New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Master the art of barbering for a career in an expanding sector. This practical programme teaches traditional and contemporary barbering techniques, professional ethics, health and safety, and client engagement skills, preparing graduates for autonomous work as commercial barbers.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Madras Street Campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 1 year


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Barbering Skills Mastery
Demonstrate competence in traditional and modern barbering techniques including cutting, fading, shaving, and grooming.

Professional Practice
Apply professional ethics, health and safety standards within a commercial barbering setting.

Client Engagement
Effectively manage front-of-house operations and utilize social media to build and retain clientele.
What You're Signing Up For
This one-year full-time certificate programme equips students with detailed knowledge and practical skills in barbering. It covers classic and modern barbering techniques including clipper work, fade styles, traditional wet shaves, scissor skills, and small hair detail, along with professional ethics, health and safety, front-of-house operations, and social media capability development. The course is taught by experts and includes experience in an on-site barber shop simulating real industry environment.
Course Content
- Traditional and contemporary barbering techniques
- Classic cuts and modern fade styles
- Clipper and scissor skills
- Traditional wet shaves
- Facial grooming techniques
- Professional ethics and standards
- Health and safety requirements
- Front-of-house operations
- Developing social media skills for client attraction
- Practical training in on-site barber shop environment
- Study of barbering industry fashions and style influences
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 including 10 literacy and 10 numeracy credits or recognised equivalent
Relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2 or above or recognised equivalent
English proficiency meeting IELTS overall 5.5 with minimum band scores as specified

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hairdressing
Beauty and Personal Care
Retail Services

Future employment opportunities might be
Commercial Barber
Barber Shop Operator
Hairdressing Assistant
Self-employed Barber


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details