The world of barbering and hairstyling never stands still. New cutting techniques, colour trends, increasingly sophisticated tools: staying up to date is a necessity, not a luxury. Yet for years, training in this sector followed a rigid model: physical classrooms, costly travel, fixed timetables. It was a system that excluded the very people who needed it most: professionals working full days in the salon, those living far from major cities, and anyone unable to invest hundreds of euros in a single day of classroom-based training.
That model is changing. That’s why we at Treatwell have chosen to partner with BeConcept, the first AI-powered e-learning platform dedicated to the hair and beauty sector. With over 200 courses, more than 20 international educators and content available in 7 languages, BeConcept is now accessible to salons across the Treatwell network, because we believe professional development is the natural complement to digital salon management.
“It all started five years ago during a trip to Medellín, Colombia. I immediately noticed the difference compared to Europe: over there, people in the sector, big or small, had an incredible hunger to learn, to push themselves. But there were three enormous barriers: language, geography and cost. I decided to create a training system that could break down all three.”
Andrea, Founder of BeConcept
In this guide, we explore what sets BeConcept apart, why the sector is shifting towards digital, which skills to develop and who the educators are that are shaping the future of the profession.
How BeConcept is innovating training for hairdressers
BeConcept is the world’s first platform to apply artificial intelligence to professional training for barbers and hairdressers, automatically translating every course into 7 languages. In practice, a barber in Dublin can follow a lesson delivered by a Brazilian artist, in their own language, from their phone, at whatever time suits them.
The mission is to make training accessible to everyone, regardless of country, language or budget. The numbers tell the story of a platform growing fast: a catalogue of more than 200 courses, a faculty of over 20 professionals from Italy, Spain, Brazil and Portugal, availability in 62 countries and a target of reaching 8 languages by the end of 2026.
As a mark of its standing in the sector, BeConcept was a headline presence at Cosmoprof 2026 in Bologna, the world’s leading beauty trade show, with over 255,000 attendees and more than 3,100 exhibitors from 68 countries.
The vision goes beyond on-demand courses: BeConcept aims to become the ecosystem that bridges physical and digital, digitalising events and trade shows and serving as a training hub for sector brands looking to upskill sales teams and clients without the logistics.
For us at Treatwell, the integration was a natural step. With over 35,000 salons across Europe, we wanted to offer our partners not just tools to manage bookings and clients, but also a pathway for continuous professional development. BeConcept brings the training content; we bring the network. Digital supporting craftsmanship.
BeConcept also collaborates with leading brands including Proraso, Gamma+, Alfaparf Milano, Upgrade, Maletti, Lighten Hair and Stylecraft, further cementing its position in the industry.
“I chose BeConcept to gain greater visibility in Europe. I understood the mission and the vision of the project and I embraced it fully, both for physical and digital events.”
Gue Oliveira, CEO Gue Art Concept, 9 million followers
Why online training for hairdressers is the future
The beauty sector is one of the most dynamic in the world: $587 billion in global value, a European cosmetics market worth over €100 billion and growing steadily, and an e-commerce beauty segment expanding year on year. New techniques, new products, clients who are increasingly well-informed thanks to social media: the pace of innovation in the sector is accelerating, and with it the pressure on professionals to keep their skills current.
The problem is that the traditional training model (classroom courses, travel, entire days away from the salon) simply can’t keep up. It’s too slow, too expensive and too exclusive for a sector that moves at the speed of an Instagram Reel.
This is where digital comes in. The e-learning market is growing at double-digit rates right across Europe, and the vast majority of companies now use online training to upskill their teams. It’s no coincidence: professionals across every industry are migrating towards online training because it’s flexible, affordable and scalable. For those working in the salon, this translates into three clear advantages: studying between clients without closing the business, accessing international educators thanks to AI translation, and doing so at a fraction of the cost of a classroom course.
Demand for upskilling in beauty is growing. The only channel capable of meeting it affordably is digital. This isn’t a passing trend. It’s a structural shift.
Which online courses to choose: the key areas of expertise
Online courses for hairdressers and barbers now cover every area of the profession, from cutting to business management. Here are the main areas worth investing in and the courses available on BeConcept for each.
Men’s cutting and barbering
This is the core of barbering training. Fades, clipper and scissor work, structured cuts like the pompadour, crop and caesar cut all demand a precision that can only be refined through study and constant practice.
On BeConcept: Pompadour Tirabaci and Bald Fade by Andrea Discanni (12 and 8 videos), Cesar Cut Disconnected (13 videos): courses from beginner to intermediate level with step-by-step demonstrations on real models.
Beard and shaving
From shaping the beard to traditional straight-razor shaving, beard care is a specialism in its own right that sets a complete barber apart.
On BeConcept: Beard Adjustment with Andrea Discanni and with Andrew Gargiulo (two different approaches), Traditional Shaving by Giovanni Cibin, official Proraso barber.
Colour theory and colouring techniques
Colour theory, lightening techniques, colour correction: these are increasingly in-demand skills that make a real difference to the client experience.
On BeConcept: Colorimetria by Ori Impagliazzo (9 videos, beginner level, with certification), a comprehensive course from pigment theory through to practical application, and Color Correction by Gue Oliveira (14 videos, intermediate level), delivered by a professional with over 9 million followers.
