To work as a barber, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a barbering program;
• be at least 16 years old; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Barbers learn their skills by completing course work in barbering or cosmetology. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. Barbering programs include classroom and hands-on training. In the classroom you learn to shampoo, cut, and shave hair. You also learn how to sterilize equipment and recognize skin problems. At first you practice on other students in your training program. Later you work with customers in a salon that offers discounted services for work done by trainees.

It generally takes nine to 18 months to complete a training program.

On-the-job training

The length of on-the-job training varies by employer. Some do not offer any training for new barbers. Others offer up to one year of additional training.