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Become a Professional Barber & Build Your Career

Dr Eric Lovemore, barber academy instructor.

Dr Eric Way Lovemore

Director & Barber Academy Instructor

We are proud to welcome internationally acclaimed barber, educator, and industry innovator Eric Way Lovemore as our new Director of Barbering and Academy Operations at Skins and Needles.

With a career spanning over 30 years across fashion, grooming, education, and business, Eric brings world-class expertise to our growing brand. Originally from South Africa, Eric built a legacy of excellence as the founder of multiple award-winning barbershops and academies, including the renowned Groomed Barber Academy and Head Quarters Academy. His work has earned him numerous industry accolades and seen him educate and inspire on global stages such as Salon International, Barber Connect, and European Hair Expos.

At Skins and Needles, Eric will lead our new Barbering Academy, a centre of excellence offering accredited courses for aspiring barbers and short, high-impact programs for professionals looking to sharpen their skills. With a passion for teaching, Eric’s philosophy goes beyond technique—he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of barbers to build sustainable, successful careers.

“Barbering today is about more than fades—it’s about creativity, client care, and business growth,” Eric says. “This role allows me to combine everything I love: education, community, and raising the bar for our industry.”

Eric’s appointment marks an exciting new era for Skins and Needles as we expand our reach across North Yorkshire and redefine what it means to be a modern barber. With his leadership, the future of grooming education and service excellence is in expert hands.
Follow Eric’s journey with us—and discover how we’re shaping the future of barbering, one cut at a time.

16-WEEK
CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 2
NVQ DIPLOMA IN BARBERING

Begin your professional barbering journey with our immersive City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Barbering — a FULLY FUNDED, high-quality training experience valued at £3,000, with a comprehensive kit worth £700 included at no extra cost.

Course Structure & Commitment Over 16 weeks, enjoy hands-on, expert-led instruction Monday to Friday, 4 hours per day. Choose between flexible classroom sessions — mornings or afternoons — designed to fit your schedule. With only 5 students per class, you’ll receive personalised attention and tailored guidance from Dr Eric Way Lovemore, a multi-award-winning Barber and Educator renowned for excellence in both practical skill and teaching.

What You’ll Learn This City & Guilds Level 2 course covers all core modules, including:

Client consultation and communication
Safe and hygienic working methods
Shaving/face treatment techniques
Men’s hair cutting techniques (scissor, clipper, and razor)
Styling and finishing for men’s hair
Cutting basic shapes and head shaving
Health and safety in the workplace

Successful completion gives you confident, industry-ready barbering skills and the prestigious City & Guilds Level 2 qualification. Begin your transformation now — space is limited, so secure your place today!

1-DAY SKIN FADING COURSE

Perfect your fades and take your skills to the next level with our intensive 1-day Skin Fading Course. Designed for hairdressers and barbers who want to sharpen their techniques, this training will give you the confidence and precision needed to deliver flawless fades every time.

What is Skin Fading?

Skin fading is the art of seamlessly blending hair from skin level up into longer lengths, creating a smooth and natural transition. It requires patience, precision, and control to master. A great skin fade isn’t just a haircut—it’s a statement of craftsmanship. With the right training, you can achieve consistency, sharpness, and the professional finish client’s demand.

What You’ll Learn

Step-by-step techniques for creating clean, consistent fades
How to control blending lines for a seamless finish
Choosing the right tools and mastering clipper control
Refining your detail work for that sharp, polished look
Building speed without compromising qualityHands-On ExperienceThis course is practical and intensive. You’ll be required to bring 4 models to practice on, giving you the chance to apply what you learn immediately under expert guidance.
Course Fee: £290, flexible payment options available through Payl8r
Whether you’re new to fades or looking to refine your existing skills, this course will help you stand out as a barber or hairdresser who delivers the best in modern men’s grooming.

1-DAY SCISSOR CUTTING MASTERCLASS

Take your craft to the next level with our intensive 1-day scissor cutting course, designed exclusively for hairdressers and barbers who want to refine their fading techniques and sharpen their precision.

Unlike clippers, scissor cutting is considered the true art of barbering. It requires control, accuracy, and an eye for detail – allowing you to create seamless fades, balanced shapes, and a polished finish that sets your work apart. Mastering the scissors not only enhances your technical ability but also gives you the versatility to tackle any hair type with confidence.

This hands-on course focuses on building confidence in scissor-over-comb, blending, and advanced cutting techniques. You’ll practice on 4 live models throughout the day, ensuring you leave with real, practical experience you can take straight back to the shop floor.

Our expert educators will guide you step by step, helping you refine your skills and giving you the professional edge clients notice.

Course Fee: £290, flexible payment options available through Payl8r
Invest in yourself, perfect your fades, and master the scissors – the tool that defines true craftsmanship in barbering.

1-DAY BASIC HAIR COLOUR & BLEACHING FOR GENTS

Take your barbering or hairdressing skills to the next level with our intensive 1-day course focused on men’s colouring techniques. Designed for professionals who want to expand their services, this course covers the essentials of hair colour and bleaching specifically tailored for gents.

You’ll learn the art of highlighting and bleaching men’s hair to achieve flawless blond tones, from subtle sun-kissed looks to bold, platinum finishes. Our educator will guide you through techniques to ensure even lift and perfect toning, while maintaining the health and integrity of the hair.

Covering grey hair is another key focus. You’ll explore colour blending and coverage methods that create natural, masculine results—ideal for clients seeking a fresh, youthful appearance without obvious colouring.

