Requirements to Become a Barber or Hairdresser....

Licensing Information

All barbers and hairdressers must be licensed by their state in order to work. Upon completing a state-licensed barbering or cosmetology program, students are eligible to take the state licensing exam, which consists of a written exam and sometimes a practical or oral exam. Although they may vary, other licensing requirements usually include a high school diploma or its equivalent and being over the age of 16.

Some states may combine barbering and cosmetology licenses; others may divide the two licenses, requiring students who are seeking a barbering license to have attended barber school and students who are seeking a cosmetology license to have attended cosmetology school. Licenses must usually be renewed regularly.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for barbers are expected to increase 12%, and job opportunities for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists are expected to increase 20% during the period from 2008 through 2018 (www.bls.gov). These increases in jobs for both barbers and hairdressers are in line with the growth in the population.

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