Blackpool Skills Academy
Barbering Curriculum Overview
39 Week Spiral Curriculum with Stage Progression
A career in barbering
Turn creativity into a professional career
Barbering is a skilled profession that combines technical precision, creativity, communication and customer service. Qualified barbers can work in established salons, become self-employed or even run their own business.
This short film offers an insight into the industry and shows the opportunities available to young people developing professional barbering skills.
Watch the video and discover what a career in barbering could look like.
Our curriculum model
How the spiral curriculum works
All students study the same barbering concepts and practical activities.
Progression is achieved through increasing:
- Professional behaviour
- Technical accuracy
- Client care
- Consultation skills
- Creativity
- Industry readiness
Students work at the stage appropriate to their current attainment and progress through increasingly demanding practical and theoretical tasks within each curriculum area.
The learning journey
Progression Through Stages
Stage 1
Observe and Follow
Supported learning
Teacher-ledStage 2
Practise and Apply
Guided learning
Shared responsibilityStage 3
Work Independently
Independent application
Independent responsibilityStage 4
Select and Justify
Critical thinking
Problem solvingStage 5
Design and Lead
Industry readiness
Leadership and mentoringThe 39 week programme
Curriculum Overview
Autumn 1
Barbering Foundations
How do professional barbers create safe, high-quality services that clients trust?
Throughout this half term, students develop the professional behaviours, technical foundations and client care skills required before carrying out barbering services. They learn how professional standards, consultation, hygiene and technical knowledge combine to deliver excellent customer experiences before progressing to more advanced barbering techniques later in the programme.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salon Induction and Professional Conduct | Identify essential salon rules, PPE, workstation layout, dress code and expected standards of professional behaviour. | Demonstrate correct salon routines including client greeting, hand hygiene, workstation preparation and end-of-service cleaning. | Maintain professional standards independently throughout practical barbering sessions, following salon procedures consistently. | Recognise and correct lapses in hygiene, professionalism or safe working practices whilst supporting an efficient salon environment. | Consistently demonstrate the behaviours expected of a junior barber, maintaining professional standards and supporting others to work safely and professionally. |
| 2 | Shampooing and Conditioning | Identify shampooing equipment, towels, gowns, massage techniques, water temperature checks and common shampoo and conditioner types. | Carry out a complete shampoo and conditioning service using the correct sequence whilst maintaining client comfort with tutor guidance. | Complete a professional shampoo and conditioning service independently, maintaining effective communication, hygiene and client care. | Select suitable shampoos and conditioners for oily, dry, damaged, coloured or sensitive hair, explaining the reasons for each choice. | Deliver a commercial-standard hair preparation service, providing appropriate aftercare advice and product recommendations to the client. |
| 3 | Hair and Scalp Anatomy | Identify the hair shaft, follicle, cuticle, cortex, medulla and recognise common scalp conditions encountered in barbering. | Explain how hair density, texture, growth patterns and scalp condition influence barbering services and haircut planning. | Apply knowledge of hair structure and growth patterns when planning suitable barbering services and consultations. | Assess how features such as crowns, cowlicks, receding hairlines, coarse hair or fine hair influence cutting techniques and finished styles. | Recommend appropriate cutting approaches and products based upon professional assessment whilst recognising when referral or further advice may be required. |
| 4 | Barbering Tools and Equipment | Identify clippers, trimmers, scissors, thinning scissors, razors, combs, clipper guards, neck brushes and sanitising equipment. | Demonstrate safe handling, cleaning, maintenance and storage of barbering tools using correct salon procedures. | Select and use appropriate barbering tools confidently during practical cutting activities, maintaining accuracy and safe practice. | Explain why different tools, guards and cutting equipment are selected for specific techniques, hair types and barbering styles. | Demonstrate professional organisation, maintenance and efficient selection of barbering equipment that reflects commercial salon practice. |
| 5 | Health and Safety in Barbering | Identify COSHH symbols, electrical hazards, infection risks, sharps safety, slips, trips and emergency procedures within a barbering salon. | Apply hygiene routines including sanitising tools, disposing of waste safely, preventing cross-contamination and maintaining a clean workstation. | Maintain safe working practices independently throughout a complete barbering service whilst protecting clients, colleagues and themselves. | Carry out simple risk assessments and adapt working practices to minimise hazards and maintain a safe salon environment. | Promote professional health and safety standards by identifying improvements, modelling best practice and encouraging safe working habits throughout the salon. |
