What does it take to be a barber?

In the recent years, the art of barbering has reinvigorated, all because of ditching long, uncut look of the ‘60s and ‘70s and adopting classic cuts and close shaves. If you just know the basic of barbering and want to progress in this field, you must consider enrolling in advanced barbering courses. 

Barbering is a very hard working industry to work in. Pursuing this career takes a bit more energy and dedication. To start, your barbering career, you need to complete a barbering program, obtain your state license, and build reliable customers, you can be sure to add up more customers regularly. Equipped yourself with clippers, hair-snips, and a straight razor, you’re good to go for this job.

How to become a barber?

Get a high school diploma -  In some states, employers prefer barbers with a high school diploma or GED, while most states require a barber who has completed an accredited barbering program. Your high school diploma may also prepare you to become a barber if it includes hair styling classes or collaborates with a local community college.

Work with a professional barber - Try to observe a professional barber, if possible, work as an intern with a barber to learn the way they work in the professional setting. Besides teaching you the techniques to cut customers’ hair, a professional barber will also show you how to organize a workspace, interact with customers and manage workflow in a shop. 

Complete a Barbering Program - From community colleges to private beauty schools, they offer various barber programs either as a stand-alone barbering program and as an area of stress within a cosmetology program. Barber programs include the basics of styling, cutting, shaving, and hair coloring. These programs also consist of state and federal laws, safety, sanitation, and shop practices. Some programs may also cover customer service and shop promotion.

Earn a License - The requirements for a license may vary from one state to another, but, along with completing a barbering program and high school diploma, you also need to get through a qualifying exam. These exams include a written portion and sometimes either an oral or skills test.

Find a job - After acquiring the required education and obtaining a license, you are all set to work as a barber or to establish your own business.

If you’re interested in hair styling, you can also consider starting a career as a hairstylist. If you’re already working as a barber, you can take up advanced barbering courses to advance in the barbering field. Do you want to start a career as a barber?  Contact International Barber Institute (IBI). They are a leading barber school in New York intended to produce skilled professionals.

Barbering 101: Right Style for Right Face Shape

Every person in barber chair has asked been the question, ‘ What it’ll be?” There are the times that every person wants to add something new to his personality with a haircut. Nonetheless, we get worried whether it will suit the face or will we look strange. However, instead of saying “the usual” or  “just like the last time”, ask a barber his opinion.

The haircuts are based on what your face shape is. This means that a qualified barber with the degree of master barber program will be able to let the client know what suits the face shape. There are a few hairstyles that look good on a certain face shape and some don't, here is the layover:

Oblong face shape

The best haircuts for the oblong face shape are the short haircuts. However, if you have a bushy or a hipster beard, you might want to trim it. It makes the face look bigger.

Round face shape

A round face needs a bit of definition to make them have a bit of sharpness and shape added. Individuals with round face shape should consider going with a cut that is shorter on sides with hair on the top. This way, the round face gets a bit of definition added to it.

Oval face shape

The majority of haircuts go well with oval face shape. Nonetheless, you might want to avoid fringes or bangs that end up covering the forehead making the face appear round rather than oval.

Diamond face shape

With right hairstyle, the diamond face can make your whole persona look different. The best hairstyle that goes with such a face style is a textured crop or faux hawk paired with a beard.

Square face shape

Similar to the round face shape, the square faces need to get the edges softened. This can be done best with the cut that is tall on the top. They can also opt for the short haircuts as it will balance out their natural round head. As the square face shape has sharp angles and a masculine look, beard goes well with the whole look.

Triangle face shape

An individual with a triangle face style has a prominent jaw that is a bit wider than the cheekbones. These men should opt for medium length hair with no beard.

Knowing these basics is the first stepping stone towards the master barber program. If you are interested in learning more about barber career, contact International Barber Institute (IBI). They are the leading barber training school with advanced barbering courses in the state of New York.

How to Start a Career as a Licensed Barber?

Before you can embark on a career as a successful barber you need to get licensed first. In order get the requisite license you need to pass a course that certifies your abilities as a barber. In such a course you will learn many things including cutting hair in different styles, skin disorders, infection control and even microbiology.

