After working as a taxi driver for ten years, Ashfield local Vick Daniel decided to shave his way to a career change and has recently opened his business, Clippers N’ Whisky Barbershop in Pyrmont. 

Vick has taken the leap to open his own small business during COVID-19, but is confident the future looks bright for aspiring barbers as the NSW population is expected to grow on average by over 100,000 people each year until 2041[1], resulting in more heads that need haircuts.

Vick completed the Certificate III in Barbering at TAFE NSW Ultimo and now enjoys using his people-skills from taxi driving when cutting hair for his clients. Vick said his favourite part of his new career is making people feel good about themselves. 

“I love being able to channel my creativity when cutting hair, I think the best part of my job is watching someone walk out of the shop with a spring in their step because of their new look,” Vick said. 

Vick said a lot of people cut hair for their friends and family at home, and formal training through TAFE NSW offered a good start for those hoping to enter the industry. 

“Formal training is extremely important, you need those basic skills,” he said. 

“There is so much more to barbering than cutting hair, from holding clippers correctly to hygiene standards, being qualified is what keeps the industry reputable and safe. 

“The hands-on skills I learnt at TAFE NSW provided me with the confidence I needed to start my own business, ‘Clippers N Whisky Barbershop’, where customers can enjoy drinks and coffee while getting their hair cut.

“There is a big social element that adds to the positive experience of attending a barber.” 

TAFE NSW Ultimo Barbering Teacher, Bruce Hathcock who also operates Legends the Barber Shop in Sydney and Los Angeles, believes now is a prime time to get skilled in the craft.

“Barbering is a great career because not only is the job hands-on and social, qualified barbers are in high demand. 

Barbering is a re-emerging industry with lots of pathways, including working behind the scenes in television and film,” Bruce said.

As well as the barbershop renaissance, Bruce is seeing hairdressing salon owners encouraging staff to undertake training so that they can offer an in-house barber service.

TAFE NSW barbering students learn in simulated barbering facilities and haircuts, beard trimming, head shaving, hair carving and tattooing (where lines and designs are shaved into the hair), brow trimming, and beard and moustache design. 

To find out more about barbering courses on offer at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

​​​​​​​You can visit Vick's website at https://clippersnwhisky.com.au/

[1] NSW Department of Planning population projections 

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW R/Media and Communications Business Partner, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au