| 6 | Client Consultation Skills | Ask appropriate questions to identify the client's requested hairstyle, previous barbering history and any obvious contraindications. | Carry out a structured consultation covering hairstyle, maintenance, lifestyle, hair type and client expectations with tutor guidance. | Complete a professional consultation independently, agreeing the finished style before beginning the barbering service. | Recommend suitable hairstyles including crew cut, taper, French crop, textured crop, side part or low fade based upon face shape, hair type, lifestyle and client preference. | Manage client expectations professionally by recommending realistic styles, suitable maintenance routines, styling products and appropriate aftercare advice. |
Autumn 2
Core Barbering Skills
How do skilled barbers combine technical precision with creativity to deliver high-quality barbering services for every client?
Throughout this half term, students refine their core barbering techniques by developing greater control, precision and confidence. They build on their practical skills through clipper work, styling, beard shaping and creative planning, learning how to adapt services to suit different clients whilst working towards commercial barbering standards.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Clipper Grades | Identify clipper guards from Grade 0 to Grade 8 and recognise the cutting lengths they produce. | Use the correct clipper grades to create even lengths on a training head whilst maintaining safe clipper control. | Select appropriate clipper grades independently for styles including buzz cuts, crew cuts and short back and sides. | Blend between clipper grades to achieve smooth transitions whilst maintaining balance, symmetry and consistency. | Select clipper grades confidently to produce commercially acceptable haircut specifications, explaining the technical reasons for each choice. |
| 8 | Clipper Over Comb | Identify the purpose of clipper-over-comb and recognise where the technique is used within a haircut. | Perform clipper-over-comb using correct posture, comb angle and clipper position with tutor guidance. | Produce controlled clipper-over-comb work independently on the back and sides of the head whilst maintaining even weight removal. | Adapt clipper-over-comb techniques to suit different head shapes, hair densities and longer barbering styles. | Deliver seamless commercial blending using clipper-over-comb techniques that demonstrate precision, efficiency and professional control. |
| 9 | Scissor Over Comb | Identify when scissor-over-comb should be used instead of clipper work and recognise the correct tools required. | Perform scissor-over-comb using correct finger position, comb angle and body posture with tutor guidance. | Produce consistent scissor-over-comb blending independently whilst maintaining control, balance and accurate weight removal. | Adapt scissor-over-comb techniques to suit different hair textures, densities and graduation requirements. | Produce precision commercial finishes using advanced scissor-over-comb techniques that reflect current barbering standards. |
| 10 | Men's Hair Styling | Identify classic and modern men's hairstyles including the buzz cut, crew cut, French crop, textured crop, taper, side part, quiff, pompadour and slick back. | Create simple finished styles using products such as clay, wax, pomade, styling powder and sea salt spray with tutor guidance. | Style hair independently to achieve the agreed client finish using appropriate products and finishing techniques. | Adapt styling techniques to suit different face shapes, hair textures, growth patterns and current fashion trends. | Deliver polished commercial finishes whilst recommending suitable products, styling routines and aftercare advice that encourage repeat business. |
| 11 | Beard and Facial Hair Shaping | Identify common beard styles including full beard, boxed beard, goatee, stubble, moustache and designer facial hair. | Perform basic beard outlining, shaping and trimming safely using trimmers and scissors with tutor guidance. | Shape and maintain facial hair independently whilst producing clean lines, balanced proportions and client comfort. | Adapt beard shaping techniques to suit face shape, hair growth patterns and individual client preferences. | Deliver commercially finished beard and facial hair services demonstrating precision, symmetry and professional attention to detail. |
| 12 | Hair Finishing Products | Identify common barbering products including pomade, clay, wax, styling powder, sea salt spray, texture paste and grooming cream. | Explain the purpose and benefits of different finishing products for various hairstyles and hair types. | Select and apply suitable finishing products independently to achieve the agreed client outcome. | Analyse how product choice affects hold, texture, shine and long-term hairstyle maintenance. | Recommend professional product combinations and home-care routines that enhance client satisfaction and commercial retail opportunities. |
