How to Become a Professional Barber in 5 Steps

<h2 id="section---WhatIsProfessionalBarbering">What Is Professional Barbering?</h2> <p>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. </p> <h2 id="section---BarberRequirementsOverview">Barber Requirements Overview</h2> <p>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 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. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToBecomeABarberIn5Steps">How to Become a Barber in 5 Steps</h2> <p>With the proper instruction and practical experience, becoming a professional barber can be achieved. Below are 5 steps to becoming a licensed, professional barber. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1HaveAHighSchoolDiplomaOrEquivalent">Step 1: Have a High School Diploma or Equivalent</h3> <p>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. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2BecomeABarbershopReceptionist">Step 2: Become a Barbershop Receptionist</h3> <p>To find out if the barber profession is the right fit, a job as a barbershop receptionist may provide some insight. Barbershop receptionists typically need a high school diploma, and experience in retail or customer service is often preferred or even required. However, a barber license is not required, so a receptionist job may be a good way to learn about the business of barbering up close. Receptionists often deal with clients, take phone calls and schedule appointments, clean the shop, manage inventory, and ensure customer satisfaction. </p> <p>If this option isn't available, it may help to take some <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Free_Online_Cosmetology_Courses_Where_Can_I_Find_Them.html">free online cosmetology courses</a>. Certain courses only focus on haircutting and styling, so this could be a good way to see if working with hair is the right fit. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3AttendBarberCosmetologySchoolOrBecomeAnApprentice">Step 3: Attend Barber/Cosmetology School or Become an Apprentice</h3> <p>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. </p> <p>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. Some barber schools offer programs for cosmetologists to learn barbering skills. Depending on the services an individual wants to offer, it may help to gain advanced skincare skills from an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Esthetician_Certification_Programs_Your_Questions_Answered.html">esthetician program</a>. </p> <p>In both barber and cosmetology schools, students start with theoretical instruction, then they move on to practicing on mannequins and later on to customers. They will have to complete a set number of hours to pass the program. Choosing a barber or cosmetology school depends on what services an individual wants to perform as well as their state's licensing requirements. </p> <p>Another option is to seek an apprenticeship. Some professional barbers take apprentices and act as a mentor to provide hands-on training. An apprentice will still learn through a textbook, but their practical experience will be more one-on-one than what traditional barber schools can provide. However, not all states recognize apprenticeships as an alternative to barber school, and it may take more hours of training to obtain an official license. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4TakeTheStateBoardExamAndEarnALicense">Step 4: Take the State Board Exam and Earn a License</h3> <p>Some states count cosmetology training towards a barber's license and vice versa. Depending on the state, the licenses may be separate or combined. In order to earn a barber's license, one needs to take an exam through their state's board of barbering and cosmetology. Once the exam is passed, an application for a license can be submitted to the board. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ApplyForABarberJob">Step 5: Apply for a Barber Job</h3> <p>There are other places barbers can work besides a barbershop. After completing training and obtaining a license, barbers can freelance and open their own business, or work in spas, hotels, and resorts. According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, the average annual barber salary for 2021 is $39,625. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a job outlook of 18% from 2020-2030 for barbers. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Job Type </td><td> Barber</td></tr> <tr><td> Education </td><td> Barber or cosmetology school</td></tr> <tr><td> Licensing </td><td> License from state board of barbering and cosmetology</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> customer service, tidiness, time management, interpersonal, physical stamina</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2021)** </td><td> $39,625</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2020-2030)* </td><td> 18%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; **PayScale.com</i></p>