Women’s cutting and styling
Layered cuts, the pixie cut, techniques for curly and straight hair: women’s cutting requires sensitivity and specific expertise.
On BeConcept: Pixie Curly by Andrea Discanni (9 videos, advanced) and Round Layers by Claudia Badass (5 videos, advanced): techniques that would typically only be learnt in an academy, now available in digital format.
Marketing and salon management
Knowing how to cut is essential, but business skills make the difference when it comes to growing a salon. Online training covers this too: salon management, social media marketing, personal branding and client retention strategies.
The best educators in barbering and hairstyling
The value of a training platform comes down to its educators. Here are the professionals who teach on BeConcept.
Andrea Discanni: Oir Barbershop Milano, Gamma+ ambassador and Proraso trainer. One of the most recognised barbers in Italy, he delivers courses on men’s cutting and beards from beginner through to advanced level. Instagram: @andreadiscanni · YouTube: Andrea Discanni · TikTok: @andreadiscannioficial
Gue Oliveira: CEO Gue Art Concept, Brazil. Over 9 million Instagram followers and 4.4 million on TikTok. Specialises in colour theory and colour correction. Instagram: @gueoliveira · TikTok: @gueoliveira0 · YouTube: @gueoliveira
Lorenzo Marchelle: Turin-based hairstylist, Alfaparf Milano Educator, founder of Attilio Artistic Team, Alternative Hair Show winner. A respected voice in cutting and styling in Italy. Instagram: @lorenzomarchelle
Nando Quaranta: Italian Barber, Sant’Antimo (Naples). Intercontinental champion in Kiev, barber to Lorenzo Insigne. Neapolitan barbering on the international stage. Instagram: @nando.quaranta · TikTok: @labarbieriadelseggio
Eduardo Muller: a cornerstone of Brazilian barber culture, host of “The Best Barber Brazil”, founder of Barber Pro Education. Instagram: @eduardomulleroficial
Also teaching on the platform: Ismael De Marin (men’s cutting, @ismaeldemarin), Giovanni Cibin (traditional shaving, official Proraso barber), Andrew Gargiulo (beard and cutting, @andrewgargiulo), Claudia Badass (women’s cutting, @claubadass), Ori Impagliazzo (colour theory, @oriimpagliazzok), Sammy Chiaretto (thermal cutting, @zerorighe), Francesco Cirignotta (trichology specialist, @francescocirignotta) and Agus Mazzoli (@agussmazzoli).
How to choose the right training platform
Not all online course platforms for hairdressers are created equal. Here are six criteria to assess before investing your time and money.
Course catalogue. It should cover multiple areas (cutting, colour, beards, management) with courses at all levels. Ideally, content is broken into short videos that are easy to fit around your working day.
Educators with a track record. Professionals with real salon experience, international recognition and a verifiable professional following. Names matter.
Multilingual support. In a global sector, being able to access courses in multiple languages is a real advantage. AI translation makes it possible to follow a course in English even when the educator is speaking Portuguese.
Certifications. Check that the platform issues certificates on course completion: useful for your CV and for building credibility with clients.
Price. A subscription giving access to an entire catalogue is far better value than individual classroom courses at €200–€500 per day.
Mobile. The platform needs to work smoothly on a smartphone, with an intuitive interface and ideally offline access.
Find the right course for you
Continuous professional development is what separates those who grow from those who stand still. And today, accessing it is simpler than ever.
That’s why we chose to bring BeConcept into the Treatwell ecosystem: to give professionals in the sector a concrete tool for growth, without having to sacrifice working days or face costly travel.
If you’re already a Treatwell salon, you can access BeConcept courses now. If you’re not yet part of the network, find out how to join Treatwell and get BeConcept training alongside all the tools to manage and grow your salon.
FAQs
How long does it take to see real results with clients?
It depends on the technique and your starting level, but the short-video format means you can put a new technique into practice within days. A course like the Pompadour Tirabaci (12 videos) is designed to be applied in the salon straight after watching. The best platforms also offer recommended pathways for complete beginners, with a gradual progression from basic movements to the finished result.
Are the certificates recognised?
Certificates issued on course completion serve as proof of continuing professional development and can be displayed in your salon or added to your CV. For international competitions or specific brand qualifications, it's worth checking on a case-by-case basis. In general, the educator's reputation carries more weight than the document itself.
Can you download courses and watch them offline?
The most modern platforms let you save courses for offline viewing, access them from multiple devices on the same subscription and keep a record of completed courses even if you change phones. These are essential features for anyone working in a salon, where the Wi-Fi connection isn't always reliable.
How does the cost compare with classroom training?
A day's in-person training with a top-level educator costs between €200 and €500, plus travel and the lost earnings from closing the salon. A subscription to an online platform gives you access to hundreds of courses at a fraction of that cost, with the freedom to learn without blocking your working day.
Can you become a barber by studying online only?
Online training is ideal for building theoretical knowledge and studying techniques in detail, but hands-on skill develops through direct practice: on real models, in the salon, with your hands in the hair. The most effective approach is an integrated one: theory and inspiration online, practice in the salon or at an academy. It's the blended model that the industry is increasingly adopting.
