Though they can still be found in almost any city or town, seeing a traditional red and white barber pole is becoming increasingly rare. In many trendy styling salons and cosmetology boutiques, the friendly old man has been replaced with scissors, who stands behind the chair and snips away while telling outrageous stories.
However, a significant number of people still prefer to visit a traditional barber. Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a barber can obtain a barber license. In fact, as fashion shifts and the old becomes new again, the traditional barber may see a resurgence in popularity.
Finding and enrolling in an accredited barber college is the first step in getting a barber license. This is not to be confused with a hairstyling school or a cosmetology school. The teachings of these institutions are similar, but there are differences as well. A barber school is primarily focused on cutting men’s hair. It is primarily concerned with the study of various types of hair and how they should be cut and styled.
Barber schools can be found in almost every state, but the best ones are not cheap. A barber college diploma can cost $5,000 US Dollars (USD) or more, and it can take up to 1,500 hours of coursework and training. The better barber colleges also teach business management techniques in addition to classes and hands-on learning.
The barber college is the first, but not the only, step toward obtaining a barber license. Following your graduation, you will be required to take an exam administered by the state in which you reside. The requirements vary by state, but in general, state exams will not cover anything that was not covered in barber school. The states are mostly interested in collecting a fee for a barber license, which will need to be renewed on a regular basis. It’s worth noting that passing the state exam is a requirement, and there are no refunds if you fail or need to reschedule.
If you pass the state exam, your barber license should arrive in the mail within a month. When it comes to getting a barber license, there are some age restrictions, but they are fairly lenient. Again, depending on where you live, the minimum age is either 18 or 21 years old. If you’re under the age of 18, you can usually get around this restriction if you have a signed form from your parents.