Barber School Programs

Barber school is ideal for students who are creative and enjoy helping people to look and feel their best. Barber must have a good knowledge of hair and scalp care.

Barbering training allows you to attain hands-on skills in shaving, shampooing cutting hair, and hair coloring. Barbering education also allows you to learn the fundamentals of specialized hair and scalp treatments, facials, permanent waving, and other cosmetology tricks of the trade. Barbering programs also cover health and safety issues related to the hair, scalp, and face. In addition, the barbering courses you take will prepare you to take state licensing examinations that are required in all the states. Barber training will allow you get entry-level skills in salons, beauty shops, barber shops, spas, resorts, hotels, film and television, as well as cruise ships and other entertainment setting. Almost 50% of all barbers are self-employed, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They either own their own shop or rent a chair from another barbershop owner.

Barber Education and Training

Formal training and licensing are required to become a barber, and students receive training by attending barbering courses at a cosmetology school, community college, or technical school. Upon completing a program, students are eligible to take state-licensing exams. Barbering is generally offered as a certificate program although some cosmetology colleges may offer a training that leads to an associate's degree in barbering.

In some states, cosmetology credit can be applied toward a barbering license, and vice versa. Some states also combine the two licenses. In the United States, all barbers must be licensed in order to practice and periodic license renewals may be necessary depending on the state.

Barbering courses include cutting, and hairstyling, chemical services like coloring, permanent waves and relaxers. Other courses may include, ethics and state laws and regulations. Licensure requires graduating from a state-licensed barber school.

Therefore, before enrolling in a barbering program, students should ensure it is a state-approved training program. In addition, after completing the barbering course requirements, while this may vary from state to state, one generally must be over 16 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED and also complete the state licensing exam.

Barber Careers

Like hairdressers, barbers are involved with styling hair. In general hairdressers are associated with styling women's hair, while barbers are associated with styling men's hair. Barbers cut, shave or clip men's hair. Barbers also offer face-shaving services.

Barbers and hairstylists use like tools as scissors, clippers, razors, and combs for grooming their clients. They also use lotions, gels, and powders. They must keep their work area clean and tools sterile to ensure hygiene standards are met. They also operate small business transaction like ordering supplies, making appointments, and pay bills.

Barbers interact with clients all the time there fore good customer service and relations’ skills are key. Hence students may be required to take courses in psychology and human relations in order to help develop customer service and customer relations skills. Many barbers are self-employed. Students who want to run their own business should enroll in a program that offers courses like finance, management, sales and marketing, or small business management.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the predicted jobs for barbers will increase by 7% between 2010 and 2020. As of 2010, the BLS reported that the median annual earnings of a barber were $23,810. The bottom 10% earn $15,720 on average, while the top 10% earn over $40,500. The hourly wage was $11.45 for barbers as of 2010.

To practice, barbers who attend barber school are more likely to advance faster. The median salary for those who have attended barber school also ranges, depending on whether one is running their own business or are employed, as well as the amounts of tips.

Barber school and spa therapy training