| 13 | Creative Style Planning | Identify current barbering trends and recognise how inspiration is gathered from photographs, magazines and social media. | Explain how haircut shape, texture and finishing techniques combine to create different barbering styles. | Plan suitable barbering services using consultation findings, client preferences and technical knowledge. | Analyse different styling options, adapting haircut designs to suit face shape, hair type and lifestyle. | Produce creative barbering plans that combine technical knowledge, current trends and professional consultation to deliver commercially successful outcomes. |
Autumn Assessment
Creative Barbering Project
Creative Barbering Project
Practical Assessment and Reflection
Spring 1
Men's Hair Styling
How do professional barbers adapt cutting and styling techniques to meet individual client needs whilst achieving consistently high commercial standards?
During this half term, students develop increasingly advanced barbering techniques through consultation, cutting, fading and styling. They build confidence in adapting services for different clients whilst evaluating the quality of their work against professional industry expectations.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Client Consultations | Ask appropriate questions to identify the client's requested hairstyle, previous barbering history, lifestyle and any contraindications. | Carry out a structured consultation covering face shape, hair type, maintenance requirements and client expectations with tutor guidance. | Complete professional consultations independently, agreeing the finished style and service plan before beginning work. | Recommend suitable hairstyles including taper, textured crop, side part, quiff, pompadour or skin fade based upon professional assessment. | Manage client expectations confidently through professional consultation, recommending realistic styles, maintenance routines and suitable retail products. |
| 17 | Classic Men's Cuts | Identify the characteristics of classic styles including the crew cut, side part, Ivy League, business cut and short back and sides. | Complete a basic classic men's haircut with tutor guidance using correct sectioning, clipper and scissor techniques. | Produce balanced classic haircuts independently with accurate shape, blending and symmetrical finishing. | Adapt cutting techniques to suit different head shapes, hair densities, growth patterns and client preferences. | Deliver commercially acceptable classic men's haircuts that demonstrate technical precision, professional judgement and excellent client satisfaction. |
| 18 | Fade Techniques | Identify low fades, mid fades, high fades and skin fades, recognising the clipper grades and blending zones required. | Produce a basic fade with tutor guidance using correct clipper grades and blending techniques. | Complete consistent fades independently with smooth graduation, balanced transitions and clean outlines. | Adapt fading techniques for different hair textures, head shapes, growth patterns and client requirements. | Deliver commercial-quality fade haircuts demonstrating seamless blending, precision finishing and industry-standard presentation. |
| 19 | Blow Drying and Styling | Identify common blow-drying equipment, brushes, styling products and finishing techniques used in barbering. | Blow dry and style hair using appropriate techniques with tutor guidance whilst maintaining client comfort. | Complete blow drying and styling services independently to achieve the agreed client finish. | Adapt blow-drying techniques and product selection to create volume, texture or smooth finishes for different hairstyles. | Deliver professionally finished hairstyles using commercial blow-drying techniques and appropriate styling advice. |
| 20 | Styling Products and Finish | Identify products including pomade, clay, wax, styling powder, texture paste, sea salt spray and grooming cream. | Select suitable styling products with tutor guidance to create different finishes and levels of hold. | Apply finishing products independently to achieve the agreed hairstyle and client requirements. | Analyse how different products influence texture, movement, shine, hold and long-term hairstyle maintenance. | Recommend professional styling routines and product combinations that maximise client satisfaction and encourage repeat business. |
| 21 | Practical Assessment | Demonstrate safe preparation, consultation and basic barbering techniques during an assessed service. | Complete a full barbering service consistently whilst following professional salon procedures. | Deliver an independent barbering service from consultation through to finished style with minimal support. | Evaluate technical performance and identify improvements using professional barbering standards. | Deliver a commercially realistic barbering service demonstrating technical competence, professional behaviour, client care and industry readiness. |
Spring 2
Colour and Salon Operations
How do professional barbers combine technical knowledge with excellent customer service to support the smooth operation of a successful salon?
