what course to take to become a barber

by Serena Sanford 5 min read

Here are the basic steps to becoming a barber:

  1. Complete a program/apprenticeship The first step is to get an education in either a barber program or a cosmetology program. ...
  2. Pass the license exam Every state requires prospective barbers to pass a state-approved license exam. These exams usually involve both a written and practical component. ...
  3. Maintain your license

Barber certificate or diploma
It includes courses on cutting and styling hair, hair care techniques, shaving beards and grooming facial hair. Barber certificate programs include courses in professional development and salon management.
May 6, 2021

What education and training is required to become a barber?

In most states, educational requirements for barbers include a high school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited barber training program, such as the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Training programs are offered through cosmetology or barber schools and often take between nine months and two years to complete, depending on whether students choose full- or part-time programs.

What skills are needed to be a barber?

What skills are required for Barbers? Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively. Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of ...

How much do I make as a new barber?

How much does a Barber make? As of Jul 2, 2021, the average monthly pay for a Barber in the United States is $3,593 a month. While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $6,500 and as low as $1,000, the majority of Barber salaries currently range between $2,208 (25th percentile) to $4,292 (75th percentile) across the United States.

Do you need a college degree to be a barber?

Do you need a college degree to be a barber? Barbers typically need at least high school diploma or GED. Most states require barbers to complete training at a barber school that is state-licensed. Most barber training programs take about 9 months to complete and lead to a certificate or associate degree.

What qualifications do I need to be a barber?

How to become a barberComplete your high school education. Formal barber programs require a completed highschool diploma. ... Complete a barber program. Enrol in a barbering program after highschool. ... Take the licensing exam. To get the barbering licence you need to pass the licensing exam.

How do I start a barber career?

Below are 5 steps to becoming a licensed, professional barber.Step 1: Have a High School Diploma or Equivalent. ... Step 2: Become a Barbershop Receptionist. ... Step 3: Attend Barber/Cosmetology School or Become an Apprentice. ... Step 4: Take the State Board Exam and Earn a License. ... Step 5: Apply for a Barber Job.

Is it hard to become a barber?

As a career, it's fun, rewarding, has the potential to make good money, and has great job prospects. Is it hard to do? No — but being a good barber with an above-average salary will take years of practice and experience. As with anything in life, it takes hard work, discipline, and determination to achieve.

How long does it take to become a barber?

Barber school typically requires 1,500 hours, which takes about 10 months to complete. Students in these barbering programs take coursework in theory and receive hands-on training in hair-cutting techniques. The curriculum for barber school may include topics and training in areas like: Haircutting.

Is becoming a barber worth it?

Barbering brings a lot of benefits—you can make great money, the job security is next level (c'mon, people will always need their hair taken care of), there's lots of customer interaction, and you get to tap into both your creative and business savvy sides. Plus, you're likely going to be in demand.

Do barbers make a lot of money?

Average Working Wage of a Barber According to national occupational employment statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean hourly wage of a professional barber is $14.65. Barbers in the 90th percentile of this profession make a mean hourly wage of $23.31. The mean annual wage of a barber is $30,480.

How much do barbers make a week?

As a junior barber, after completing your training, you can expect to earn about £40-£60 per day in salary, and £20 in tips. If you work a 6-day week and 50 weeks per year, this equates to earnings of £18,000 to £24,000. With time and experience, a pro barber can earn as much as £1000 per week or £50k per year.

Who is the richest barber?

Ramesh BabuYes, you heard that right. Ramesh Babu, christened as India's 'Billionaire Barber,' is one of the 140 billionaires in India who owns more than 400 luxurious cars, including high-end brands like Roll Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and BMW.

Can you teach yourself to be a barber?

Yes, it is possible to make decent money as an amateur hairdresser. You will need to learn a few skills to make money cutting hairs yourself. Here are some essential skills that you will need to master.

How do I become a barber in Australia?

How to Become a Barber in Australia: 3 Steps to Successful CertificationObtain a Certificate III in Barbering. Depending on where you live and your preferred schooling method, you need to undertake formal training. ... Do apprentice work. ... Find a job or open your own barbershop.

How long does it take to become a barber UK?

Apprenticeship. A barbering apprenticeship usually takes between 2 to 3 years to complete and is most common among 16-18-year-olds who have just completed their GCSEs.

How do I become a barber in South Africa?

Below is How to Become A Barber South Africa Complete your high school education. Formal barber programs require a completed highschool diploma. Complete a barber program. Enrol in a barbering program after highschool.

