Start your barbering journey here at vanity academy
Always wanted to be a barber? Now’s your chance. This hands-on course is designed for complete beginners, giving you the skills, confidence, and real experience to start your journey in just 12 weeks.
Vanity Academy.
introducing you to the mens hair industry
Start your journey into barbering with a 12-week, hands-on training experience.
Learn directly from the owner and senior stylists of a busy, highly-rated barbershop in East Lothian . You’ll be taught real techniques used every day in the shop, helping you build confidence and practical experience from day one.
No previous experience needed - just the commitment to learn.
What you’ll learn at vanity academy
A carefully crafted 12-week, course designed for beginners. With a blend of small group learning and 1:1 support, you’ll develop your skills through real practice and guided feedback. Led by experienced and passionate barbers, this course focuses on modern techniques and how barbering works day-to-day behind the chair.
Master the craft
Our educators will guide you through the key fundamentals and technical skills of barbering, helping you build the confidence to work towards being salon ready within 12 weeks
Build your business
This is where your journey into building your own business begins.
Alongside cutting skills, you’ll learn how to build, manage, and retain a loyal client base through strong relationships and great service.
Step into the industry
You’ll leave with the skills, confidence, and an official qualification to step into the industry - along with a Vanity certificate.
Opportunities within the Vanity team may also be available for students looking to move straight into work.
Like what you see? Enquire to express your interest.
Meet Your Educators.
Jake johnstone
Founder of Vanity Male Image & Vanity Academy.
With 6 years of experience in barbering, Jake is the owner of Vanity Male Image and the driving force behind Vanity Academy.
Trained by some of the industry’s leading hairdressers, he brings a modern, real-world approach to barbering.
Jake launched the academy to help the next generation understand what barbering looks like today - building skills, confidence, and experience behind the chair.
Lucy hall
Senior Stylist & Head Educator at Vanity Academy.
Lucy is a passionate barber with over 5 years of experience in the industry.
Having trained with some of the most respected names in modern barbering, she is enthusiastic about the craft and excited to share her knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to help inspire and guide the next generation of barbers.
Zander thomson
Salon Stylist & Part Time Educator.
Trained by some of the industry’s top barbers, Zander built his experience through hands-on work and real shop environments.
Over the past two years at Vanity, he has developed a strong, modern approach to barbering and now plays a key role in supporting others as they learn.
He sees barbering as a career that blends creativity, independence, and the chance to build something of your own.
Jake and Lucy have designed this course to give you the opportunity to step into one of the most creative, flexible, and in-demand industries today - and there’s a reason it continues to grow.