Barbering

Program Overview

Barbering training at Modern College is delivered within the Hairstyling diploma program as Ontario does not recognize barbering as a standalone licensed trade. The accelerated program completed in under one year provides students with comprehensive barbering modules alongside complete hairstyling competencies, leading to full-spectrum hairstylist licensure that qualifies graduates equally for barbering or hairstylist positions. Students develop barbering expertise using clippers and scissors for men's cuts, fades, beard and moustache shaping, cleaning hairlines, and basic men's facial grooming, while gaining extensive real salon experience through Modern College's clinic floor open five days per week across Northern Ontario campuses.

Core Competencies

• Students develop specialized barbering techniques including using clippers and scissors for variety of men's cuts, executing low, medium, and high fades, beard and moustache shaping, cleaning hairlines, basic men's facial grooming, and contemporary barbering trends serving male clientele in barbershop and salon environments.
• Students acquire complete hairstyling competencies through hair cutting techniques for all genders, hair coloring and highlighting, styling methods, chemical treatments, scalp and hair care using professional products including Goldwell industry partnerships, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities beyond traditional barbering.
• Students cultivate professional service capabilities through extensive real client experience working with clients and models, professional communication, customer relationship building, salon and barbershop operations, creative expression development, and industry connections leading to Ontario hairstylist licensure qualifying graduates for both barbering and hairstylist careers.

Career Pathways

Entry-level roles: Graduates work as Barbers, Men's Grooming Specialists, Hairstylists, or begin careers in barbershops, salons, spas, and beauty establishments across Northern Ontario at campuses in North Bay, Sudbury, and Barrie.

Advancement opportunities: With experience, graduates may progress to senior barber positions, barbershop ownership, salon management, specialized men's grooming services, or diversified careers leveraging full hairstylist licensure across multiple beauty industry segments.

Industry demand: Ontario's beauty industry maintains strong demand for licensed professionals who can provide both traditional barbering services and complete hairstyling competencies, combining time-honored barbering traditions with cutting-edge techniques for diverse clientele across barbershops and salons.