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Barber training programs abound in our country. All claim to use the latest teaching techniques, give students ample hands-on experience, have the best faculty available, son and so forth. As a prospective student of barbering, how do you identify the better barber training programs and select the one that fits you? This article attempts to throw some light on this.
Introduction
Being a barber is about taking care of the people.
- Anthony Hamilton
The above quote pretty much captures the soul and essence of the barbering profession. The barber of today functions more as a personal care consultant/assistant and plays a crucial role in shaping their clients’ appearance. In a society, where individuals are getting ever more conscious about their appearance, the role of the barber assumes greater importance. Barbers virtually “take care of the people”.
Unlike the earlier times when barbering was learned in a barbershop or salon, today, most barber training takes place in academic settings, where students learn enough theory and get practical experience on the various barbering services. Apart from the evolution of the barbering profession, this has also been the result of the requirement of a license to operate as a barber in almost all states.
Barber training programs
Training at a barber school provides hands-on experience and skills for those interested in pursuing a career in hair design. Barber schools and hair schools focus on the study of hair and the various forms, styles and structures. A well-trained barber or hair designer can work at a salon or barbershop to provide customized services to clients. Over time, their skills and experience may allow them to work as an independent stylist or consultant. The essentials for a rewarding hair design career can be learned from one of the good barber training programs offered by a hair design school, barber college, or, less commonly now, with formal hair stylist training at a salon.
Formal barber training programs are commonly offered by community colleges and dedicated barbering schools. A full-time program commonly takes nine months to two years to complete and may result in the award of a certificate or an associate degree. Full-time, part-time, daytime and evening options may be available, depending on the school.
Barber programs prepare students for state licensing by introducing them to services like hair cutting, facial grooming, shampooing and styling techniques. Through lectures and demonstrations, students learn to work with chemical dyes, scissors, razors, combs and clippers, as well as to style hair for children and women. The course curriculum often includes hygiene, sanitation, chemistry, ethics, sterilization, bacteria, skin disorders and facial treatments. Because some barbers turn entrepreneurs, the programs also cover topics like accounting, networking, customer service, consultation, management and business development.
Barber training
Barber license
Liicensing requirements vary between states, including training hours, minimum age, prerequisite experience and educational experience. At the minimum, a barber license applicant must possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, be at least 16 years old and have completed a state-licensed barber training program.
Training hours required for licensure typically range from 1500-2000. Candidates will need to complete the state application, pay the fee and take the written and practical examination of skills.
The job
Although training programs can prepare students for barber careers, true skill is tested on the job. Regardless of the skill level, most graduates begin at the entry level and, while building clientele, often work part-time or perform rudimentary tasks, like shampooing, cleaning instruments, washing towels and sweeping. These beginners often work weekends and typically build clientele through word-of-mouth and other marketing efforts. After a few years of working, many barbers set up their own salons. Successful entrepreneurs earn big money in this profession.
The world of cosmetology is constantly evolving and most salon owners encourage their staff to pursue continuing education courses to stay current with the newest trends and styling techniques. Many states too have continuing education requirements for license renewal (most licenses are for one or two years). Hair product manufacturers typically offer seminars and workshops on how to use their products, and some state governmental offices host complimentary monthly seminars to teach about issues, such as sanitation and license violations. Some metropolitan areas have non-profit cosmetology associations that offer competitions, classes, meetings and conferences to advance the profession of barbering. Thus, a barber training program is not the end of a barber’s learning, rather it just puts them on the path to continued learning.
Find the right training program
There are a few things, prospective students of barbering should bear in mind while looking for a barbering program, the most important being that the program should be state approved. This will make the students eligible to appear for the licensure examination of the state upon completion of the program. The second consideration should be the prospect of getting a job. It goes without saying that a good training program will stand you a better chance of getting a job. The school’s placement history is a good proxy for the quality of its training. So look for schools that have a consistently good placement history. Costs can be another consideration, but do not let go of a program because of its high tuition. Oftentimes, there will be student assistance programs, payment plans or educational loans available to help you manage the costs. Most good schools help students find the funds for the training through one of the means mentioned above.
Our database contains the best schools offering barber training programs across the country. If you are looking for barber schools in your location, use the search box at the top or bottom of this page to find them. As usual, you should ensure that the school you select is the right one by doing your own due diligence.
