How to Become a Barber

If you've dreamed of opening a traditional barbershop, you'll need to be trained and licensed according to the requirements of the state you'd like to work in. Read on to learn how to become a barber! A barber is licensed to cut hair for both men and women. They can also trim beards and mustaches, as well as shave customers. In order to become licensed, you must satisfy your state's requirements, which usually include a training program and a test.

Both barbers and hair dressers cut and style hair for men and for women. The principal difference between a barber and a hair stylist is that a barber is licensed to use a straight edged razor when shaving customers. This is sometimes referred to as a traditional barber shop shave.

Before beginning training, take some time to investigate the career, and determine if it's right for you. Interview and job shadow several barbers, talking to them about how they made the decision to enter the field, what type of training they received, and who they apprenticed with. Ask them what they like and don't like about their jobs. You'll not only be getting information, but you'll be establishing relationships that will be helpful when you begin your job search after school.

The training required to work as a barber varies from state to state. Some states require a high school diploma or GED. Most states also require that barbers complete a formal training course, which is usually about 9 months long. Barber schools teach about hair's form and structure, as well as variety of skills, including:

1. Steam facials
2. Facial massages
3. Foam shaves
4. Razor hair styling
5. Hair cutting
6. Coloring
7. Permanent waving
8. Blow drying

Barber licenses are issued by the state, and each state sets its own requirements for barber licensing. In addition to the educational requirements listed in step two, states will usually set a minimum age requirement of 16 or 17, and require the aspiring barber to pass both a written and practical examination.