How To Become a Barber: The Ultimate Guide

So you want to become a barber? It’s a great decision! Barbering is a rewarding and exciting career. But it’s not always easy to figure out how to become a barber. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide. In this post, we will outline the steps that you need to take to become a successful barber. We’ll also provide some tips and advice for getting started in this exciting field. So read on and learn how to become a barber!

What is a professional barber and what do they do

Professional barbers are people that have been trained to cut and style hair in a professional setting. They usually work in barbershops or salons, but they can also work in other settings such as hotels, resorts, and even some schools.

Barbering is an important profession because it helps people to look their best. When you become a professional barber, you will be responsible for cutting hair, shaving beards, and providing other grooming services to your clients.

The Evolution of Barbering

This practice was first discovered by the ancient Egyptians who would shave their heads and faces to keep cool in the hot desert sun. In those days, barbers were also responsible for providing medical care and even performing surgery!

During world war 2, barbers were trained in how to give emergency blood transfusions and how to treat wounds. Some even treated migraines or headaches by performing pressure point therapy on the temples.

The first barber school was established in Italy in 1530 and since then, the industry has boomed. Barbering is now a popular profession all over the world and there are many different ways to get involved.

Nowadays licensed barbers can work in barbershops, salons, spas, or even at men’s only clubs. There are also opportunities to freelance or to start your own business.

Getting Started in Barbering

In order to work as a barber nowadays, you need to take a written and practical exam which is overseen by the National Interstate Council of Board of Cosmetology and your state board on barbering or cosmetology. Most barbers choose a cosmetology school, as it will prepare students for the written and practical exams, as well as give them experience working with clients that is otherwise extremely hard to get.

The first step is to find a good cosmetology school that will teach barber techniques. Barbers are very different from someone who just styles hair, they are trained in specific techniques and other services that you cannot find at most hair care shops.

Try to get recommendations from friends or family members who have gone through the process before, and research the schools thoroughly before making a decision.

How To Choose The Right Barber School for Your Barber License

When it comes to choosing a barber school, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first is accreditation. Make sure the school you’re considering is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Accredited programs will help you get your cosmetology degree and pass your practical exam so you can get your barber’s license.

The second thing to look for is how long the program is. Most states require a minimum of 1500 hours but some programs can be as long as 1800 hours. How many training hours you need will vary based on your state license requirements, but good barbers schools will prepare you to exceed those requirements.

The third thing you’ll want to consider is cost. Barber school can be expensive, so make sure you compare financial aid options and tuition costs before making your decision. The good news is that job outlook for barbers is strong, so your investment will pay off in the long run.

And finally, take a look at the curriculum to make sure it covers everything you’ll need to know to get your barber license and become a barber. Becoming a barber takes a lot more than cutting and styling hair. Most programs will offer a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Look for a program that offers a balance of both so you can get the most out of your education.

Barber licensure requires you to know how to shave facial hair, give haircuts, and perform other barbering services, so the more you know the greater barber you’ll be. Learning how to stay on top of fashion trends and new ways barbers cut hair will give you an edge over your competition.

Some barber schools have a specific cosmetology program with hands-on training. Be sure to compare different barber programs when considering barbering school. A cosmetology school that offers a barbering program may have different requirements than a stand-alone barber school.

The Cost of a Barber Program and How To Pay for It

A barber’s license can be expensive to earn when you’re also paying for a barber program. Most barber shops in the barbering industry will look for a barber who has completed an accredited barber program. You can find many of these programs at your local community college or technical school.

Community colleges usually offer the most affordable tuition rates, while private schools might have higher tuition rates but also offer more financial aid opportunities. If you’re not sure how you will pay for your education, research grants and scholarships might be available to help offset the cost of tuition.

Requirements for Becoming a Licensed Barber Shop

Having your own barbershop is a different story. To open a barbershop, you’ll need to get a business license from your city or county. You’ll also need to get a surety bond, which is insurance that protects your customers in case something goes wrong. And of course, you’ll need to find the perfect location and furnish it with all the necessary equipment.

Now that you know how to become a barber, it’s time to start planning your path to success! Use this guide as a starting point and research each step in more detail. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dream of becoming a professional barber.

What Type of Equipment Do Barbers Typically Need?

As a professional wanting their own barber shop, you will need tools for more than just hair cutting. Facial hair, scalp treatments, and hair styler equipment are all necessities to provide your clients with a complete grooming experience.

You will also need to purchase furniture like chairs, mirrors, and waiting area seating as well as basic supplies like shampoo, conditioner, towels, and styling products. Of course, you will also need to stock up on sharp scissors, razors, and clippers!

Do Barbers Need to Earn Continuing Education Credits?

To stay in good standing you’ll need to handle your license renewal, but in most states barbers only need to fill out a form and pay the renewal fee instead of completing continuing education credits. However, many barbers choose to take courses or a training program, and attend conventions to learn about the latest trends, styles, and techniques. Staying current is a great way to keep up with new hair styling techniques and give your clients the best possible experience and keep them coming back!

The Best Way To Start Your Career as a Barber

Once you have done your research about barber programs and have decided to be a licensed barber will be your goal, you’ll want to start learning the basics. Having a mentor or someone to show you the ropes will give you a great advantage for your own shop as well as having hands-on experience when you start attending a state-approved barber program. Many a great barber started out at a shop charging less than others, and taking the walk-ins while more experienced barbers took the appointments.

You’ll want to learn how to give a great haircut, how to fade, how to do shaves, how to line up and edge, and more to be able to schedule appointments for yourself easily.

Some of the things you can learn to jumpstart your barbering career include:

• facial shaving techniques
• skin treatments
• hair coloring
• styling techniques
• facial hair maintenance
• straight razor shaving
• permanent waving
• custom shaves
• hair care

You’ll also want to have at least a high school diploma to meet the requirements before joining barber programs. A master barber license that is granted from passing the barber license exam will give you hands-on training as well as the written and practical component that comes with a training program. Many barbers after passing their licensing exam and graduating from barbering programs, find work in salons, spas, or barbershops. Some even start their own company!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a barber make good money?

As a barber, you can expect to make a comfortable wage and with experience, this could lead to higher earnings. The median annual wage for barbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, was $25,770 in May 2019, but with better customer satisfaction comes more appointments and a higher rate that you can charge your clients.

Is becoming a barber worth it?

Barbering programs typically last about nine months but can take up to two years to complete. During your program, you will learn how to cut hair using scissors and clippers, give shaves, perform facials, color hair, hair styling, and hair cutting. Having on-the-job training will make it easier to learn these different techniques. You will also learn how to run a business, how to market your services, and how to build a clientele.

After you have completed your training and passed the state licensing exam, you will be ready to start your own barbering business or work in a salon though! Employment of barbers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2029. So if you’re looking for a career with good pay and job security, consider becoming a barber!

Is it hard to become a barber?

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on a few factors. If you are good with your hands, have an outgoing personality, and are willing to learn, then becoming a barber may not be that difficult for you. However, if you do not have any of these qualities, then it may be more difficult for you to become a successful barber.