Francois Academy – Barber School, Thessaloniki

Francois Academy is on Ermou in central Thessaloniki, not Athens, as older directory data recorded, and holds both private IEK and KΔBM status, describing its award as a recognised state diploma at Level 5 with EOPPEP certification. That makes it one of the better-credentialled Greek options, though it publishes no licence number.

Four routes are offered: a two-year IEK barber programme, an accelerated four-month course run under its lifelong learning centre, an online course, and short seminars. The four-month course covers clipper selection, layering and geometric shapes, fade variations, traditional shaving, beard styling, colour theory, marketing and shop operations, taught in small groups with morning, afternoon or evening slots, a range that makes it workable alongside a job. The academy has a partnership arrangement supporting graduates who want to open their own shop. Prices are not published for any route, so ask.

On Greek credentials: private training bodies are licensed either as an IEK/ΣAEK or as a KΔBM lifelong learning centre, and a published licence number is the signal worth looking for. The professional barber licence itself comes through EOPPEP examination and generally requires documented working experience alongside the qualification. A course certificate on its own is not the licence.