If you are interested in a new career, becoming a barber can provide you with a very rewarding professional life. If you enjoy being in an environment that is constantly filled with a different mix of people, working in a barbershop may be the perfect place for you.
Attending a barbering school is useful in getting started as a barber. It is important to select an accredited barbering school with experienced teachers. Barbering schools are usually accredited by the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), the Accrediting Council for Continued Education and Training (ACCET), and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).
Training at a barber school provides hands-on experience and skills for those interested in pursuing a career in hair design. Barber schools focus on training hair design school students by providing comprehensive hair and skin services for men. Traditional barber training will most certainly include cutting, styling, and dyeing of men's hair, as well as shaving and trimming moustaches and beards. Barbershops today will often include services for women, and some barber schools will expand barber studies to include cosmetology, beauty and applications of makeup. But, generally, most barber training focuses exclusively on male grooming practices.
Licenses and Certifications
Training hours required for licensure vary by state and may range from 1500-2000. In addition, states vary on licensing requirements, including minimum age, prerequisite experience and educational experience. Candidates will need to complete the state application, pay the fee and take the written and practical examination of skills.
Courses available at a hair designer school include:
- Professional Hair care Technique
- Hair Color Theory
- Skincare Basics
- Cutting Technique
- Shaving Practices
- Barber Instruction
- Manicuring
- Esthiology
- Business Management
Career and Job
Employment of barbers is projected to have little or no increase in job growth, increasing 1% from 2006 to 2016 (1). Employment of personal appearance workers cutting both men’s and women’s will create slow job growth for barbers.
Job prospects should be fair for barbers with extensive experience and to replace barbers who retire or leave the field for other reasons.
As of September 2009, the middle 50% of barbers earned annual salaries between $21,877 and $32,727. The highest 10% earned annual salaries of more than $37,782 (2).
List of Top Colleges and Universities Offering Barber Certification:
- University of Arizona
- Michigan State University
- New York University
- Western Michigan University
- San Diego State University
A career as a barber is a great choice for people interesting in providing personal appearance services for male clients. Barbers must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and great customer service. They must keep a clean work environment and have a neat personal appearance. Good business skills are essential for barbers who own their own businesses.
To choosing a barber school, there is a fee for applying to a barber school, so you will want to do your research before your application goes in. You also want to make sure that you meet their prequalification so that you don’t spend time and money on a school that will not accept you as a student. Once you start school, it is important to stay current with your classes. Barber school moves at a quick pace, and if you fall behind it can be difficult to catch up. To find your best barber certification visit the Barber Schools