You can follow these steps to become a licensed barber in your state:

• Graduate from State approved barber school: Most of the barber schools offers 288 hour training programs on various subjects. These subjects includes facial massage, hair cutting and style, shop management, ethics, sanitation, hygiene and skin disorder and many more. Alternatively, you can also work as an apprentice for two years under the licensed barber who will act as your mentor.
• Submit a state barber operator application: After completing barber school you can submit the application for a barber license. This will serve as your licensing application and as a notice that you are ready to take the licensing exam. In order to obtain the license you will also have to complete a course in infection control.There is also an option for infection control online course and it is necessary for both the apprenticeship and other individuals looking for a career in hairdressing. Proof of the completion of the course should be submitted with application for a barbering license.
• Schedule and pass the licensing exam: Once you schedule the exam, start the     preparation by referring to syllabus. You must pass the exam with 70% or higher.    
• Renew your license every four years: The license for some states lasts for four     years. Around three months before your license expires, you will get the renewal notice.    

Most of the beauty treatments involve actions that can be dangerous if not performed by experienced and licensed personnel. Therefore it is essential to learn the proper techniques and gain the requisite knowledge to ensure your clients’ safety as well as your own.

How to Become a Licensed Barber in New York?

In order to get good training for a career in barbering, you need professional training. And in New York, there are plenty of schools, colleges, and online barber schools that can take you from a beginner to a skilled barber. Barbers usually has to perform duties of a small business person like hair services, accepting payments and handling books.

And, a barber school will polish your skills. In 2013, New York  was at the second position in terms of employment, which is highest in the U.S. for barbers, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can follow these steps to become a licensed barber in New York.

1. Graduate from an approved New York State barber school. There is no defined hour requirement for barber licensure in New York. But, most barber schools offer 288 hour training programs, along with a 3 hour course while dealing with the concerns of transmission of contagious diseases.

2. Submit a New York State barber operator application. After you have completed your barbering program, you can submit your application for a license. For this application, you will have to submit barber operator application along with application fee, affirmation of New York state approved school section and health certification form.

3. Schedule and pass the New York State Practical Licensing Exam. Your practical exam will be scheduled by the New York Division of Licensing Services. You will have to complete the practical exam on barbering services within 1½ hours.

4.  Begin a job or career and renew your license every 4 years. New York State barber license is valid for 4 years. You will receive an email renewal notice, three months before your license expires, which will contain a link to your New York State Account.

As a licensed barber, you can continue the practice of shaving, cutting & designing hair, mustaches and beards.

Thinking About Barber School? All You Need to Know about Barber program and Career

If you are considering enrolling yourself in a barber school, then you should know how much the program costs, how long it will take to complete, what you will learn in the training, and more. Every state requires that barber complete training programs at barbering schools licensed by the respective state.

You can go for barbering programs at private schools, public community college and vocational institutes. A full-time barbering student usually takes six months to one year to complete the course of study. If you want to attend part time you may go to school for two or more years.

Requirements to enroll in barber school
Barber training programs is open for prospective students having a high school diploma or a GED prior to enrollment. Before you enroll check with the state in which you plan to enroll and also with the school itself to be sure. Keep a look on the state license requirements to find out your state's requirements to become a barber.

Barber schools teach the basics of cutting and styling hair, including coloring. Barbers also learn necessary infection control procedures. Beginning students practice on dummies or each other, and then they appoint the real clients. Many schools provide the basic learning of the basic tools – scissors, clippers, razors etc. Many barbers own their own shop, and thus they need to learn how to manage small business.

Job options for barbers after graduation
Students graduated from barber colleges are employed in some salons or open up their own barber shop. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics proposed that employment of barbers would grow by 7 percent from 2010-2020. Many barbering schools have placement services that help new graduates find jobs. The states with the highest employment levels for this occupation are New York, New Jersey, California and Indiana.

A good barbering school will help you cultivate your strengths in your skills.

Thinking About Becoming a Barber? Things You Need to be Familiar With

Thinking about a career in barbering? This field can be fun, rewarding and a good source of income if you are dedicated. But, you need to know the requirements and features of a barber shop to prosper in your career. Some barbers find it difficult to maintain the consistent growth required to keep a large clientele.

So, here is a list of things that you need to know to achieve success in your career.

• Ensure entertainment for your clients: When you pursuing your barber training courses, you should also learn the tricks to keep your customers entertained. You can opt for playing great music for them or engage in interesting conversations to keep them entertained. If you have good conversation skills, then it will become easier for you to build a good customer base.

• Bring perfection in your work: The only way you can achieve perfection is with practice. This will also keep a check on the level of your skills as well as improve them. You can take instructions from experienced instructors who have the good knowledge of different hairstyles.

• Dress up properly: Nobody prefers a bad or untidy dressed barber to go to for a new hairstyle as it does not look professional. You can take inspiration from celebrity barbers and see how they dress up on  work.

