At School of Barbers, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter training or ticking boxes. We believe in building real barbers, with real experience, real confidence, and real results.
And that all starts with the people behind the clippers:
Our educators.
These aren’t just instructors. They’re multi-award winning barbers, shop owners, mentors, and leaders in the Australian barbering industry. When you train at School of Barbers, you’re not learning from someone who used to cut, you’re learning from those who are still in the trenches, every single day.
Here’s a closer look at the minds (and hands) shaping the next generation of elite barbers.
✂️ Damian Lai: 2025 Educator of the Year & Co-Founder
2025 Australian Modern Barber Awards, Educator of the Year
Founder of Empire Barbershop (Australia’s Best Barbershop, 2025)
With over a decade of experience behind the chair and in front of the classroom, Damian is one of Australia’s most respected names in the industry. Known for his precision fades, branding insight, and high-performance mindset, Damian brings energy, honesty, and mentorship to every student who walks through our doors.
He’s built a barbershop that’s served celebrities, athletes, and everyday legends, and he now pours that same passion into helping students fast-track their own careers.
“I don’t just want to teach people how to fade, I want to show them how to build a real life around barbering. Skill is just the start.”
💡 Real Barbers. Real Mentors. Real Results.
Our educators don’t just teach, they mentor. That means:
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1-on-1 attention in every class
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Hands-on help with real clients
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Honest feedback to push your skills
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Career guidance from people who’ve done it
We keep our class sizes small (maximum 10 students per intake), so you’re not lost in the crowd. Every cut you make gets looked at, refined, and improved with support from professionals who care about your success.
🧠 More Than Haircuts: You’ll Learn the Game
Our educators train you in:
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Fades, tapers, shear work, and beard sculpting
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Client management and shop etiquette
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Branding, content creation, and social media growth
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Business skills, pricing, and how to grow your client base
Traditional schools teach you how to cut.
We teach you how to win.
💬 What Students Say About Our Educators
“Damien pushed me hard, but in the best way. I went from nervous to confident in just a few weeks. He doesn't just teach you how to cut, he shows you how to move like a real barber.”
- Von, 2025 Graduate
“You can tell straight away you’re being trained by someone at the top of the game. Damien gave me feedback on every cut, helped me with content, and made sure I walked out ready for shop life.”
- Andrew, 2025 Graduate
🎓 Train With the Best to Become the Best
Your barbering career is only as strong as the foundation you build it on. At School of Barbers, that foundation is forged by educators who have built six-figure businesses, won national awards, and mentored hundreds of students into the industry.
When you learn from us, you’re not just another student, you’re the next generation of the industry.
👉 Apply now for our next intake and train under Australia’s best.
📍 Based in Melbourne. Trusted nationwide.