During this half term, students broaden their understanding of professional barbering beyond cutting techniques. They develop knowledge of hair colouring, customer care, salon organisation and teamwork whilst strengthening the professional behaviours expected within a commercial salon environment.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Hair Colour Theory | Identify the colour wheel, natural hair levels, tone, undertones and common barbering colour terminology. | Explain how hair colour, tone, developer strength and colour products influence the finished result. | Apply colour theory to recommend suitable colouring services for straightforward client requirements. | Analyse how skin tone, natural hair colour, previous treatments and desired outcomes influence colour selection. | Recommend appropriate colouring services using professional colour knowledge whilst recognising services requiring specialist expertise or referral. |
| 23 | Assisting with Hair Colour | Identify colour mixing equipment, PPE, sectioning methods and safe preparation procedures. | Assist with preparing equipment, mixing colour products and maintaining safe working practices under supervision. | Support colour services independently by preparing the client, salon and equipment whilst maintaining professional standards. | Adapt preparation techniques to suit different colouring services and client requirements whilst maintaining safety. | Demonstrate professional salon support throughout colour services, maintaining efficiency, hygiene and excellent client care. |
| 24 | Preparing and Maintaining the Salon | Identify the daily routines required to prepare, clean and organise a professional barbering salon. | Complete opening, cleaning and closing routines using correct procedures with tutor guidance. | Maintain a clean, organised and fully prepared salon environment independently throughout practical sessions. | Evaluate salon organisation and identify improvements that increase efficiency, safety and client experience. | Demonstrate professional responsibility for maintaining commercial salon standards and supporting effective team working. |
| 25 | Working Relationships | Identify the roles and responsibilities of barbers, reception staff, apprentices and salon managers. | Explain the importance of teamwork, communication and mutual respect within a barbering salon. | Work effectively with colleagues during practical sessions, communicating professionally and supporting shared responsibilities. | Adapt communication and working relationships to resolve challenges and support positive teamwork. | Demonstrate the professional behaviours expected of a reliable team member, contributing positively to the success of the salon. |
| 26 | Customer Care | Identify the behaviours that create a positive client experience from arrival to departure. | Welcome clients professionally, communicate politely and respond appropriately to simple client requests. | Deliver consistently high standards of customer care throughout the complete barbering service. | Adapt communication and customer service to suit different client personalities, expectations and individual needs. | Deliver outstanding customer care that builds client confidence, encourages repeat business and reflects commercial barbering standards. |
| 27 | Practical Assessment | Demonstrate safe preparation, consultation and practical barbering skills during an assessed service. | Complete barbering services consistently whilst following professional salon procedures and maintaining client care. | Deliver an independent barbering service from consultation to finished style whilst maintaining technical accuracy. | Evaluate personal performance against professional barbering standards and identify areas for improvement. | Demonstrate industry readiness by delivering a commercially realistic barbering service with confidence, professionalism and excellent customer care. |
Summer 1
Professional Barbering
How do professional barbers consistently deliver efficient, high-quality services whilst building strong client relationships and promoting their business?