To ensure maximum hands-on experience, you’ll be required to bring two models to practice your new skills under expert supervision. By the end of the day, you’ll have the confidence to offer men’s colour services with professional precision and creativity.

Course Fee: £390, flexible payment options available through Payl8r
Elevate your craft, expand your services, and master the techniques that today’s modern male clients are demanding.

2-DAY WET SHAVE, BEARD SHAPING & WAXING COURSE

Take your barbering or hairdressing skills to the next level with our intensive 2-day course focused on modern gents grooming. This hands-on training is designed for professionals who want to refine their techniques and expand their service menu with specialist skills that keep clients coming back.

Across two days, you’ll master the art of the traditional wet shave, learning precision techniques to deliver a smooth, professional finish while ensuring client comfort. You’ll also explore advanced beard shaping, giving you the confidence to sculpt and maintain beards of all lengths and styles to suit your client’s face shape. The course also covers waxing, teaching you how to achieve clean, long-lasting results on areas such as brows, cheeks, and ears – essential details that complete a polished look.

To ensure maximum practice, you’ll be required to bring 3 male models for a clean shave and 2 male models for beard shaping and waxing. With expert guidance, you’ll gain the confidence to offer these services immediately in your salon or barbershop.

Course Fee: £290, flexible payment options available through Payl8r.

1-DAY HAIR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM COURSE

Take your skills to the next level with our intensive 1 Day Hair Replacement System Course, designed for experienced hairdressers and barbers who want to expand their expertise in male pattern baldness solutions.

Hair systems are a modern, non-surgical solution to hair loss, offering clients natural-looking coverage and restored confidence. Unlike traditional wigs, systems are carefully bonded to the scalp, blending seamlessly with existing hair for a realistic finish. As demand for this service grows, mastering hair system application can set you apart in the industry.

During this hands-on course, you’ll learn:

The fundamentals of hair systems and how they work
Scalp preparation and system fitting techniques
Cutting, blending, and styling for a flawless finish
Aftercare advice to ensure client satisfaction and longevity of the system

You will be required to bring one male model, who will receive a full system fitting on the day, allowing you to gain invaluable real-world practice.

Course Fee: £990, which includes a premium hair system, professional-grade glue, and solvent. Flexible funding options are available through Payl8r.
Invest in your career and stand out as a specialist in hair restoration.

2-DAY SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION TRAINING

Take your skills to the next level with our intensive 2-day Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) course, designed specifically for hairdressers and barbers who want to expand their services and stand out in the industry.

What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
SMP is a highly effective, non-surgical solution for male pattern baldness and thinning hair. Using precise pigmentation techniques, you can recreate the look of natural hair follicles, restore hairlines, and give clients the appearance of fuller hair. It’s one of the fastest-growing treatments in men’s grooming, offering life-changing results and an additional revenue stream for your business.

What the Course Covers:

Introduction to SMP and consultation skills
Hands-on training
Techniques for hairline design and density work
Health, safety, and aftercare best practices
Applying for your License

Course Fee: £1,490 – this includes your professional equipment kit, so you can start working immediately after training.
Funding Option: Flexible payment plans are available through Payl8r, making it easier to spread the cost and invest in your future.Enhance your expertise, grow your business, and give clients the confidence they deserve.

HALF DAY PERMING FOR GENTS COURSE

Take your barbering skills to the next level with our Half Day Perming Course, designed specifically for professionals who want to master the art of working with men. Perming is no longer just about curls – it’s about using modern techniques to add texture, volume, and confidence for clients experiencing thinning hair.

This intensive, hands-on course focuses on practical solutions for men who want stylish, natural-looking results that enhance their overall appearance. You’ll learn how to apply perming methods that disguise thinning areas, create fuller styles, and give your clients more options than the standard short back and sides.

Over the course of just a few hours, you’ll gain the confidence to introduce perming into your everyday services, opening up a valuable new income stream for your business. All equipment is included in the price, so you’ll be fully equipped to put your new skills into practice straight away.

You will be required to bring a model to practice on.

Course Fee: £390, flexible payment options available through Payl8r.
Take the step toward becoming a more versatile barber – and offer solutions that make a real difference.

HALF DAY KERATIN HAIR STRENGTHENING COURSE

Take your hairstyling skills to the next level with our Half-Day Keratin Hair Straightening Course, designed specifically for experienced hairdressers and barbers. If you want to master the art of transforming frizzy, curly, or unmanageable hair into smooth, glossy styles, this course is perfect for you.

Keratin Hair Straightening is a professional treatment that infuses hair with keratin, a natural protein, to eliminate frizz, reduce curl, and create long-lasting smoothness. The result is shiny, manageable hair that maintains its style for weeks.

During this hands-on course, you will learn how to properly apply the keratin treatment, section hair for optimal results, and safely use professional flat irons to seal in the product. You will gain the confidence to offer this sought-after service in your salon, ensuring clients leave with silky, salon-quality results.

You are required to bring one long-haired model for practical training, giving you real experience in delivering flawless results.

Course Fee: £890, which includes all products needed for the training. Flexible funding options are also available through Payl8r, making it easier to invest in your professional growth.

Elevate your skills and expand your services—book your spot today and start creating beautifully straight, frizz-free hair.

Want to join our academy and become a barber? Enquire now!

Name

Contact us

01642 913632

recruitment@skinsnneedles.co.uk

Location

174 Linthorpe Road

Middlesbrough

TS1 3RB