Week 2

WEEK 2  |  ARTISTRY, SET-UP, AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

This week, you will learn the fundamentals of professional barbering, including skilled trades, artistic design, client service, and workplace safety.

• Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act (BOSTA)

• Understanding compulsory versus non-compulsory trades

• Developing artistic skills through drawing, sketching, and painting

• Artistic expression in the barber trade

• Proper client greeting and communication

• Escorting clients to the barber chair

• Proper draping using a cutting cape

• Tool preparation and disinfection protocols

• Setting up a clean, professional workstation

What is the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act (BOSTA)? 

The Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act (BOSTA) modernized Ontario's skilled trades system by simplifying apprenticeships, reducing barriers to entry, and strengthening workforce development.

Compulsory Versus Non-compulsory Trades 

Ontario currently has 23 compulsory trades. To legally work in these trades, you must be a registered apprentice or hold the appropriate certificate of qualification (unless an exemption applies).

Compulsory trades require certification or apprenticeship registration to work legally, while non-compulsory trades do not.

Proper Client Greeting and Communication

Barbers should greet every client warmly, listen carefully to their preferences, communicate clearly throughout the service, and ensure they leave satisfied.

Proper Draping of a Cutting Cape

• Before you begin a service, wash your hands with warm soap and water. 

• Use a clean cape and neck strip.

• Wrap the neck strip snugly around the client’s neck.

• Fasten the cape over the strip without touching the client’s skin.

• Fold the neck strip over the cape collar to create a protective barrier.

• Ensure the cape is secure, comfortable, and fully covers the client’s clothing.

Tool Preparation and Disinfection Practices 

Proper tool preparation and disinfection are essential for preventing the spread of infections in a barbershop. Before each service, barbers should clean tools to remove hair and debris, disinfect them using an approved disinfectant, and store them in a clean, sanitary container until they are needed.

Setting up a Clean, Professional Workstation

A professional workstation is clean, organized, and fully stocked with sanitized tools and supplies, ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for every client.

Artistic Expression in the Barber Trade

This week you will need: 

• A sketchbook (no lined paper)

• A pencil or pencil crayons (your choice)

• Internet access, a computer, laptop or mobile device to read learning material and watch videos.

Our model’s name is Roxanne. She has requested the haircut below (see image on the left). Her haircut is booked with Claud (a Master Barber). Location: JB Barber Design, 361 Pitfield Rd Scarborough ON M1S 3E5 on Friday July 17 at 2pm.

You're invited to observe Claud as he completes Roxanne's haircut from start to finish or watch you can choose to watch a recorded video of this service online.