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Level 2 Barbering Course in Darlington – Darlington College – Full-time

CostFREE
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Barbering Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day, over 34 weeks. You'll need four GCSEs at grade D or above (or a Level 1 Diploma in Hairdressing) and will attend an interview before starting. The course covers the practical and technical skills of barbering, from cutting and styling to client consultation. Good literacy, creativity, and a confident manner with clients will all serve you well. This is a free barbering course for adults and school leavers looking to train seriously in the trade.

Who this course is for

This course is for those wishing learn the knowledge and skills of barbering delivered by a specialist barbering tutor with extensive industrial and teaching experience.

Entry requirements

You will need 4 GCSEs at 3 points or D grade and above. Alternatively, you will need a Diploma in Hairdressing Level 1.

You will be required to attend an interview at the college and we will request a school or college report.

You need to have good literacy skills, as well as being naturally creative, be able to work as part of a team, have a friendly personality and enjoy working with clients.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to cut men's hair using a range of techniques, including scissor and clipper work.
  • You'll develop skills in beard and moustache trimming and shaping.
  • You'll practise client consultation, understanding what clients want and advising on styles.
  • You'll learn how to maintain a safe and hygienic working environment.
  • You'll study the science of hair and skin, including hair structure and scalp conditions.
  • You'll develop professional barbering skills across a range of hair types and textures.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in a barbering environment, supported by classroom-based theory. Assessment includes practical observations, where a tutor checks your technique against set standards, and written or knowledge-based tasks. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course. Teaching is led by a specialist barbering tutor with industry and teaching experience.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Barber. Work in a barbershop or men's grooming salon.
  • Hairdresser. Work across a wider range of clients and styles.
  • Salon assistant. Support senior stylists while building experience.
  • Self-employed barber. Run your own chair or mobile barbering business.
  • Men's grooming specialist. Focus on beard care, skin, and styling services.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Barbering. The next step if you want to take on more complex techniques and move toward senior or management roles in a barbershop.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing. Broadens your skills across men's and women's hairdressing.
  • Level 3 Award in Education and Training. An option if you'd like to teach barbering or hairdressing in the future.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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