What are the requirements to become a barber?

Barber Requirements Overview. In order to work, barbers need to complete an accredited barbering program, cosmetology program, or a barbering apprenticeship, in addition to passing an exam to receive a state license. Barbers need to be creative, with strong listening, customer service, and time-management skills in order to work well ...

How to become a barber?

Step 1: Have a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Most states require barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to complete high school or have a GED before entering any kind of barber or cosmetology training program. A high school diploma or GED can be earned in the classroom or online through accredited programs.

How much does a barber make in 2019?

According to PayScale, the average annual barber salary for 2019 is $35,020. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a job outlook of 7% from 2018-2028 for barbers. Job Type. Barber.

What skills do barbers need?

Barbers need to be creative, with strong listening, customer service, and time-management skills in order to work well with clients and perform in a timely manner. They should also be tidy, so their workspace can stay clean and organized, and have good physical stamina since they are on their feet most of the day.

What do barbers do?

Barber schools teach styling techniques that predominantly focus on men. Students learn men's haircuts and styles, facial shaving and beard trimming, razor cutting, permanent waving, scalp treatments, and men's facials/skincare. Some barber schools teach hair coloring, but it is usually not a part of the curriculum.

What is professional barbering?

Professional barbering is a service performed by licensed barbers. They cut and style hair, usually men's, and may perform other services such as facial shaving, shampooing, and permanent waves. Depending on the state in which they are licensed, they may also bleach, highlight and dye hair.

Does a barber school teach hair coloring?

Some barber schools teach hair coloring, but it is usually not a part of the curriculum. Cosmetology schools also teach men's haircutting and styling, as well as general hair coloring; however, the total curriculum in a cosmetology school is different from barber school.

How do I become a barber?

Getting The Necessary Education and Training. A comprehensive education in barbering is usually the first step to earning the state license required to become a barber. To achieve state licensure, most state boards of cosmetology and barbering require the completion of an approved education program or an apprenticeship, and in some states, both.

How can I become a successful barber?

To be a successful barber, individuals should be friendly and outgoing, and they should enjoy meeting new people and spending the better part of their day socializing with the clients they serve. Those interested in barbering should be prepared to spend the majority of the day on their feet and working with their hands.

How do barbers start their careers?

Most barbers begin their careers by working as an employee for an established barber shop. Although salary arrangements may differ from one barbershop to the next, most barbers new to the profession begin on a commission program until they build up a clientele.

What is the NIC exam?

The NIC written examination for barbering consists of the following areas of assessments: Infection control and practice.

What is the state exam for barber license?

All states require candidates for barber licenses to take and pass a state barber examination, which may be a state-designed examination, the national examination through the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), or a combination of the two.

What is a barber?

A barber is a professional who specializes in cutting and styling men’s hair and caring for men’s facial hair, skin, and scalps. Barbers, of course, are primarily employed in barbershops, although a number of high-end hotels and spas now employ barbers full-time to serve traveling businessmen.

Do women barbers still exist?

Exploring a Career in Barbering First Hand. Although women barbers do certainly exist, the barbering industry is still one dominated by men, and the majority of today’s barbers no doubt were inspired to explore this profession because of their own sense of style coupled with fond memories of visiting their local barber.

How long does it take to become a barber?

In further detail, certification for becoming a barber is completed on average in about 9 to 12 months. You’ll start with the basics, general information, and safety and sanitation, then later move onto more advanced techniques of shaving, hair coloring and cutting as you progress through your chosen barbering program.

How long does it take to get into barber school?

Each barber school is slightly different in terms of its time requirements, but the BLS indicates that most full-time programs take nine months or more to complete. Check your state requirements and regulations before committing to a school!

How many barbering emergency room visits are there a year?

There are more than 5,000 beauty and barbering-related emergency room visits every year, which makes carrying the right insurance of the upmost importance. For more information on how you can protect your career, while in school and after graduation, click here.

What is a barber?

Barbers are the specialists in masculine style, providing facial, shaving, and hair-cutting services to men. The barber career choice has also seen a recent resurgence or rise in popularity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ...

What is barber school?

According to the online career resource, Beauty Schools Directory, “barber school will teach you how to properly cut, style and color (primarily) men's hair and facial hair.

Can a cosmetologist use a straight razor?

For instance, cosmetologists (unless also dual-certified in barbering) are not allowed to use a straight razor during cuts.

