Learn the techniques and skills required to start a career in barbering in a salon-like environment. Learn from highly trained industry professionals and train with real clients.
In the Barbering diploma program you will practice the latest techniques and explore products specific to this field. This in-demand barbering program is offered at our Saint John location in New Brunswick. The barbering courses focuses on haircuts, cutting and trimming of facial hair, hair colouring, colour assessments and corrections and sanitizing of workstations, tools, and equipment. Throughout the program, you will gain valuable experience working with real clients in our campus barbershop.
Career Opportunites
The Barbering program will qualify grads to pursue positions in Barbershops, Salons, Personal Care Industry and Self-employment.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
Class Act Barbershop
The Barber Of Sackville
Famous Barber Shop
Chubby’s Barbershop & Gentleman’s Supply
Procut’s
Sailor Bub’s
Ed’S Barbershop
Scallywags Barbershop
Salary
96%
Employment Rate*
$15
Average Wage/hr**
$23
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2021 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 6341 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Dec. 2022.
Program Details
Launch a career you love in under one year. Successful graduates of the Saint John barber school will be eligible to write the New Brunswick Registered Barber Association examination. Achieving a passing grade on this exam will allow graduates to practice as registered apprentice barbers.
St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid/Heartstart Training/WHMIS
This course introduces participants to basic first aid techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The course is designed to offer participants the confidence and knowledge to provide safe and correct medical assistance. Students will also complete an online course in WHMIS.
Onsite Barbershop
This module proceeds from Barbering Practical II and provides students' with the opportunity to advance their practical experience and demonstrative skills that they have garnered from Barbering Practical I and II. The module allows students to practice advanced haircutting, including; style cuts (short, medium and long), tapering and other techniques, clipper variation crew cut, flat top and cutting over curly hair. Students will apply the techniques and procedures involved in creating artistic designs when cutting mustaches and trimming beards. Students will demonstrate intricate razor shaving techniques suited for clients with different hair texture. The course offers students with first-hand knowledge of how an onsite barbershop looks and feels like. The onsite barbershop operates evenings and weekends and provides students with the opportunity to work with "real" clients. During this module, students are supervised at all times by a registered barber, and clients have the liberty to either walk in or make appointments in advance for hair cutting, styling and grooming. Students will be evaluated through a variety of practical components in addition to their participation throughout the course.
Barbershop Operations
Students explore the provincial regulations governing barbering and the rules around apprenticing and licensing. They also discuss current industry trends including the types of shops and salons. Self-employment, owning and operating a shop or salon and sales techniques are studied. How to conduct an effective job search complete with resume and portfolio is also covered.
Barbering Practical I
In this module students practice the techniques learned in Theory I
Barbering Practical II
In this module students practice the techniques learned in Theory II.
Barbering Practical III
This module allows students to continue to practice the skills acquired in Theory I and II and to practice knowledge obtained in Barbershop Operations.
Professional Skills for Barbering
The module is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for dealing effectively with both customers and colleagues. Using a variety of instructional methods including role plays, and group exercises with discussions, students learn and practice the interpersonal skills, and customer service, necessary for success in today’s business environment.
Barbering Theory I
This module begins with learning the techniques associated with shampoos, conditioners, and scalp and hair treatments, including hair tonics. Facial massage and facial treatments are also covered. The students then learn how to perform facial shaves and beard and mustache trims before moving into actual haircutting and styling. The module ends with developing skills associated with hair replacement systems.
Barbering Theory II
Theory II covers advanced barbering services. Students study the techniques for women’s haircutting. Hair coloring and lightening for all clients follow with details on the different products available, how to apply, how to make color assessments and corrections, how to create special effects and color mustaches and beards.
Bookkeeping Fundamentals
This module introduces fundamental bookkeeping principles and practices for small businesses. Students will study the accounting equation, account categories, the debit and credit system of bookkeeping, and correcting entries. Regular business transactions and adjusting journal entries are recorded, and the trial balance and basic financial statements are prepared.
Barbering Theory II
Theory II covers advanced barbering services. Students study the techniques for women’s haircutting. Hair coloring and lightening for all clients follow with details on the different products available, how to apply, how to make color assessments and corrections, how to create special effects and color mustaches and beards.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn about the "Hidden" Job Market and ways to access it in their upcoming job search, how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and references, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation - Part II.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
This module continues to build on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Part I. Students will learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work with today's technology. Students will create a personal list of "Top Employers" and target current industry opportunities, while finalizing their professional resume, portfolio and career correspondence. Students will learn to identify the different types and forms of interviews, practice responding to typical questions, and practice follow-up, evaluation and negotiation techniques they can use to ensure success. Self-management topics from Career Planning and Preparation - Part I will be reviewed, with a focus towards on-the-job success in both learner placements and post-graduate employment.
Barbering Practical with Assessment
The Barbering Practical with Assessment is an offsite field placement, where students practice the skillls they have honed in a professional environment.
Introduction to Barbering Science
Students begin this module by reviewing what constitutes good study habits along with the characteristics of a professional image. Goal setting and time management skills are also covered. After a discussion on the history of the barbering profession, students quickly move into studying microbiology with emphasis on bacteriology. The transmission and prevention of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS as well as that of parasites is covered. Infection control – decontamination, disinfection, sanitation and other safe work practices – is covered. Students will learn to identify and correctly use the primary tools of the profession. The structure, muscular details and important nerves of the head, face and neck are studied in addition to how body chemistry impacts the practice of barbering. Students identify and define common electrical terms, discuss and recognize electrical safety devices, discuss the use of electrical modalities and learn the effects of ultraviolet and infrared light. This module also includes the knowledge development of histology and disorders of the skin, hair structure, composition and growth and disorders of the scalp and hair. Students will receive
Student Success Strategies
In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note-and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting SMART goals and maintaining a positive attitude; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.
Admission Requirements
High school graduation or equivalent. For those without high school completion, please refer to the Program Overview at the top of this page or speak to your Education Consultant.
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!