If you’re interested in becoming a barber, one of the first things you may want to know is how long it takes to complete the required training and start your career. For aspiring barbers, understanding the time commitment, training requirements and steps to obtain a barber license can help you plan your path into the beauty industry.

The amount of time it takes to become a barber depends on the state’s licensing requirements, the number of training hours required and your school schedule. In Idaho, aspiring barbers must complete the required education and practical training before applying for licensure.

How Long Is Barber School in Idaho?

In Idaho, barber students complete a state-approved barbering program that includes the required education and hands-on training – all together requiring 1,500 hours of education and training.

The length of time it takes to complete barber school can vary depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Students who attend consistently and complete more hours each week can generally finish their required training sooner than students with a less frequent schedule.

When choosing a barber school, it’s important to look at more than just the number of months it takes. Hands-on experience, the curriculum and preparation for Idaho’s licensing requirements are all important parts of your training. Look for a licensed school that offers an approved barber program and the barber training needed to develop practical and technical skills.

What Do You Learn in Barber School?

Barbering involves much more than learning how to give a basic haircut. Barber students receive training in a variety of services and professional practices.

Your training may include:

• Hair cutting and styling
• Clipper and razor techniques
• Shaving
• Beard and mustache grooming
• Hair and scalp care
• Sanitation and safety
• Client consultation
• Professional barbering practices

Students also learn techniques for cutting hair, shaping facial hair and performing straight razor shaving. These skills help prepare barbering students to provide a range of barbering services while maintaining proper sanitation and client safety.

Hands-on training allows students to practice their techniques and become more comfortable working with clients. This hands on training helps students develop the technical skills and practical experience they need to work alongside industry professionals after completing their education.

Can You Become a Barber While Working?

Depending on the school’s schedule, some students may be able to work while completing their barber education. However, balancing work and school can affect how quickly you complete your required training hours.

If you want to finish barber school as quickly as possible, ask the school about its full-time and part-time schedules before enrolling.

It’s also worth asking about attendance requirements and how the school’s schedule fits around your other responsibilities. If you’re considering financial aid, ask the school about available assistance and whether you may qualify for federal financial aid. Availability depends on the institution and the program, so confirm your options before enrolling.

What Happens After Barber School?

Completing barber school is an important step toward becoming a licensed barber, but students must also complete the licensing process required by the state.

Once you have completed the required education and training, you can move forward with the applicable Idaho licensing requirements. Depending on current state rules, this process may include passing a state board exam. Check the applicable requirements to understand which examinations you must pass before receiving your initial license and becoming a licensed barber.

After becoming licensed, barbers can pursue careers in barbershops, salons and other professional settings. Some barbers eventually choose to become independent professionals or open their own businesses. With experience, a licensed barber may decide to become a business owner, own a barbershop or expand the services they offer. Career prospects depend on your location, experience, client base and business goals.

Barber vs. Cosmetologist

If you’re deciding between barbering and cosmetology, the two careers have some similarities but also important differences.

Barbering generally places a stronger emphasis on men’s haircuts, clipper work, shaving and facial hair grooming. Cosmetology covers a broader range of beauty services, including hair, skin and nail services. A cosmetology program may be a better fit for students who want a wider range of beauty training, while a barber program focuses more specifically on barbering techniques and services.

The right program depends on the type of services you want to provide and the career you want to build.

If you’re still deciding between the two, you can learn more about the differences between cosmetology and barbering before choosing a program.

Start Your Barbering Education in Idaho

Becoming a barber requires education, hands-on practice and completion of Idaho’s licensing requirements. How quickly you reach that point depends largely on your school’s schedule and how consistently you complete your training.

Austin Kade Academy offers barber stylist education for students interested in developing professional barbering skills and building a career in the beauty industry. If you’re ready to become a barber, learning about the program’s curriculum, schedule and enrollment requirements can help you determine whether it’s the right fit for your goals.

If you’re considering becoming a barber, contact Austin Kade Academy to learn more about the program, training schedule and enrollment process.