Does a Barber Need a License?
If you have a passion for barbering and the barbering profession, you may be asking yourself; does a barber need a license? To start with, a barber cuts and styles the hair of both male and female clients, including facial hair. It is worth noting that you can set up your own barbershop if you have the capital as well as meet other legal requirements.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals take home, on average, $28,000 every year. In regards to employment opportunities, the Bureau projects a 14% growth through 2020 for this sector. Read on to find out what you need to do to qualify as a professional barber.
Education: Does a Barber Need a License?
Every state in the US requires barbers to have a license from an accredited barber school. Some cosmetology schools also offer barbering programs. Most programs are full time and last for about nine months. In most of the study programs, students learn how to cut and style different types of hair, blow-drying techniques, hair hygiene, and foam shaving. At the end of a program, students take a state licensing exam. However, one must be at least 16 years of age in order to sit the exam.
The exam is normally in two parts: written and oral. In some states, the exam combines both barbering and cosmetology modules. Students who pass the exam and get a license to practice their trade have to renew their licenses periodically in order to ensure that they learn about new developments in the hair care industry and hone their skills.
Does a Barber Need a License in addition to Desirable Skill Set?
Barbers spend a lot of time on their feet. This means that you should be physically fit. Good communication skills are also very important in this profession because you have to be able to converse with different people on diverse topics not only to keep them entertained but also to cultivate a good relationship with them. A good memory is likely to endear you to clients. In addition, customers are more likely to be generous with their tips if you can remember their favorite hairstyles.
Finally, you need to be creative and highly versatile. This is because hairstyles change all the time and you must be quick to adapt to the needs of each of your clients. Besides barbering skills, you should have a good grasp of how to manage a business including supervising employees, money management skills, how to keep inventory records, and market your business online. You should have an affinity for learning as much as you can in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Why Evergreen May Be Good For You
If your dream is to become a barber, you are more likely to forge a great career by enrolling in an accredited barber program. In such a program, you will learn how to keep your clients happy by styling and cutting their hair according to their preferences. At Evergreen Beauty College we have excellent beauty courses and experienced instructors who will help you learn new trends in barbering. With us, you do not have to ask; does a barber need a license?
