Key Takeaways: Receiving an education and going through training are musts for aspiring barbers. However, there are alternatives to the traditional approach of barber school. Finding your best path to a successful career as a barber can be extremely rewarding.
Barbering is an appealing career for many people. It gives you opportunities to develop your creative side, form relationships, build a business, and more, all while forging your own path. However, those benefits tend to come after a lot of hard work, time, and education.
It’s not unusual for aspiring professionals to wonder how to become a barber without going to school, and while there are alternatives to the traditional educational routes, the answer might be disappointing to some.
You can’t become a barber without going to school.
Don’t be discouraged, though! Here, we’ll explore some of the advantages of attending barber school, as well as a few of the alternatives that can kickstart your career in a different way.
The Benefits of Barber School and Barber School Alternatives
Before diving into the details of barber school and its alternatives, it’s important to note that different states have different requirements for their barbering professionals. This can come into play when deciding how to receive your education, the time it will take to complete school (usually nine months to two years), and the alternatives available to you.
Doing your own research into or talking to an expert about your state’s requirements can set you up for success and streamline your path to barbering professionally. It’s better to invest the time and energy up front rather than realizing later that the steps you took weren’t as helpful as you thought they would be.
Why You Should Consider Barber School
Before exploring the alternatives to barber school and choosing a less traditional route to start your professional career, it’s worth considering going to barber school. There’s a reason this route is the most common choice for aspiring barbers, and the benefits are quite compelling.
Structured Education
Going to an established, reputable barber school means that your educational experience will be comprehensive and structured. Official programs have proven histories of providing their students with educations that are effective, live up to high standards, and prepare them for the professional world.
From technical skills to learning how to run a business, the topics you’ll be exposed to in barber school will set you up for success upon graduation.
Hands-On Training
Barber schools have built-in training opportunities that give you the hands-on learning you need to thrive. Whether you’re learning about sanitation and safety or working directly with clients to practice your barbering skills, these guaranteed training opportunities provide invaluable experience in safe, controlled environments.
Peer and Professional Connections
When attending barber school, you will constantly be surrounded by peers, barbering professionals, industry experts, and other influential figures in the barbering world. Not only does this allow you to learn from the best, but it also gives you an opportunity to make connections, network, and set yourself up for your professional career before you even graduate.
Career Opportunities
As your barbering network grows and you get your feet wet in professional environments, more doors open for your future. In other words, barber school positions you to immediately begin your career upon graduation, giving you an edge in a very competitive industry. The value of the opportunities that accompany attending a reputable barber school cannot be overstated.
"Doing your own research or talking to an expert about your state's requirements can set you up for success and streamline your path to barbering professionally."
How to Become a Barber Without Going to School: Alternatives to Barber School
Attending barber school comes with some distinct advantages, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only path to a bright future in the barber industry. If you don’t have the time or resources to go to a traditional barber school, or simply wish to start your career your way, don’t worry; there are alternative paths to the career you crave.
Online Barber Courses
In the age of technology, everything is online, including barber school. If you are looking for a convenient way to pursue your education on your schedule, online barber courses can be just the thing. In fact, you can learn just about everything you need to know and satisfy the education requirements of your state from the comfort of your computer.
The downside? You won’t have the same networking opportunities, and receiving hands-on training might not be as easy as it would be at a traditional school. These are serious factors to keep in mind before committing to a digital education.
Part-Time Barber Programs
For decades, people have been attending school part-time to achieve their goals and start their new careers. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent preparing for a new career or you work full-time and can only chase your passion in your spare time, finding a part-time barber program that fits your schedule can be a game-changer.
Earn While You Learn Barbering
If you need to earn a living while working your way through your barber education, you may be able to find an apprenticeship. There are many advantages to such an arrangement that extend beyond the financial, and none stand out quite as much as learning from an expert in a professional environment. By the time you finish your barber education, you will have several months, if not years, of experience under your belt (or apron).
Cosmetology School
If you are interested in barbering but want to keep your options open or build a more diverse foundation, opting for cosmetology school is an excellent alternative. Here, you’ll learn everything you need to be a barber, as well as other beauty industry skills, such as skincare.
Pursuing a career as a barber is exciting and rewarding, and you don’t have to go about it in the traditional way. Pave your own path, build your future, and enjoy the unique experience of barbering your way!
To learn more about a career in barbering, find the perfect barber insurance policy for your time as a barber student (and beyond), and connect with a vibrant community, be sure to subscribe to the National Barbers Insurance and visit our blog.
