There’s a reason why the job outlook for barbers is expected to grow by 19% over the next decade. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from — everyone needs a haircut at some point.
If you’re interested in becoming a barber, then you might be wondering what’s involved in terms of education.
That’s why we made this barber license guide. In it, we’ll walk you through how to get a barber license so you can start cutting hair. Let’s get started!
Attend A Barber Program
The first thing you need to do is get an education. One way you can do this is by attending a barber school. These institutes will teach you how to cut, style, shave, groom, and care for hair.
You’ll also learn about the latest styles and techniques. If you want to perform chemical services, then you will need to get a hair design license. You can also get a cosmetology degree.
However, these can last up to two years and will also include things like makeup and nails.
The final way is to work closely within an apprenticeship with a qualified barber. The length varies, but it can take you up to two years to complete.
Take An Exam
Once you finish you’re training, then you’re ready to take an exam for your license. The problem is that each state has a different type of barber license exam that they give.
As such, you should research the requirements in the state you’re currently living. Every type of exam will consist of a written portion and a practical portion.
In addition to this, some states also require an oral portion of the test. During the exam, you will need to showcase all of the skills you’ve honed. These include:
- Hair cutting
- Shaving
- Shampooing
- Honing
- Stropping
- Sanitation
- Disinfection
On top of passing, you need to work for a pre-specified amount of time in a professional setting. Typically, this is around 1,200 hours.
Pay For Your License
When you pass the test you will need to pay a fee to get a barber license. Remember that you will need to renew your barber license every one to two years depending on where you live.
The good news is that you can typically work in other states with your license when you move. All you need to do is make sure you can transfer the license to the state you’re moving to.
Appreciate Learning How to Get a Barber License? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn how to get a barber license. As you can see, becoming a professional barber can be hard work.
But, once you’re licensed you’ll be in a lucrative profession that will never go away (as long as people have hair).
Did you learn something from this educational article? If the answer is yes, then keep exploring to find similar topics to learn from.