Barber Training & Careers

1) What Is Barbering?

The barber profession is one of the oldest in history. In ancient times, barbers were among the most revered members of a community, as it was thought that hair served as a shield against evil spirits, and those who shaped this shield were very valuable members of the community. Through the centuries, barbers continue to capture our acclaim in popular culture. Hair cutters from the Barber of Seville to Sweeney Todd are evidence of our fascination with this profession.

2) What Can You Learn at Barber College?

Barbers, who often have a mostly male clientele, are trained to cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair. In addition, barbers are specialists in facial hair, meaning they know how to give a professional shave or keep your beard and mustache looking dapper. As the line continues to blur between salons and barber shops and more barbers branch out to offer skin care and nail treatments, many barber schools also offer instruction in these services.

Among courses offered in barbering, you might find:

• Shaving
• Hair design
• Introduction to barbering
• Chemical hair restructuring
• Hair color and bleach
• Shop management
• Skin disorders

3) Barber School Degrees and Certifications

Full-time barber programs can usually be completed within 9 months. Upon graduation you may earn a barbering diploma, certificate, or associate's degree. In general, the difference between these programs is that an associate's degree requires additional credits and includes more general education requirements.

While a barber college degree often requires hands-on training, an online education can also help you earn the credentials you need for success. Since many barbers are self-employed or work in salon management or retail, online courses in business, marketing, or accounting can help you run your business more efficiently.

4) Job Prospects and Salary Trends for Barbers

Nearly every town has a local barbershop, which is where most barbers find work. Additionally, about 44 percent of barbers are self-employed. These individuals may own their own salons, work out of their homes, or rent chair space in a salon. Some barbers also find work in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. Overall employment of barbers is projected to grow by 12 percent through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There are quite a few variables that determine what a barber makes. In addition to the size and location of the shop, other factors that influence a barber's income include whether or not the salary is based on the number of hours worked, or if it includes tips and commissions on products they sell. In addition, barbers can earn bonuses for bringing in new clients.

According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wages in May 2008 for barbers, including tips, were $11.56. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.56, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $19.51. On average, the best paid barbers work for barber schools or vocational schools at $17.25 per hour.

5) Barber Licensure and Certification

All states require barbers to be licensed. Although licensing requirements vary from state to state, most states require that you have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 years old, and a graduate from a state-licensed barber school. Once you graduate, you can take a state licensing examination, which is generally a written test and sometimes includes an oral exam or practical demonstration of barber skills. There is usually a fee to apply for a license, and once you've earned the license you may be subject to periodic license renewal fees.

Since licenses are issued at the state-level, should you choose to move your practice across a state line, you may need to apply for the new state license. However, a few states do have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed barbers to get a license in another state without additional formal training.