A great thing about having a cosmetology license is that you work under an extensive umbrella of the services you can provide. A cosmetology license allows you to perform hair services, nail services, and skin services. As a licensed professional, you can cut men’s hair, but a barbering license will allow you to provide even more benefits and increase your skillset to take on a more extensive clientele. Having a barber license is an excellent accompaniment to your cosmetology license. Keep reading to get the answers to the questions you might have about barber school.
What Is The Biggest Difference Between Having A Cosmetology License And A Barber License?
Licensed cosmetologists are full of knowledge and skills. The most significant difference in the licenses is the ability to use a straight razor. As a licensed cosmetologist, you cannot perform a straight razor shave, whereas barbers get to shave a face and neck with a straight razor to achieve a much cleaner and more precise haircut and beard trim. In barbering school, they will teach you how to efficiently and appropriately shave a neck and beard without cutting your client. You may not think using a straight razor is a big deal, but it is hazardous, and without proper education, you could potentially harm a client. That is why you are required to have appropriate licensing and training before offering it to your clients
What Will I Study?
The main focus of barber school is the grooming practices of male clients. In barbering school, you will focus on cutting men’s hair, styling skills, and maintenance skills for beards and facial hair. You will discover different techniques for shaving with a straight razor and with a guarded razor. In cosmetology school, you learned all about chemicals and how to treat the hair properly. In barbering school, you will get a refresher on all of that along with more specific training on applying straighteners and other chemical treatments for men’s hair. You will learn how to cut and fit a hairpiece properly. Barbering schools are very hands-on; you will spend a good majority of time working on clients or live models. Just like a cosmetology school, you will have both theory and hands-on curriculum.
How Much Will It Cost?
Just like cosmetology school, there is a price tag attached to the licenses you are pursuing. The tuition of Barber school will depend on where you live and the school you choose. The cost is generally around $2000 and can sometimes cost more than $10,000. However, some schools do offer much lower tuition than that. The factors that play into the tuition cost depend on your state’s amount of licensing hours. Your location will also determine the price of a barber school. Like everything else, a barber or cosmetology school in New York City will be much more expensive. It can also depend if you are getting supplies included in your tuition. Also–if the barber school you choose provides supplies such as mannequin heads, clippers, shears, etc., that may also increase the price.
What Are The Requirements To Apply For Barber School?
The licensing requirements for barber schools are pretty fluid from state to state. The licensing requirements are that you are over 16 years old and have your high school diploma or GED. You may also have to get a background check. Select state licensure departments will not allow you to get a barber license if you have a criminal record. The restriction on this is different from state to state, so make sure to look up your state’s licensure guidelines on this matter.
How Long Will It Take To Finish A Barbering Licensing Program?
Much like the process to get your cosmetology license, the typical length of barbering school is one to two years. The time will depend on your state’s licensing requirements for hours. You will have to execute a certain number of licensing hours before taking your state board licensing exam. On average, the licensing hour requirement will be around 1,500 and 2,000 hours. If your state licensure department offers a barber licensing apprenticeship program, your hours will typically double that number to obtain your license.
What Can I Expect On The Barber Exam?
The licensing exam to get your barber license will be very similar to the exam you took for your cosmetology license. Some state’s licensure departments will have a two-part exam, written and practical exam where you get to perform certain practices to show the skills you have learned. Your barber licensing exam questions will be related to the information and skills you learned in barber school. Taking a practice exam will help you better understand what to expect on the day of your actual barber licensing exam.
Will My Income Increase?
Well, the short answer to this question is YES…but this will depend on how you choose to use your new barbering license. Many licensed cosmetologists will tell you they were able to make more money after getting their barber license. If you decide to stick to strictly barbering, you will get to see more clients in a day, which could increase your income. Obtaining your barber license will expand your skill set, and you will have the ability to add additional services to your book. The added accreditation will allow you to increase your income and book of business. If you are currently doing ten men’s haircuts, having your barber license and providing a straight razor shave will add service that could immediately add am additional $20 to the service you are already providing.
It is always a great idea to further your career and business when you have the opportunity to do so—considering that the benefits are there. An additional license in barbering is an excellent addition to your current cosmetology license. Both licenses are great to have. While the price tag of barber school may seem large, it often pays for itself very quickly. Adding barber skills in your toolbox will also add confidence to you behind the chair. Knowledge is power. If you consider and have the itch to learn and add additional services, obtaining a barbering license is a no brainer!
Written By: Catie Delahanty