During this half term, students develop the commercial skills expected within a modern barbering business. They refine their technical competence whilst learning how to assess clients, manage appointments, promote services and work efficiently within realistic commercial timescales.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Social Media and Promotion | Identify common social media platforms and recognise how barbers use photographs, videos and branding to promote their services. | Explain how professional photographs, client consent, online reviews and social media posts help attract new clients. | Create professional promotional content independently using appropriate images, captions and branding. | Analyse how different marketing approaches appeal to different client groups and strengthen business reputation. | Develop a professional promotional strategy that reflects current barbering trends, ethical practice and commercial business growth. |
| 29 | Barbering Service Review | Demonstrate the key stages of a complete barbering service from consultation to finishing. | Complete barbering services consistently whilst following professional procedures and maintaining client comfort. | Deliver complete barbering services independently with confidence, technical accuracy and effective time management. | Evaluate technical performance, client feedback and service quality to identify areas for improvement. | Deliver commercially realistic barbering services that consistently meet professional standards and client expectations. |
| 30 | Client Assessment | Ask appropriate questions to identify the client's hairstyle preferences, lifestyle, hair type and service requirements. | Carry out structured client assessments considering face shape, hair texture, growth patterns and maintenance needs. | Complete client assessments independently and recommend appropriate barbering services with confidence. | Adapt recommendations to suit individual clients, balancing technical possibilities with realistic expectations. | Demonstrate expert client assessment by recommending suitable services, products and long-term maintenance plans that build client confidence and loyalty. |
| 31 | Timed Haircut | Identify the stages of a commercial haircut and understand realistic industry timings for each stage. | Complete a structured haircut within an agreed timeframe whilst maintaining safe working practices and tutor guidance. | Deliver complete haircuts independently within commercial timings whilst maintaining consistent technical quality. | Adapt working methods to improve efficiency without compromising technical accuracy, client care or finishing standards. | Consistently deliver commercially timed haircuts demonstrating excellent organisation, technical precision and outstanding client satisfaction. |
| 32 | Client Consultation | Ask appropriate consultation questions to establish client expectations and recognise any contraindications. | Complete structured consultations considering hairstyle, maintenance, lifestyle and client preferences with tutor guidance. | Conduct professional consultations independently, agreeing realistic service plans before beginning work. | Adapt consultations confidently for returning clients, changing requirements and complex barbering services. | Demonstrate advanced consultation skills that build trust, manage expectations and encourage repeat business through professional advice and communication. |
| 33 | Service Review | Demonstrate the complete sequence of a professional barbering service using correct salon procedures. | Complete barbering services consistently whilst reflecting on strengths and areas for improvement. | Deliver complete services independently whilst maintaining professional standards throughout. | Evaluate finished work using technical accuracy, client satisfaction and professional barbering standards. | Demonstrate industry-ready performance by consistently delivering high-quality services and identifying strategies for continual professional improvement. |
| 34 | Practical Assessment | Demonstrate safe working practices, consultation skills and core barbering techniques during an assessed service. | Complete a full barbering service consistently whilst maintaining hygiene, client care and technical accuracy. | Deliver an independent barbering service from consultation through to finished style with confidence and professionalism. | Evaluate technical performance using professional standards and respond positively to assessment feedback. | Demonstrate industry readiness by delivering a commercially realistic barbering service that reflects professional standards, excellent client care and confident technical competence. |
Summer 2
Independent Barbering Practice
How do professional barbers consistently deliver complete barbering services that meet commercial standards and prepare them for employment or apprenticeships?
