Key Takeaways: For those wondering how to become a barber, knowing the necessary steps that await is half the battle. Equipped with the right knowledge and some useful tips and tricks, you can become the successful barber you dream of being.
There is no shortage of compelling benefits to pursuing a career as a barber. From the flexibility of building the future you dream of to interacting with clients and making a difference in your community, being a barber can be extremely rewarding.
If you are interested in becoming a barber, we couldn’t be happier to welcome you to the fold. The path forward won’t always be easy, but it will certainly be worth it, and the guide below can give you the edge you need to achieve your barbering goals efficiently and effectively.
Your Guide to Becoming a Barber
Not every journey from aspiring student to accomplished professional is the same. Your path is sure to be full of experiences that are uniquely yours, but there are a handful of things you should know before you dive in headfirst.
The more you know before you begin your barbering education and subsequent journey, the better prepared you will be for what lies ahead.
"Knowing how to become a barber is one thing; actually checking the right boxes and thriving along your journey is another."
Barber License Requirements
Before you can legally practice barbering in a professional capacity, you need to get licensed. This is true in all 50 states, no exceptions. The goal is to create a standard of excellence for barbers, meaning that they must meet certain education and training requirements and demonstrate competency before working with clients.
Here’s the catch: while there may be overlap, all states have different requirements. This means that the exact steps you need to take to get licensed will vary depending on where you live and where you plan to do business. You should check with your state to ensure you are on the right path, and anticipate needing to meet a certain level of education and training, pass exams, and pay a fee to obtain your license.
Keep in mind that some states offer reciprocity, allowing you to practice in them if you have a valid license from another state.
Some of the basic prerequisites you will likely need to fulfill before receiving your barber license include:
- Education from a program that meets the state’s standards.
- A certain number of training hours as required by the state.
- Pass the state exam(s). These may be written, practical, or both.
How to Become a Barber: Tips to Get You Started
Knowing how to become a barber is one thing; actually checking the right boxes and thriving along your journey is another. With the right guidance, you can accomplish your goals and fulfill your state’s specific requirements while limiting stress and making the best use of your time.
Be the Best Student You Can Be
It may sound simple, but one of the best ways to maximize your potential and get the most out of your time as a student is to be the absolute best student you can be. What exactly does this look like, you might ask?
Attend class with a fervor for learning. Take notes, ask questions, and be hungry for knowledge. You have access to experienced teachers, accomplished professionals, and your peers–don’t take them for granted. This is your opportunity to learn as much as possible before you're on your own outside of the classroom.
If possible, find someone you admire and trust to teach you, and consider taking a training position with them. You should also use this opportunity to network with established figures in the barbering industry and your peers.
Protect Your Future with Barber Student Insurance
Many aspiring barbers think that professional considerations like insurance are exclusively for practicing barbers. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
As a student, you are going to be in positions where you are exposed to risk. From practicing your skills with your peers to working with customers in a training setting, your potential could vanish in an instant, all because of a minor mistake or avoidable accident.
Protecting your dreams by investing in barber insurance for students is one of the wisest things you can do. It is affordable yet irreplaceable, preserving your future by covering legal expenses, safeguarding your reputation, and more.
Never Stop Learning
We get it; the light at the end of the tunnel as a barber student seems so bright and welcoming. While you should absolutely focus on your goal of getting licensed and kickstarting your career as a barber, the journey doesn’t stop when you finish your initial education and training.
If you want to be truly successful as a barber, you need to be committed to continually learning and growing. This means investing in courses–at your local institution or online–attending events, and studying under barbers who are more experienced than you.
The more you learn, grow, and refine your skills as a barber, the higher your career ceiling becomes and the more likely you are to thrive.
Speaking of learning, we encourage you to subscribe to National Barbers Insurance for updates on the latest industry trends, info about developments you should know about, and tips and tricks that can help you achieve your barbering dreams. You should also check out our blog–one of the best resources for aspiring and established barbers to stay in the know and continue to grow.
