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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 a hair design
school, barber college, or with formal hair stylist training at a
salon.
Job Description
and Responsibilities of Barber School Graduates
Barber schools
focus on training students by providing
comprehensive hair and skin services for men. Although many skincare
services can also be learned at a cosmetology school, hair designer
school can provide basic training in this area to develop
fundamental skills in the field. Many schools offer programs
specifically for barbering, and students who complete a program in
this area may be involved with:
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Working with a
team of barbers at a barber shop
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Using modern
razor styling technique
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Performing
basic hair cutting, coloring, blow drying, and permanent waving
services
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Conducting
steam facials and facial massages
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Learning how
to perform a 'traditional' shave
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Foam shaving
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Hair and scalp
condition treatment
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Recommending
new styles and hair trends to clients
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General
administrative and cleanup duties
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Cutting,
shampooing, and trimming beards and facial hair
Barbers and hair
stylists can also be involved with selling additional services and
learning about products. They may be responsible for tracking
inventory, supplies, and basic advertising. They are also
responsible for advising clients on hair care, using products, and
demonstrating how to maintain their style. Hair schools can provide
complete training in all of these areas, allowing students to obtain
extensive knowledge about business operations and management.
Career Options
After College and Hair Stylist Training
Barber college
provides the basic hands-on training students need to start a
successful career in the field of hair design. After finishing school, a student can specialize in a
particular field to pursue a position as a:
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Cosmetologist
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Hairstylist
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Nail
technician
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Esthetician
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Manicurist
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Pedicurist
Barbers and
hairstylists have flexible schedules and are commonly found in
beauty salons, barbershops, hotel salons, and resorts. The may also
develop their own businesses or work on as independent contractors
with their own clients.
Barber
School Courses and Hair Design School Training Programs
While barber
schools focus on male clientele, hair design or hair salon school
concentrates on both male and female clients. Hair stylist training
programs are designed to give students a complete overview of all
hair styling, trends, hair care, and business practices. Barber
schools may also offer comprehensive business management and
ownership courses to help students learn how to succeed in the
industry. Common courses include:
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Professional
Hair care Technique
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Hair Color
Theory
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Skincare
Basics
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Cutting
Technique
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Shaving
Practices
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Barber
Instruction
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Manicuring
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Esthiology
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Business
Management
Barbering
Certification
Every State
requires an official license in order for a barber to practice.
Licensed barbers must pass a written test and achieve a satisfactory
score in a performance-based examination. Qualifications to take the
exam and receive licensing varies by state;
some States require at least a high school diploma, while others
will accept an apprenticeship in lieu of graduation.
Vocational
schools and technical colleges offer a variety of barbering courses
and programs. Students must accumulate a
certain amount of 'clinical' hours depending on the program, and are
expected to attend lectures on a regular basis. Experienced students may choose to take advanced courses in the
areas of business, sales, and marketing. After graduating, students may take the State licensing
examination. Some states require both a practical and oral
examination. It is important to note that a barbering license is
separate from a hairstyling or cosmetologist license.
Barber School
and Hair Design School Accreditation
Schools can be accredited by the National Accrediting
Commission for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). In addition
to the NACCAS, the Accrediting Council for Continued Education and
Training (ACCET) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools
and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) may also serve as accrediting
parties.
Barber School
Graduates Earning Potential and
Employment Prospects
The demand for barbers is expected to be slower than average through
2014 due to the large number of retirements in the field. However,
employment of hair stylists, hairdressers, and licensed
cosmetologists is expected to be faster than average. The increase
in demand for specialized services at beauty salons, spas, resorts,
and hotels may create new opportunities for skilled barbers and
professionals in the hair industry. Although hair school can
prepare students for many fields, additional options are available
in specialized careers.
Earning potential varies by size of the salon, general market
conditions, and location of the establishment that the barber
chooses to practice in. Most services are commission based and the
barber or hair stylist may also earn commissions on retail products
they are able to sell. Median annual earnings for in 2004 were $21,200 with tips. Earnings vary depending on the skill
level and years of expertise in specialized services. Related
occupations include:
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Makeup Artist
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Spa/Salon Manager
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Medial Esthetician
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Platform Artist
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Beauty Products Educator
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Beauty Care Distributor
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Image Consultant
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