Course information

Barbering is a hands-on and rewarding career, offering strong opportunities in a growing industry. With the majority of men visiting a barber or salon every month, there’s steady demand for skilled barbers who can deliver great results and customer service.

Introduction to barbering offers a starting point for those interested in learning the fundamentals of men's hairstyling and grooming. This course covers basic techniques, tools and industry knowledge, making it suitable for beginners with no prior experience.

Whether you're unemployed, returning to learning or simply exploring a new career path, this course offers a welcoming space to grow your skills and confidence with access to industry-standard facilities and expert lecturers.

When courses start

Date: Thursday 25 September 2025 to Thursday 20 November 2025
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Duration: 8 weeks (1 class per week)

What you will learn

You will gain an introduction to key barbering skills, including:

  • Basic haircutting techniques

    • Learning to use scissors and clippers for various cuts, including short back and sides, fades and layering.

  • Beard trimming and maintenance

    • Understanding how to trim, shape, and style beards and mustaches.

  • Client consultation and communication

    • Developing skills to understand client needs and provide suitable advice.

  • Practical experience

    • Hands on training on mannequins or live models to practice techniques.

    How you will be assessed

    There are no exams or assessments. You will need to have at least 80% attendance.

    Progression opportunities

    After completing this course, you may choose to continue developing your skills with a Level 2 qualification in barbering or explore entry-level opportunities in barbering environments.

    Entry requirements

    Before enroling you will need to complete a short English and Maths assessment to make sure this course is suitable for you.

    If you’d prefer to speak with someone, you can also book an assessment session by contacting our Learning Support team on 0208 496 2974.

    Get in Touch

    Whether you need to get in touch to join a course, let us know if you're unable to attend your course, raise a query, let us know your feedback or anything else, contact us using the options below. You can also talk to an adviser live by clicking on the green speech bubble in the bottom right of the screen.

    Email

    adult.learning@walthamforest.gov.uk

    Phone

    020 8496 2974

    Address

    Queens Road Learning Centre
    97 Queens Road
    Walthamstow
    London
    E17 8QR