • creative male grooming
  • salon management
  • specialist hair and scalp services
  • advanced hair colour correction

You might also choose to move into

VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects and Hair and Media Make-Up

VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Techniques and Management Practice in Hairdressing

Search our Barbering Qualifications Find a place to study

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I grow my Barbering business?

    One of the main benefits of a career as a Barber has to be the ability to be flexible, and work from multiple locations. It’s a perfect career choice if you want to be your own boss and run a business. Whether that’s a salon, a mobile barbering service or a training school, VTCT qualifications can help you get set for success.

    Qualifications such as the VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Salon Management allow you to move up to become a salon manager.

    If what you really want is your own business then planning, finance, marketing and building business relationships are all covered in our VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Set up a New Business

    Teaching others can be rewarding too, and the VTCT Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training qualification will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to teach, and develop a range of personal qualities and attributes required for teaching, assessing and supporting learners.

    Close
  • What are the advancement opportunities for a Barber?

    Keep your CPD up to date to make sure you’re always learning the latest hair and shaving trends.

    You can earn more for your business by selling products alongside your core services.

    Networking at events and trade shows can be invaluable in building industry contacts and staying in the know.

    As you progress to a senior barber or senior men’s hairdresser/stylist, you could have the opportunity to work in a variety of different settings, including:

    • Television, film, theatre and media
    • Cruise ships
    • Mobile/home-based settings
    • Armed services
    • HM prison service
    • Hospitals/care homes
    Close
  • How do I set up my own Barbering business?

    The first thing to consider when starting your own business is creating a Business Plan. This will be your overall plan for how you will set up and run your business, including where it will be run, how it will be financed and your business goals.

    From there, you will need to consider other factors including staffing, marketing, insurance, product range to mention just a few.

    The NHBF have created a useful guide to help you get started, which you can find here.

    Close