How to Become a Barber in Australia: Kickstart Your Career at Demi

Ever thought about switching careers or starting a side hustle? Barbering could be your perfect fit. The timeless appeal of visiting the barber is now trendier and more inclusive than ever – and right now the industry is booming. The male barber shop market in Australia was valued at $476 million in 2021 and is expected to reach an incredible $534 million by 2026. #HoldMyDrink 

Barbering isn’t just about haircuts and grooming; it’s about boosting confidence and making people feel their best. If that sounds like your kind of gig, we’ve got everything you need to get started.

Today, we’ll walk you through the essentials of becoming a barber – what the job entails, the skills you’ll need, and the training pathways to get you there. We’ll explore the fantastic professional opportunities and earning potential waiting for you!

What does a barber do?

Barbering has been around since Ancient Egypt, although it looked quite different back then. Besides hair care, barbers also performed surgeries and religious ceremonies. Talk about multitasking!

Fast forward to today, and barbers are all about making you look sharp and feel great. They cut and style hair, perform facial grooming and boost confidence in their customers. The traditional male-centred barbershop has also evolved into a more inclusive and versatile space.

Curious about what a day in the life of a barber looks like? Here’s a sneak peek:

• Cutting or trimming your client’s hair. 
• Grooming their facial hair with shaving, trimming and styling. 
• Colouring and treating client’s hair. 
• Keeping your workstation and salon clean. 
• Chatting with clients as you work. 
• Taking payments and making bookings. 

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Once you’re proficient in the everyday duties of a barber, a world of professional opportunities opens up for you.
 

What are the career options for a barber?

Barbering is far from a one-dimensional career. With the right skills and a completed barbering training course, you can explore a variety of exciting settings and roles. Imagine working as a:

• Freelance barber: be your own boss and set your own schedule.
• Barbershop manager or owner: run your own shop and build a loyal clientele.
• Mobile barber: work from anywhere, like Demi student Lyon Barbers.
• Salon or spa barber: provide top-notch grooming services in a luxurious setting.
• Barbering instructor or trainer: share your expertise and train the next generation of barbers.
• Hotel or cruise ship barber: travel the world while you work.
• Nursing home or retirement village barber: offer essential services to residents.
• Government-employed barber: work in hospitals, prisons or other government facilities.

Sometimes, delving into the world of barbering might lead you to want to become a hairdresser instead. And for many, they enjoy a versatile career doing both. If colours, cuts, washing and blow drying sound more up your alley, there are other courses you can explore – like our Certificate III in Hairdressing.
 

Barbering course or apprenticeship: which is best for you?

Thankfully, there’s more than one option for how to become a barber in Australia. Whether you want to jump straight into a Certificate III or take the apprenticeship route, there’s a path for everyone.

Completing a barbering certificate course

Ready to fast-track your barbering career? Demi International’s Certificate III in Barbering is the quickest way to become a professional barber. Learn the foundations of the trade and gain hands-on experience, all under the expert guidance of our award-winning trainers. We’re proud recipients of Queensland’s Small Training Provider of the Year!

Here’s the best part: flexibility. You can earn your certificate in just 15 months of full-time study, with only one day per week on campus. The rest is self-supported study, so you can balance it around your life, work and family commitments. Imagine starting your own barbershop or working in a salon sooner than you thought possible!

Our barbering course is available at all six Demi Campuses. You’ll need to attend campus just one day a week, with seven hours of self-supported study per week over five terms. We make it easy to fit study into your busy life.
 

Doing a barbering apprenticeship

Prefer learning on the job? A barbering apprenticeship might be for you. This traditional route allows you to earn while you train. You’ll spend three full years honing your skills under the supervision of experienced barbers. It might suit you best if you have more time to get qualified and want to get paid as you go.

Not keen on waiting? Our fast-track hairdressing course could be more your speed.
 

How much do barbers make?

As a qualified barber, the world is your oyster. Depending on where and how you work, you expect to earn between $65,000 and $75,000, with even more earnings possible as your career evolves and opportunities arise. 

Still considering the barbering apprenticeship route? If you decide to train as an apprentice for three years first instead, your pay rate falls under the Hair and Beauty Award for apprentices. Currently, this starts at $13.58 an hour for juniors and $25.65 for adults. 

Barbering course funding options

Finding the right funding for your barbering studies can help you better understand your opportunities. While the SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering isn’t covered by the Cert 3 Guarantee, there are still several funding options available to help you out. 

Eligible high school students have the opportunity to complete this course as part of their VET training. This means you can get a head start on your barbering career while still in school!

To explore the specific funding options that might be available to you, take a look at our payment options online or chat with one of our friendly Course Advisors. They can guide you through the various possibilities and help you find the best financial support for your journey.

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What skills and values should a barber have?

Sure, nailing an exceptional haircut and perfecting facial grooming are key, but learning how to become a barber is so much more than technical skills. Here are some of the other basic barber skills you’ll need to set yourself up for success: 

• Creativity and passion: Love what you do and let your creativity flow. Barbering offers a unique canvas to unleash your artistic side – one of its biggest appeals!
• A love for community: As a barber, you’ll play an important role in your community and continue to build relationships over the years.
• Flexibility: Enjoy the perks of working hours that suit you best, but also stay adaptable. Things can change quickly in the barbering world.
• Customer service: Great communication skills are essential. Whether it’s chatting with clients or handling any issues, providing exceptional service is part of the job.
• Stamina: Be ready to be on your feet most of the day. It’s a physical job, but the rewards are worth it!

How else can you guarantee success as a barber?

Your barbering skills will grow as you gain more experience, and you can learn all these abilities. But beyond the right qualifications and values, you can do these things to give yourself the best start. 

• Find a mentor: Some barbers in training find it invaluable to have a mentor to guide them through the early stages of their careers. Whether this is someone at work or outside of it, having someone you look up to who offers advice can help.
• Develop a portfolio: Take photos of your work and market yourself. An online portfolio is the easiest way to share your talents with others and make connections in the barbering industry.
• Explore innovations in barbering: Social media is a great way to discover trends and innovations. Get active online and stay passionate about barbering by discovering what other people in the industry are up to.

Ready to take the first step?

Like any amazing career path, mastering barbering takes time, experience and a bit of guidance. And at Demi International, we’ve got you covered with a course that is fun and fits in around your life. Got questions? Our Course Advisors are here to help you jump-start your career. Get in touch today.