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The article, forms part of our statewise series, and looks at barber schools in Massachusetts. It first looks at the size and growth potential of the personal care services market, especially barbering in the state. It then gives an outline of the requirements for barber license in Massachusetts. In the last section, it discusses barber training and barber schools in Massachusetts.
Introduction
Masachusetts, in northeastern United States, has had a significant role in the history, culture and politics throughout the country’s history. The Industrial Revolution transformed this state into a major center of manufacturing from one that depended on fishing, agriculture and trade with European countries. Today, it has moved further ahead and the services sector plays a major role in the state’s economic output. Massachusetts is now a world leader in higher education, health care technology, high-end technology, financial services and healthcare.
Massachusetts is estimated to be the third most densely populated state in the country behind New Jersey and Rhode Island. In the last census conducted in 2010, it had a population of 6,547,629 representing a growth of 3.1% over the 2000 figure. The racial makeup of the population was 75.6% non-hispanic white, 9.6% latinos and hispanics, 6.6% blacks, 5.3% Asians, 4.3% others, 0.3% Native Indians and the rest of mixed ethinicity.
A prosperous economy, a progressive people, high population density and growing populations are all known to be factors that favor the growth of the personal care services. Massachusetts indeed has a vibrant and competitive personal care services industry marked by the several beauty clinics, spas and hair/cosmetology salons spread across the state. The state’s beauty services industry is estimated to be growing faster than the national average and this is expected to continue in the medium term. A career as barber in this growing market will certainly not be a bad idea going by the current state of affairs in the industry.
Barber license in Massachusetts
Barbering as a trade is regulated by licensing in Massachusetts. The Massachussets Board of Registration of Barbers is vested with the authority to issue barber licenses in the state. Licensure for barbering is a two-stage process in the state. A barber apprentice license is first issued, to obtain which you must:
• Be at least sixteen (16) years of age;
• Have completed one thousand (1000) hours in an accredited barber school within six months or more of applying; and
• Pass both the written and practical Examinations.
The second stage is the master barber license which lets the holder of the license practice independently. To obtain a master barber license you must:
• Have apprenticed under a master barber for at least eighteen months;
• Pass both the written and practical examinations
Further details on barber licensing in Massachusetts can be found here.
Barber schools in Massachusetts
There are four accredited barber schools (one with two campuses) in Massachusetts as of writing this article. All of them prepare students for the certification examination of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Barbers.
Barber Schools in Massachusetts
Rob Roy Academy
150 Pleasant St, Worcester
Massachusetts 01609
Rob Roy Academy prides itself on offering the largest Barbering program in the state. The program comprises 1000 hours of classroom training for new students. Graduates of a cosmetology program sit for a 500 hours barbering program. Both programs prepare the students for the Board licensure examination. Students have the option of taking courses in such services as styling, shaving and facial treatments in blocks that may require up to 400 hours of training each. Rob Roy also runs a smaller campus in Fall River where the same barbering programs as the main campus are offered but to a smaller number of students. A Technical Certificate of Credit in Barbering is offered to those successfully completing the barber program.
New England Hair Academy
492-500 Main St, Malden
Massachusetts 02148
New England Hair Academy offers a basic one-year barbering program that prepares students for the certification examination. This requires 1000 hours for students with no prior experience. An accelerated 500 hour program is offered for students who already hold a certification in cosmetology. Students are imparted skills such as clipper cuts and shaves. Students at New England Hair Academy upon successful completion of the program earn a Technical Certificate of Credit in Barbering.
Massachusetts School of Barbering and Men’s Hairstyling
1585 Hancock St. Quincy
Massachusetts 02169
This school offer various barbering programs tailored to various education levels and schedule needs. The flagship program is a 1000 hour one for new students. Those with a cosmetology certificate are offered a 500 hour track. The programs are available in full-time, part-time and evening-only schedules. The school provides students courses in necessary skills such as shampooing and shaving alongside other mainstream courses intended to prepare students for the licensure exam. The school offers its graduates a Technical Certificate of Credit in Barbering.
Alexander Academy Inc
112, River Street, Fitchburg
Massachusetts 01420
This school offers both barbering and cosmetology programs. The standard barbering program of 1000 hours prepares the students for the state licensure examination. Those who hold cosmetology qualifications are offered a fast-track 500-hour program as well. New batches start on the first Monday of every month.
Conclusion
Massachusetts offers good potential for aspiring barbers to start their career. There are four schools offering quality state-approved barbering programs in the state. Students can evaluate the barber schools in Massachusetts in terms of their distance, program costs, course schedules, placement history etc. and decide on an appropriate program.
