111: Fast Track vs Apprenticeships: The Future of Barber Education with Michael Kontos of LSB
From The Noble Barber by The Noble Barber
January 15, 2026 · 38 min · Episode 111
About this episode
Michael Kontos discusses the evolution of barber education and the challenges facing the industry today.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BARBERING! Use Our Exclusive Code ‘noblebarber26’ for £250 off their 9 & 12 Week NVQ Level Courses 👇 Website: https://www.londonschoolofbarbering.com/ Welcome back to The Noble Barber Podcast, Anthony Laban sits down with Michael Kontos, owner and founder of the London School of Barbering (LSB). With 15 years in the game, Michael has seen the industry evolve from the "short back and sides" era to a global fashion powerhouse. He addresses the initial "flak" he caught for his "Novice to Master" philosophy and explains why the traditional apprenticeship is "panting in the corner" as 30-year-olds look for a faster route into the craft. Michael pulls no punches on the current state of the industry, from the rise of "ego-boy" YouTubers to the "loyalty crisis" facing shop owners today. We discuss the expansion of LSB into India and Malaysia, the reality of sole ownership, and why a barber’s social skills are just as important as their fade. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a "home-taught" barber looking for structure, this conversation is an honest look at what it takes to survive and thrive in 2026. Follow LSB…
People in this episode
Host: Anthony Laban
Guest: Michael Kontos
Topics covered
- barber education
- apprenticeships
- fast track training
- industry trends
- social skills in barbering
Keywords
- barber education
- apprenticeships
- fast track
- London School of Barbering
- social skills
- industry trends
- ego-boy YouTubers
Sponsors
London School of Barbering
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: LSB
Places: India, Malaysia
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