Do barber schools offer scholarships?

Many barber schools offer their own grants and scholarships. When you apply for your barber program, there will likely be a second application for financial aid, or you may be able to indicate your interest in scholarships and grants on the primary application.

What is the best education for a barber?

Option 1: Barber Certificate/Diploma. The “basic” educational option for barbers is to pursue a barber certificate/diploma program. (quick note: barber “certificate” and “diploma” programs are basically synonymous). These programs are typically short and can be completed in about a year or less. Barber certificate programs focus on the basics ...

What is the best way to become a barber?

The other main option for becoming a barber is to attend a cosmetology program. Cosmetology programs cover a lot of the same ground as barber programs, including hair treatments, hair styling, chemical treatments, and shaving/beard care.

What is the difference between a barber and a cosmetologist?

Both barbers and cosmetologists focus on hairstyling, hair treatment, and hair grooming practices. Barbers, however, focus more on male beard grooming and shaving while cosmetologists learn about other beauty applications like nail and skin treatments.

What do barbers do?

Barbers focus specifically on different shaving techniques, including safety razors and straight blade shaving. Barbers also learn about chemically straightening hair, applying hair tonics, and how to measure, fit, and cut hairpieces. Most barber programs are very hands-on so the majority of your time will be spent working on actual customers.

What is a barber program?

Most barber programs are very hands-on so the majority of your time will be spent working on actual customers. Courses are often built on a theory-practice model in which the first half of the lesson is lecture-focused about hair techniques and the rest is devoted to practicing learned techniques.

How much does a barber school cost?

Barber programs vary significantly in cost depending on the area and can range from $2,000 to more than $11,000. Generally, schools offer reduced tuition for in-state residents. Aside from tuition, barbers must also buy their own equipment and supplies, and pay any program application and license application fees.

How much does a barber make an hour?

Interestingly, out of all other hairstylist professions (hairdressers, cosmetologists, etc.), barbers have the highest average hourly pay at $13.44.

What is a Barber and What Do They Do?

Barbers are a vital part of every community. Receiving a first haircut is often considered something of a rite of passage. After all, it takes a good deal of trust to have someone using a straight razor on your face or neck, not to mention fluttering scissors that send hair flying into your eyes.

Steps to Becoming a Barber

A barber is a professional who cuts hair and helps people look their best. Some are artful stylists while other barbers provide utilitarian haircuts that look good, but which may lack flair. Ultimately, every barber is able to cater to their specific clientele.

Professional Organizations

Many barbers, hair salon owners, and solo stylists opt to join professional organizations. There are numerous options available and each offers a wide variety of great benefits to current practitioners and students alike.

Barber Career, Salary and Advancement Outlook

The salary possibilities for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are rather wider ranging. While some work at local barbershops others may provide highly personalized in-home services to wealthy clientele. Nevertheless, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes a median salary of $26,270 for the profession.

Similar Careers

Skincare Specialists: These specialists work with people to optimize the health and beauty of their skin. The BLS shows that this field is experiencing high demand and will expand by 17% through 2029.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most barbers work in barber shops but may also work in salons, spas, resorts, or hotels. Barbers can also open their own business and work as a freelance barber.

Barbers

Barbers provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

What degree do you need

We did a survey to ask other Barbers what degree they had when they became a Barber. Here are the results.

How hard is it

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Barber. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

License and certifications

All states require barbers to be licensed. Qualifications for a license vary by state, but generally, a person must fulfill the following: minimum age of 16, high school diploma or equivalent and graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school.

Skills required

We asked other Barbers if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Barbers are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

How long does it take to become a barber apprentice?

The length of an apprenticeship varies between states but typically takes two years for you to complete.

What is a barber certificate?

It includes courses on cutting and styling hair, hair care techniques, shaving beards and grooming facial hair. Barber certificate programs include courses in professional development and salon management. Once you have completed the barber certificate program, you are qualified to take your state's mandated barber license exam.

How often do you need to renew your barber license?

Most states require barbers to renew their licenses every one to two years. To renew your barber license, you need to prove that you have completed the continuing education credits. You also need to pay a license renewal fee. If you are delayed in renewing your license and it expired, you need to retake your state's licensing exam.

How long does it take to get a cosmetology degree?

A cosmetology degree is between nine months to two years long. You can enroll in a cosmetology degree at a technical college, vocational school or community college. Some universities offer a four-year cosmetology program.

image