Traditional barbershops are becoming rarer as fashion salons replace them, but some still prefer the old-fashioned experience. To become a licensed barber, one must attend an accredited barber college, which can cost over $5,000 and require up to 1,500 hours of coursework and training. After graduation, one must pass a state exam to obtain a license, which may require periodic renewal. Age restrictions vary by state but are typically either 18 or 21.
While you can still find them in most cities, spotting the traditional red and white barber pole of years gone by is becoming a rarer occurrence. Fashion salons and cosmetology boutiques often replace the friendly old man with scissors, standing behind his chair and walking away as he tells outrageous stories.
However, more than a few people still prefer to utilize the services of the traditional barber. Obtaining a barber’s license is an available path for anyone wishing to pursue the career. Indeed, as trends change, and what’s old once again becomes new, the traditional barber may be experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
The first step in acquiring a barber license is to locate and enroll in an accredited barber college. This is not to be confused with a hairstyling college or a cosmetology school. There are similarities in the teachings of these establishments, but they have differences. A barber college is mainly focused on men’s haircut. It is mainly involved in the study of different types or hair, and how it should be cut and styled.
Barber colleges can be found in most states, and the best ones don’t come cheap. Graduation from a barber college can cost $5,000 or more and sometimes requires up to 1,500 hours of coursework and training. In addition to offering classes and hands-on learning, the best barber colleges also teach business management techniques.
Barber college is the first step to getting a barber license, but it’s not the only step. After successfully graduating, you will need to take an exam administered by the state you live in. The various states have varying criteria, but as a rule, state exams don’t cover anything that wasn’t taught in barber college. States are primarily interested in charging a fee for a barber’s license, which will need to be renewed periodically with an additional fee. It should be noted that passing the state exam is mandatory and no refunds will be offered if you fail the test or need to reschedule.
Assuming you pass the state exam, you should receive your barber’s license in the mail within a month. There are some age restrictions when it comes to getting a barber license, but they are pretty relaxed. Again, depending on the state you live in, the minimum age will be either 18 or 21. If you are under 18, this restriction will often be waived if you have a signed form signifying parental consent.
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