Barber Technical Diploma

You have an eye for style and a heart for making people look and feel good. And, you’re ready to take your passion to the next level. This means knowing not only skills and techniques to transform skin and hair, but strategies for making people feel welcome and heard. Part craftsperson and part friend, a barber holds a special place in a person’s life and in the community.

Madison College’s one-year Barber Technical Diploma will help you hone skills in hair care and styling while setting you on a path to a career as a licensed barber.

This program is designed to get you licensed quickly. If you are looking to work and earn money in a barbershop while learning, the two-year Barber Apprenticeship program would be the route for you.

As a barber student you will learn a variety of skills under experienced, licensed professionals. Areas of focus include:

• Creating hair designs tailored to individuals through analysis of client needs, face shapes, head forms and hair textures
• Basic cutting techniques, including scissor and clipper control
• Tapered cuts and fades
• Styling, including blow-drying, styling products and finishing techniques
• Shaving, beard design and skin care, including facials, skin health, straight razor safety and sanitation
• Chemical services, including technique and safety for relaxing, coloring and perming

In addition to learning skills in barber services, you will develop additional professional skills. You will learn:

• Infection control practices, including keeping a clean work area and tools
• Active listening, consultation and other helpful communication skills
• Strategies to market products and services to grow your business
• Time management and organizational skills, essential for keeping appointments and running a business

After completing the Barber Technical Diploma program, you will be eligible to take the state test to become licensed as a practitioner.

Real-world, Hands-on Learning

Barber students work both on mannequins in the classroom and on volunteer models in Madison College’s salon setting. The Barber Technical Diploma also requires an externship. You will research area barber shops and choose one where you will spend 144 unpaid hours further developing and practicing your skills.

Program Details

Madison College's Barber students attend class full-time during the day, Monday through Friday.

Barber classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

You'll receive a barber kit that includes all equipment and supplies needed to complete this program as a part of a class fee.