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Step 1: Education Requirements
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Step 2: Internship or Apprenticeship
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Step 3: Licensing & Certifications
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Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance
Step 1: Education Requirements
Every barber or stylist needs to start out with a high school diploma or a general equivalency degree (GED). The GED option is for those who can't or don't wish to complete a traditional high school diploma. Some know they aren't headed for college so skip out on their senior exams and take the GED exam while others may need to leave school for a variety of reasons, including health. The GED offers a terrific option that carries the same weight as a high school diploma, in many circumstances.
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Not only will you need this credential to attend a barber training or certification course, but you'll be glad you have basic math and verbal skills to help conduct your business. If you later decide to head to college, many find that the local community college will honor either a GED or a traditional diploma.
To become a barber, you will need to have a certain talent for cutting hair. That's the bottom line. Your state may also require that you attain a license. Licensure can involve intensive schooling and even an internship period, depending on the state. In years past it was possible to attain a license by doing little more than paying a fee, but these days states have begun to crack down on the profession and are insisting on more advanced credentials.
Some may even require certain certificates before you can offer certain services. For instance, you may be required to prove your skills before you can legally dye hair, give a perm, or apply extensions. Regardless of state requirements, it's a good idea to start a career with a certificate from a licensed barber school or cosmetology school. This the best way to start a career as an unknown.
You can find barber training through any number of schools. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer a certificate course for future barbers, cosmetologists, and stylists. These are often publicly funded institutions with lower tuition. Then there are private beauty schools or barbering colleges that offer state approved courses that will prepare you for full, state licensure.
Step 2: Internship or Apprenticeship
While many colleges offer courses for students at reasonable price points, internships are not standard within the field. As a result, the majority of programs tend to offer limited practical training cutting hair on real models and graduates may have to wait until they are employed to gain hands-on experience. Programs typically take one to two years to complete, with classes available in the evenings for current professionals.
Some states allow individuals to complete a barbering apprenticeship instead of enrolling in traditionally structured classes. Apprenticeships tend to take longer to complete, typically lasting two to four years. They are, however, ideal for those who learn best with direct hands-on training and one-on-one guidance.
Regulations vary, but most locations require applicants to be at least 16 years old and have a job working in a barber shop. Programs are designed to teach apprentices about business ethics and the safe use of sharp instruments, as well are prepare them for state examinations necessary to attain licensure. An apprenticeship officially ends once the individual is able to fulfill the state’s certification requirements. Regardless of whether an individual attends a college or completes an apprenticeship, he or she must remain current on all continuing education requirements after licensure.
Step 3: Licensing & Certifications
It's important to find out what your state requires for licensure. You might start by asking your favorite stylist when you venture in for your next cut. Since their information might be outdated, you should also ask for any information regarding the website for your state's Board of Cosmetology. Keep in mind that they may go by some other name. Your barber may be able to help you find the website, since not every state's web presence is as organized or efficient as we might like.
Regardless, once you find a barber training school or cosmetology college, they should have the relevant licensing information. You may also find that your state has different licenses for barbers, estheticians, hair designers, nail technologists, and natural hair care professionals. Each license may have its own set of requirements for initial licensure and renewals.
Licensure is often a rather straightforward process. First, you'll need to complete and successfully pass a course in barbering or your chosen specialty. Your state will likely have a set number for hours of instruction that you must complete as part of your certificate as well as time spent in actual practice of barbering, cosmetology, or your specialty area. You may also need to pass a criminal background check, be fingerprinted by the state, and offer letters of recommendation. There are also fees that you should be prepared to pay. Finally, there may be a practical examination that covers specific details in your barbering practice. There may also be an examination that covers the state laws and regulations that will govern your work.
Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance
As a practicing barber or cosmetologist, you will need to renew your license with your state. These days this is probably done online. The process for a barber likely involves little more than paying a fee and filling out simple paperwork. However, if your license has been suspended or there is pending disciplinary action against you there may be additional steps. In a typical case, however, you will surely need to have your license number and a state issued ID card.
Most states don't require continuing education units (CEUs) for this license. However, you may wish to continue your learning so that you can advance in your level of expertise. You may also wish to add new skills, but your instructors could be your fellow barbers or cosmetologists who are interested in sharing their knowledge. If you wish to open your own salon, you should probably return to school for a degree in business administration or accounting. Who knows? Maybe you'll be able to open your own cosmetology school. Cosmetology programs can be quite lucrative.