Thinking about becoming a barber? You're not alone, the industry is booming, the lifestyle is appealing, and the demand has never been higher. But with so much information (and misinformation) floating around, it’s easy to get confused by outdated advice, misconceptions, and flat-out myths.
At School of Barbers, we meet aspiring barbers every day who hesitate to take the leap because of things they’ve heard, not things they’ve verified.
So let’s cut through the noise. Here are 5 common myths about becoming a barber, and what’s actually true.
💈 Myth #1: “You Need a Government Certificate or TAFE Degree to Become a Barber”
The Truth:
You don’t need a government-issued Certificate or to go through TAFE to become a working barber in Australia, and definitely not to start building skills.
What you do need is real, hands-on training from educators who actually work in the industry. At School of Barbers, our program is designed to fast-track you from beginner to shop-ready without the outdated modules or long waitlists. Our students cut real clients, use real tools, and graduate with real confidence.
💸 Myth #2: “Barbering Doesn’t Pay Well”
The Truth:
Barbering can be extremely lucrative, especially when you build up your skill, speed, and personal brand.
We’ve seen barbers pull in $1,500 to $2,500+ per week depending on their clientele, hustle, and strategy. Some of our students even start earning back their tuition before graduation by offering services while they train. Whether you're freelancing, renting a chair, or running your own studio, barbering is one of the rare trades where you control your income.
🧑🏫 Myth #3: “You Can Learn Everything from YouTube”
The Truth:
Sure, you can learn techniques online, but technique alone doesn’t make a great barber.
Without proper feedback, mentorship, and live models to practice on, you’re just guessing. YouTube can’t correct your posture, improve your blend, or teach you how to handle a walk-in client with a complex request. If you’re serious about becoming a professional, structured training in a real environment is non-negotiable.
🕒 Myth #4: “It Takes Years to Learn”
The Truth:
Not if you learn the right way.
Our students go from no experience to shop-ready in just 6 weeks, cutting real clients under guided supervision. Of course, mastery takes time, but you don’t need years to start working. You need intensity, focus, and the right support system. That’s exactly what our academy is built to deliver.
🚫 Myth #5: “Barbering is Just Cutting Hair”
The Truth:
Barbering is a craft, a lifestyle, and in today’s world, a brand.
Barbers build loyal communities, run content-driven social media pages, and sometimes even create product lines or open shops of their own. You’re not just cutting hair, you’re building trust, style, and confidence. The best barbers are also entrepreneurs, creators, and local influencers.
Ready to Cut Through the Myths?
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a barber but something’s been holding you back, now you know better. The industry is growing, the path is clear, and the opportunity is massive.
🔥 School of Barbers is where Australia’s next generation of elite barbers are made, fast, focused, and hands-on.
👉 Spots for our next intake are limited. Apply Now or Book a Call to speak with an educator.