How To Become A Professional Barber in 2026

Last updated: May 13, 2026

So you love the look of a fresh fade and a crisp beard, and maybe you’ve even tried cutting a friend’s hair - now what? If you find yourself wondering how to turn this interest into a fulfilling career, there’s a few simple steps you can take to make that dream a reality.

In School (10 Months/1400 Hours)

You’ll complete our 10-month Hairstyling Diploma program where you’ll learn barbering, haircutting, styling, colour, textured hair and more!

Barbering is a specialty within Hairstyling - and in order to do hair professionally in Manitoba, you need to start with your Hairstyling Diploma.

Provincial Exam

Before you can officially get your diploma, you have to take the technical provincial exam. Don’t stress though! We’ve coached hundreds of students through the process, and we help you prepare to ensure you have all the skills you need to ace it.

Apprenticeship (2 Years/2200 Hours)

Your 2200 hours are completed in 2 years - this is where you build real barbering experience, refine your skills, increase speed, and gain confidence behind the chair. The most important part of this step is finding a barbershop that aligns with your goals and values. Having the right mentorship and support system makes all the difference when starting out—and we’re here to help guide you in the right direction! Plus, you can actually begin your apprenticeship and start collecting hours in a salon as soon as you start the program!

Red Seal Exam

After you complete your apprenticeship, you can take the exam through Apprenticeship Manitoba to become a Red Seal Certified hairstylist. This certification is recognized all across Canada, so the sky's the limit! You can open your own salon, become a creative director, mentor new stylists, work in TV and film — the opportunities are endless!

Ready to make your passion your profession? Your next step is to get more info: 

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