Knowledge Breathes Passion
If you’re a barber without a hairstylist license, you’re not illegal you’re ignored. No scope, No code, No problem, We’re laying every brick ourselves. The bridge to the future of barbering starts here become a member today.
Hundreds of thousands of individuals across Ontario identify as barbers, we own shops, support co-op students, and serve our communities daily, yet we are not licensed Hairstylists.
Barbering was stripped of its identity in 1991 and lumped under “Hairstyling”. As a result, many barbers have been in purgatory ever since. Many operate underground excluded from government programs and funding. This underground status has become detrimental to the legitimacy and sustainability of the barbering sector.
We’ve been representing Ontario’s barbers since 1947 and formally reestablished since 2009 as the only professional Barber Association in Ontario & the industry’s primary stakeholders; We are proud to Advocate for ancestral barbering, braiding, natural hair care, and chemical-free services. We continue to work alongside the Ontario Professional Hairstyling Association (OPHA) to build a transition pathway for barbers. For decades we have worked with every provincial organization since: the Provincial Advisory Committees (PAC), the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU), the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT), and now Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).
The Ontario Barber Association (OBA) is leading the call for change. We are advocating for the creation of a scope limited barbering sub trade under the existing hairstyling trade, including a Barber Level 1 Certificate of Qualification.
Membership in a recognized professional body like the OBA can serve as evidence that you align with industry standards and code of conduct. The OBA advocates for barbering, ancestral barbering, ancestral brading, natural hair traditions, and non chemical services. culturally competent barber training, including natural hair and chemical free services.
DM, email, or call us to learn more about membership and certification opportunities print you need member testimonials or feedback.
P.S.A.
The Ontario Barber Association encourages Barbers throughout the province to cease and desist using Baby Powder or Talc in your Barber Shops. Throw away and do NOT use either Talc or Baby Powder on Clients from this day forward. “Inhaling talc, a naturally occurring mineral, can cause difficulty breathing, decreased lung function and pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring of the lungs”. “A number of class action lawsuits in the U.S. and Canada launched against Johnson & Johnson contend that longtime use of its talcum powder for feminine hygiene resulted in the development of the plaintiffs’ ovarian cancer. The cosmetics giant has denied its product, which has been on the market since 1894, causes the disease.
Ontario's Only Accredited Barber Program
We have recognized a demand in the industry for barber education, however, there’s no facility that has ever provided an n-depth program. We have been providing seminars, workshops, Platform Education, Salon Team sessions, fading & shaving training for decades. Our training gives students the opportunity to take part in a professionally altering experience. Not only do we address barbering techniques and styles we also delve into managing ALL hair types and various designs that current programs lack. Dry shaving, beards and moustaches, outlining, fades and fros are but a few sections that will be covered throughout our programming. Click here and procure a tailored training session for your self or your team.
Community Engagement
Barbershops are the heartbeat of the community, serving as safe havens, networking hubs, and cultural touchpoints. More than just grooming spaces we foster connection, mentorship, and opportunity, bringing everyone together and strengthening local ties.