• Make use of the technology: Barbers can step up into the new age and use technologies like instagram, barber app etc., to reach new capabilities. It is a reliable way to connect with your clients and show your skills.

A barber should have the willingness to learn latest techniques and technology to keep your skills up to date. Implementing these tips is the idea for a quick and long lasting success.

What Qualifications Are Required To Become A Barber?

Opening your own barber shop is just like opening any other business. For the success of your barber business, you should know a variety of things like in terms of cutting hair, or how to get the word out. And most importantly, you need to be patient.

Furthermore, you need a barber license and insurance to start this business. However, there are other qualifications that you need to complete to become a barber. Some of them are mentioned below.

Age and education

Generally the minimum education that you need to become a barbers is either a high school diploma or GED. You should get specialized training at a barber school to learn the latest hair cutting techniques and hairstyles.

You can opt for either a master program of 630 hours or an advanced program of 360 hours offered by a reputed barber school in NYC. To get enrolled in these programs, you should be at least 18 years old.

Apprenticeship or On the Job Training

To become a skilled barber, you will have to learn skills and techniques through an apprenticeship. And according to some state’s rules, the apprenticeship should be completed with an established barber shop. You can perform an apprenticeship after completing your educational requirements. It will help you implement your education and learn more about different techniques. You can get hands on experience.

State License

You need to apply for a license to work in a barber shop. You will have to take a written test proving that you have learned the skills required by your state to issue you a license.

If you have the required qualification, skills and license, you can easily start your own business and even expand it different cities or states.

What You Learn Under A Master Barber Program?

The master barber program is for all those individuals who do not have any experience as a barber. Under this program, the individual can learn about the history of barbering, microbiology, skin disorders, professional image and ethics, infection control, shaving, facial, latest hairstyles, cutting techniques etc.

The program is usually of 630 hours, which is covered in 6 months. Students’ learn a number of things under this program, which further prepares them for the State exam. Some of the main things that a student can learn through this program include-

• Essential techniques - This     program provides an opportunity to the students to learn the essential or basic barbering techniques including cutting techniques. The different cutting techniques include scissor over comb cutting and clip cutting. However, if you have no idea about the profession, then this is the best program you should begin with.        

   

• Client relation - Maintaining a good relation with the client is very important to be     successful in this field. So, the course emphasizes the importance of good relationship as well as effective communication with the client.

   

• Wide range of styles - The program is aimed at teaching students all the latest hairstyles     starting from some beginner level hairstyles.    

   

• Chemistry of hair - Students get to know about the chemistry of hair, which is very     important to be successful in this field.    

   

• Implementation of tools - A number of tools are used in this profession. The program teaches students how to handle the basic equipment or tools which include     scissors, razors, clippers, combs etc.    

However, to get the master barber license, you need to find an institute that provides quality training in this field. You can ask for references or search the internet to find some of the best barber training institutes in your area.

The Different Types of Barbering Courses

Barbering is a career choice that is attracting the’ attention of many who wish to have a stable and exciting career. It is a career that holds numerous job opportunities if you have the skills and training. But to acquire said skills and training it is important to join up an institute that can provide you the training you need.

There are many institutes that provide barbering courses for aspiring candidates. These courses a classified based on the different levels of expertise sought and have been structured accordingly.

Here is a look at the major types of barbering courses available today:

Master – You can opt for the master program if you do not have any type of experience in this field. In this course, you learn about a variety of topics such as the history of barbering, professional image, client relations, professional ethics, chemistry of hair, microbiology, infection control, and skin disorders.

You also get to learn about shaving, facials, along with the latest hair styles and cutting techniques including scissor over comb and clipper cutting. In this course, you will get practical hours to learn better. After completing this program, you can go for the state exam to become a licensed barber.

Advanced Barber – This program is for those individuals who have experience in this field. It is an advanced course in which you can learn about the latest hair styles, history of barbering, professional image, skin disorders, various cutting techniques, shaving and more. In this program too, you will get practical hours to learn more. Experienced cosmetologists can also opt for this course.

Infection Control – It is an essential course that you need to complete if you want to obtain the master barber license in New York. In this training, you get to learn about the prevention of HIV and transmission of other contagious diseases. You will also learn about the proper methods of sanitation and sterilization to prevent infections.

Whether you are a newly trained barber or a professional one who wants to obtain license, you can opt for this program.

Before deciding on a course, you should know about your options, so that you can make the right choice depending on your skills, experience, qualification etc. Having  made the right choice you can enjoy smooth sailing in your career as a barber.