How Do You Become A Barber? The Requirements And Length Of Time It Takes To Graduate

Barbering has come a long way from the days when men and young boys would visit their local barber for a trim and a shave. Barbers nowadays can keep professionals looking their best with the latest styles and keep the old traditions alive at the same time. If you are looking to train as a barber, there are some requirements you need to know, and you just might want to know how long it will take to graduate as well.

College Education and Licenses

Each state has their own rules and regulations regarding the profession of barbering. The first thing you must do is take a course at an accredited college that offers barbering, like Success Schools LLC. Barbers nowadays do much more than just cut hair and give shaves; they are also trained in using colors to dye hair and tools to curl and straighten hair. They are also trained to mix and apply chemical solutions that relax hair.

This means you must have the training and license to legally work in the United States. In California for example, you must pass a required barber examination and complete a barber program or apprenticeship program. In New York state, you must graduate from a state-approved barber school that covers everything from hair cutting and style to ethics and state law. You must then pass a practical licensing exam.

Length of Time it Takes to Graduate

You can learn how to barber at either a technical college, barber college or community college. Typically it will take about 10-15 months to complete a course at one of these institutions and finish about 1,500 class hours. For the most part, all you need to apply to barber college is a high school diploma.

The test to receive a barber license usually comprises both a written test and a practical demonstration of your skills. This means you will have to show what you have learned and demonstrate your ability to perform basic and more advanced skills in order to receive your barber license.

Where Can You Work?

When most people think of barbers, they picture the shop with the colorful pole that spins around welcoming you to the store. You may wish to work in a traditional barber shop but that isn't your only option.

Barbers may also work in salons, spas, resorts, hotels and nursing homes. Some hospitals will even employ a barber for long-term patients to help them feel better during their stay. You may decide to open your own shop or even offer in-home care for people who are home bound and can't get out that often or without help. You need to check with your state and local government to see if there is additional licensing required if you choose that route.

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