Thinking about a career behind the chair? Barbering is a hands-on trade that blends craft, creativity, and steady demand. Here's what it actually takes to get started in Canada, from training to licensing to the tools you'll need on day one.
Why Become a Barber
Before getting into the how, it's worth talking about the why. Barbering is more than just cutting hair. You get to build relationships that turn guests into regulars, and regulars into friends, becoming part of people's lives through their wins, their losses, and everything in between. You're there for first dates, job interviews, engagements, weddings, promotions, new babies, funerals, and all the milestones in between. And in turn, those same people grow to be part of your life too, celebrating your wins right alongside you.
It's also a career that keeps you creative and always learning. Every guest and every cut is a chance to problem-solve, refine your craft, and make someone feel more confident the moment they leave your chair. And the opportunities don't stop at the chair. Barbering offers real career growth and financial opportunity, whether that means moving from apprentice to barber, into mentorship, management, or beyond. As one of our own educators put it: "Not only do you grow in your career, but your career grows with you."
So let's dive into the steps to become a barber in Canada.
Step 1: Get the Right Training
Most aspiring barbers start with a barbering or hairstyling program at a licensed vocational school or college. These programs typically cover:
- Haircutting, fading, and clipper work
- Straight razor shaves and beard grooming
- Sanitation and safety standards
- Scalp and skin conditions
- Basic business and client service skills
Program length varies, but many run seven months to a year for barbering-specific training, while combined hairstyling apprenticeship programs can take one to two years and include both in-class instruction and thousands of hours of on-the-job training. Look for a school registered with your province's apprenticeship or trades authority so your hours count toward certification.
Once you're behind the chair, the learning doesn't stop. Tommy Gun's provides hands-on training and a range of courses through our own training program, Tommy Gun's University (TGU), so you can keep building your skills and grow into a well-rounded barber long after your initial certification. Each year, we also host Barber's Edge, our annual event dedicated to further education, featuring Throwdown, our barber battle where competitors go head-to-head to showcase their skills and push their craft even further.
Step 2: Understand Licensing Requirements by Province
This is where things get province-specific, so check the rules where you plan to work:
- Ontario: Trade certification is compulsory for hairstylists (which includes barbering), regulated under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship framework. You'll need to complete an apprenticeship or approved program and pass a Certificate of Qualification exam before working independently.
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia: Certification is also compulsory, following a similar apprenticeship and exam path.
- British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador: Certification is voluntary, though many shops still prefer or require it, and New Brunswick requires licensing through the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick to use the title "hairstylist" or "hairdresser."
- Territories: Requirements vary and certification is generally voluntary.
Across the country, most paths lead to the interprovincial Red Seal endorsement, which lets certified barbers work in any province or territory without having to requalify. If you trained outside Canada, you'll need your credentials assessed through your province's foreign credential recognition process before you can get certified here.
Step 3: Complete an Apprenticeship
Even after classroom training, most provinces require a period of supervised, on-the-job apprenticeship, often in the thousands of hours, before you can challenge your certification exam. This is where you'll refine your speed, consistency, and client communication under the guidance of an experienced barber. Many barbershops, including Tommy Gun's, take on apprentices directly, so building relationships with local shops early can help you find a placement.
Step 4: Build Your Toolkit
Every barber needs a reliable set of tools to do the job well. A solid starting kit includes:
- Clippers and trimmers with multiple guard sizes
- Straight razor and replaceable blades
- Shears for cutting and texturizing
- Combs, brushes, and sectioning clips
- A cape, neck strips, and towels
- Clipper oil and disinfectant spray to keep tools clean between clients
Quality matters here. Tools that hold an edge and stay reliable through a full day of cuts will save you money and frustration over time, so it's worth investing in professional-grade gear from brands built for barbers. Tommy Gun's supports its barbers by providing industry-leading tools at incredible discounts, so our barbers and guests are set up for success from day one.
Step 5: Get Licensed and Start Working
Once you've completed your training hours and passed your provincial exam (where required), you'll receive your Certificate of Qualification or provincial license. From there, you're ready to start applying to shops or eventually build toward running your own chair or opening a shop of your own.
Start Your Journey at Tommy Gun's
Barbering is a trade you build over years, not months, but every seasoned barber started with the same first cut. If you're serious about the craft, take the first step and apply at Tommy Gun's. We provide the training and will help you grow your career.
