Gibson's Barbershop & School · Langford, BC

Start your career in the barber's chair.

Vancouver Island's only barber school. A 7-month diploma that builds the essential skills and confidence to lead in a high-demand trade — shears, clippers and razor work, hot-towel shaves, colour, and the business behind the chair.

Start your application Explore the program
Program
7-month diploma
Total hours
600
Class ratio
10 : 1
Schedule
Evenings

Our mission

The highest caliber of training in the trade.

Gibson's Barbershop & School Ltd. is dedicated to being a reputable member of the community: offering professional barbering services to our clients, and providing the highest caliber of training in the industry to our students.

Located in the Westshore of Langford, BC, Gibson's is the only barber school on Vancouver Island. We provide industry-leading training that prepares our students to enter the high-demand art and skill of barbering and personal grooming.

  • Vancouver Island's only barber school
  • Langford Westshore
  • Industry-led
  • Hands-on

The program

A 7-month barber diploma, built for the floor.

Graduate with the essential skills and confidence to be a leader in the barbering industry.

In our 7-month Barber Diploma Program, students graduate with the essential skills and confidence needed to be a leader in the barbering industry. Skills taught include traditional barbering techniques using shears, clippers and razors.

Being a barber is not only about providing quality cuts — it also involves the customer. So students cover everything from client consultation to the workings of the business itself.

Class size is kept at a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio. We pride ourselves in knowing that each and every student gains an invaluable education and leaves prepared to excel in this high-demand industry.

  • Length7 months30 weeks
  • Total hours600180 online · 420 classroom
  • Class ratio10 : 1students to instructor
  • ScheduleEvenings+ Sunday daytime
  • Credential Diploma Barber
  • CampusLangfordWestshore, BC

The curriculum

From first principles to the finished cut.

Thirty-plus techniques and topics covered across the program.

Foundations

  • History of barbering
  • Professional image & shop conduct
  • Implements, tools & equipment
  • Client consultation
  • Analysis of hair & scalp
  • Scalp conditions & treatments

Prep & styling

  • Draping, shampooing & scalp massage
  • Blow-drying & styling techniques

Cutting technique

  • Sectioning & elevation angles
  • Outlines & internal shapes
  • Long-layer
  • Equal layer
  • Graduation
  • Basic principles of texturizing
  • Face-shape analysis

Clipper & barber cuts

  • Conventional clipper tapers
  • Fades
  • Flat top
  • Buzz cut
  • Mod cuts
  • Razor cuts
  • Scissor cuts

Shaves & line work

  • Facial shave with hot towels
  • Hairlines & outline shaves
  • Hair tattooing

Beard & colour

  • Beard & moustache care, trimming & shaping
  • Men's hair colouring
  • Chemical textured services
  • Men's hair loss & replacement

Business

  • The business of barbering

Your instructors

Trained by leaders in the trade.

Lynne Birch leads the school, alongside top industry professionals who guest-teach specialized techniques and skills — both practical and theoretical.

Lynne Birch

School Lead · Master Colourist, Stylist & Barber

35+ years in the industry
"Your image starts with your hair."

Lynne is an industry leader with over 35 years of experience — an experienced educator, Master Colourist, Stylist and Barber who creates unique, signature "easy-care" hairstyles for her clients.

Having studied under world-class stylists throughout her career, she has worked and educated for both top manufacturers and independent distributors, in the shop and behind the scenes. She has styled hair for photo shoots across head-shot, print and digital advertising, fashion shows and hair shows.

Lynne brings a wealth of knowledge to Gibson's Barber School. Her forte is guiding artistic vision across all skill levels, through inspirational education and leadership — and she is dedicated to seeing you succeed.

Specialized techniques are also taught by visiting industry professionals, across both practical and theoretical skills.

Tuition & schedule

What it costs, and when you're in class.

  • Tuition$9,000
  • Barber kit$2,100+ $252 tax
  • Application fee$250non-refundable deposit

Program length: 7 months · 30 weeks · 600 hours (180 online / 420 classroom).

Certified cheques payable to Gibson's Barber Shop & School Ltd.

Next intake. Contact us by email for the upcoming Barber Program start date, or to get onto the waiting list.

Admissions

Who can enrol, and how.

Prospective students must first meet the admissions-policy requirements before the enrolment process can begin.

To apply, you must

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have Grade 12 certification or the equivalent

Enrolment steps

  1. Complete and sign a Gibson's Barber School Student Application Form.
  2. Present at least two valid pieces of photo identification (BC driver's licence, BCID, passport, or equivalent).
  3. Pay a $250 non-refundable deposit upon acceptance into the course.

All certified cheques are payable to Gibson's Barber Shop & School Ltd.

Gibson's Barber School — Langford, BC (Westshore). [full street address to be added]

Start your application Download registration form (PDF)

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