Barbering

Overview

Barbering programs prepare people to work as barbers. Students learn to give haircuts and shaves to customers. They learn how to trim hair and beards, style hair, and fit hairpieces. They also learn to give shampoos.

Barbering programs include topics such as:

• Hair cutting and styling
• Shaving
• Hairpieces
• Equipment operation and safety
• Customer service
• License exam preparation

Schools

A few community colleges offer programs in barbering.

Many cosmetology schools offer certificate programs in barbering. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Cosmetology and Hair Design
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Barbers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

• Hairstylists and Cosmetologists

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.

You may also be required to pass a basic academic skills test such as the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Art
• Barbering
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Introduction to Business
• Introduction to Communication
• Safety and First Aid

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Bacteriology and Sanitation
• Barber-Styling Lab
• Basic Haircutting
• Beards and Moustaches
• Chemical Hair Processing
• Facials and Makeup
• Hair Coloring Chemistry
• Hair Coloring Methodology Lab
• Hair Styling and Design
• Marketing and Business Management
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Regulations
• Salon Management
• Scalp Treatment, Shampooing, and Conditioning
• Science of Barbering
• Shaving, Honing, Strop
• Structure and Disorders of Nails

Most programs include a practicum in their curriculum. After practicing barbering techniques in labs and on mannequins, this is an opportunity to apply your skills with real clients.

Some programs have their own clinics where you can complete your practicum; other programs have a list of approved barbershops where you can work. Whatever the setting, you benefit from the guidance and direct supervision of an experienced barber.

Things to Know

You are expected to buy your own equipment and instruments for your courses.

You need to be licensed by the state to be a barber. State licensure requirements vary but typically include a written exam and a one- to three-year apprenticeship.

Many barbers are self-employed and run their own businesses. You may find it helpful to take business courses in accounting, marketing, and management.

Schools

East Side Area

Bluestone Academy

• Barbering

Walla Walla Community College

• Cosmetology--Barbering

King-Snohomish Area

Vuu's Beauty School

• Barber

Spokane Area

Paul Mitchell The School - Spokane

• Barber

Tacoma Area

Bates Technical College

• Barber

BJ's Beauty and Barber College

• Barbering

Tri-Cities Area

Victoria's Academy of Cosmetology

• Barbering

West Side Area

Fosbre Academy of Hair Design

• Barbering