Teaching Barbering to Athletes Across Australia

By Gareth Philpott, The Barber Academy

Over the last couple of years, I’ve had the opportunity to do something unique — teach barbering to athletes across some of the biggest sporting codes in Australia.

Through The Barber Academy, we’ve been running hands-on education sessions with Rugby League, AFL, and now Rugby Union clubs. These aren’t just one-off workshops — they’re proper introductions into the world of barbering. A taste test, you could say, into what it’s like to pick up the clippers, learn a new skill, and see if it’s something worth pursuing further.

What started as a simple idea has turned into one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Taking Barbering to the Locker Room

I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the country, from major cities to regional towns, working directly with clubs and players. We bring everything in — tools, kits, mannequins, and most importantly, the energy. It’s not a classroom setting. We’re set up in gyms, recovery centres, locker rooms — anywhere the players are comfortable. And once we get started, the response is always the same: they’re hooked.

There’s something about barbering that just clicks with athletes. Maybe it’s the attention to detail, the hands-on nature, or the satisfaction of seeing instant results. Whatever it is, I’ve seen players completely switch on when they start cutting. You can tell who’s going to take it further within the first 20 minutes.

More Than Just a Haircut

These sessions aren’t about becoming a qualified barber overnight. They’re designed to give players a real-world taste of what it feels like to cut hair — properly. We cover the basics: clipper control, fading, blending, scissor work, sectioning. It’s short, sharp, and practical. And for many of them, it’s the first time they’ve been exposed to a trade skill like this. Some walk away thinking, “That was fun.” Others say, “How do I sign up for the full course?”

That’s where The Barber Academy comes in. For those ready to take it further, we offer a clear pathway into the Certificate III in Barbering, and we support them every step of the way.

Building Culture Within the Team

One of the things I’ve noticed is how quickly barbering builds connection. When players start cutting each other’s hair — even just practising on mannequins or mates — there’s a new kind of energy in the room. They’re laughing, asking questions, showing off their progress. It becomes part of the team culture.

It’s also a great outlet for creativity and focus. Whether it’s cutting before game day, lining up a new look for the off-season, or just trying something new, barbering gives these athletes a chance to switch gears mentally and physically.

A Skill for Life After Sport

One of the reasons I’m so passionate about this initiative is because it gives players something tangible outside of their sport. The reality is careers in professional sport don’t last forever. Injuries happen. Contracts change. And when the spotlight fades, it helps to have a skill in your back pocket — something you can turn into a career or a side hustle.

I’ve already seen a few players from early programs take that next step — finishing their Cert III, working in barbershops during the off-season, even building their own personal brands. That’s what it’s all about. Giving them a head start on something that could change their life beyond the game.

What’s Next?

We’ve only just scratched the surface. There’s growing interest from other sporting codes — and we’re ready to keep rolling. The goal isn’t to create barbers out of every player, but to expose them to the possibilities. If someone walks away from one of our sessions thinking, “That was the first time I felt passionate about something outside of footy,” then I’ve done my job.

Barbering has changed my life — and now I get to share that with people who are already driven, focused, and eager to learn something new. Whether they’re cutting for mates, building a career, or just trying something different, I’m proud to be the one showing them the ropes. See you on the road — and don’t forget your clippers.

@garethphilpott @thebarberacademyaus