During this final half term, students bring together the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the year. They demonstrate increasing independence by completing full barbering services, building employability skills and preparing portfolios that showcase their readiness for further education, apprenticeships and employment.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Complete Barbering Service | Identify each stage of a complete barbering service including consultation, preparation, cutting, finishing and aftercare. | Complete a full barbering service with tutor guidance whilst maintaining professional procedures and client comfort. | Deliver a complete barbering service independently from consultation through to finished style, maintaining technical accuracy and professional standards. | Adapt techniques throughout the service to suit the client's hair type, face shape, lifestyle and preferences whilst evaluating the finished result. | Deliver a commercially realistic barbering service demonstrating technical excellence, professional judgement, excellent client care and industry-standard presentation. |
| 36 | Client Assessment | Ask appropriate questions to establish the client's hairstyle requirements, lifestyle, maintenance routine and service expectations. | Complete structured client assessments considering face shape, hair texture, growth patterns and suitability of different styles. | Carry out professional client assessments independently, recommending appropriate barbering services with confidence. | Adapt recommendations to suit individual client needs whilst managing expectations and explaining professional choices. | Demonstrate advanced consultation and assessment skills that build client confidence, encourage loyalty and support repeat business. |
| 37 | Integrated Barbering Project | Identify the sequence of activities required to plan and complete a professional barbering project. | Complete each stage of the project with guidance whilst following professional salon procedures. | Independently plan, organise and deliver a complete barbering project from consultation through to final presentation. | Evaluate technical performance, client satisfaction and professional standards, adapting techniques to improve the final outcome. | Deliver an industry-standard barbering project demonstrating creativity, technical competence, professionalism and commercial awareness. |
| 38 | Portfolio and Employability | Identify the evidence required within a professional barbering portfolio including photographs, assessments and client feedback. | Explain how portfolios, CVs, personal presentation and interview skills support employment opportunities. | Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating practical skills, technical knowledge and personal development. | Evaluate portfolio evidence, identifying strengths and areas for further professional development. | Present a professional portfolio and career development plan that demonstrates readiness for further education, apprenticeships or employment within the barbering industry. |
| 39 | Final Assessment and Celebration | Demonstrate safe working practices, consultation skills and core barbering techniques during the final practical assessment. | Complete a full barbering service consistently whilst maintaining professional standards and effective client care. | Deliver an independent barbering service confidently from consultation to finished style, demonstrating technical competence throughout. | Evaluate personal performance against commercial barbering standards, reflecting on strengths and identifying future development goals. | Demonstrate industry readiness by consistently delivering professional barbering services, presenting a high-quality portfolio and confidently preparing for progression into apprenticeships, further education or employment. |
What progress looks like
Progression Expectations
Stage 1
Students recognise barbering equipment, products, techniques and professional terminology whilst working safely under close supervision. They follow salon procedures, prepare workstations correctly, complete straightforward practical tasks with guidance and begin developing confidence in client communication.
Stage 2
Students apply barbering techniques with increasing accuracy whilst following professional routines consistently. They carry out structured consultations, use equipment safely, complete practical services with guidance and explain the reasons behind their technical decisions.
Stage 3
Students work independently to deliver complete barbering services whilst maintaining professional standards, technical accuracy and effective client care. They confidently select appropriate techniques, tools and products to achieve agreed client outcomes.
Stage 4
Students adapt barbering services to suit different hair types, face shapes, growth patterns, lifestyles and client expectations. They evaluate their technical performance, justify professional decisions and continually refine their work using client feedback and recognised industry standards.
Stage 5
Students consistently deliver commercially realistic barbering services demonstrating technical excellence, professional behaviour and outstanding client care. They communicate confidently with clients, recommend suitable products and maintenance routines, evaluate their own performance critically and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of learners progressing into further education, apprenticeships or employment within the barbering industry.
The purpose of the programme
Curriculum Intent
The Barbering curriculum develops the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required for successful progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment within the hair and barbering industry.
Students follow a carefully sequenced programme that develops competence in consultation, clipper work, scissor techniques, styling, beard grooming, health and safety, client care and commercial salon practice. Knowledge and practical skills are revisited throughout the year, enabling students to refine their technical accuracy whilst developing increasing independence and professional judgement.
Alongside practical barbering skills, students develop the communication, teamwork, organisation and customer service skills expected within modern commercial salons. They learn how to recommend suitable services and products, manage client expectations, maintain professional standards and reflect critically on their own performance.
By the end of the programme, students are able to deliver complete barbering services with confidence, professionalism and technical competence, demonstrating the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for progression into vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and employment within the barbering profession.