Navigating Your Path in the Barbering World: Schools vs. Apprenticeships

The barbering industry is on the up and up.

Some quick stats from my search this morning:

- There are over 220,000 barber shops in the United States.

- The barbershop industry experienced a 1.4% growth in 2021.

- The largest market for barbershops in terms of revenue is the Southeast of the US, accounting for 32.9%.

- Employment in the barber industry is expected to grow by 7% from 2018 to 2028.

- The average revenue of a barbershop in the US is $73,500 per year.

- The men’s grooming industry, which includes barbershops, is expected to be worth $81.2 billion by 2024.

- The men’s salon industry, encompassing barbershops, has grown at an average rate of 3% per year from 2014 to 2019.

- Africa’s grooming and barbering industry is projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2024.

I was inclined to make this newsletter on this topic because I think it’s something many people are seeking and interested about, but want to know the best route to making the most of their time, especially for those who may feel a little older and don’t want to make the wrong move.

There are two common routes you can start with: Barber School and Apprenticeship.

Barber School

Pros:

Structured Curriculum: Offers a comprehensive, structured educational experience covering various techniques, tools, and health and safety regulations.

State Licensing Preparation: Specifically designed to prepare students for state licensing exams, which are necessary to practice legally.

Cons:

Cost: Barber schools can be expensive, requiring a significant financial investment upfront.

Time: Programs can be time-consuming, often requiring a set number of hours completed over a predetermined period, which might not suit everyone’s schedule.

Apprenticeship

Pros:

Real-World Experience: Offers hands-on experience in a working barber shop under the guidance of an experienced mentor, providing practical, real-world skills.

Earn While You Learn: Unlike school, apprenticeships often allow you to earn money while learning, making it a financially viable option for many.

Flexibility: Apprenticeships can offer more flexible schedules than traditional schools, accommodating other commitments.

Cons:

Less Structured Education: The learning experience can vary widely depending on the mentor, potentially leading to gaps in knowledge, especially in areas not directly practiced in the shop.

Longer Duration: Apprenticeships may take longer to complete than school programs, delaying the start of your independent career.

Apprenticeship processes for barbers vary significantly from one region or state to another, primarily due to different licensing requirements and regulations set by state barber boards. However, the core idea remains the same: an apprentice learns the craft under the guidance of an experienced barber in a real-world setting.

General Process

1. Find a Mentor: The first step is to find a licensed barber willing to take you on as an apprentice. This requires research and networking.

2. State Approval: Most states require the apprentice and mentor to register the apprenticeship with the state barbering board or similar regulatory body. This often involves submitting an application and paying a fee.

3. Education and Training: The apprentice works under the mentor’s supervision, learning practical skills on the job. This is complemented by theoretical study, which might be mandated by the state.

4. Log Hours: Apprentices are required to complete a certain number of training hours, both practical and theoretical. These requirements vary widely by state.

5. Examination: After completing the apprenticeship hours, the apprentice must pass a state board examination (practical, written, or both) to become a licensed barber.

Tips for Success

Research: Before committing to an apprenticeship, thoroughly research your state’s requirements and find a mentor who is not only skilled but also a good teacher.

Documentation: Keep detailed records of your hours and what you learn. This is crucial for meeting state requirements and for your own development.

Prepare for the Exam: Make sure to allocate time for studying for the state board examination, utilizing study guides and any available preparatory courses.

The industry currently has so many opportunities, and there’s so much you can do with it. I can absolutely see why people are shifting into the craft and starting this career at many stages of life. Whether you’re leaving high school or shifting out of another career, there’s so much education available to learn quickly and apply yourself.

Just as a friendly reminder, it’s never too late to start something, especially at the speed of access points we have to learn a new skill. It’s a matter of how much we’re willing to take action that truly makes a difference. How much of it can you really invest and put into the things you prioritize because whatever you spend the most time on, are the things that will naturally grow.

For those who think that years make someone better, that is a misconception. I know people who have cut way longer than me who don’t evolve and get stuck in a cycle they don’t know how to get out of, and I’ve seen people who cut less years than me that are further along in some aspects that I find valuable. Timing, practice, and your ability to adapt quickly in today’s age seem to be the right mixture of effort when we want something bad enough, we will make it happen. And how much we can handle, is how fast we can get it.

When I'm struggling with learning something, I find that if I can overload the lesson into my life, I get more chances to go “bat” and in that process, I fail quickly and then I can assess how to get better at it and keep growing from there.

I hope this week you find some time to reflect on the next 5 years and what you want to happen and think about daily moves. Are you setting yourself up and preparing for that “opportunity” that you want? Are you in motion of receiving that “thing?”

If we really focus on what we gotta make happen and I mean no plan B…we are more likely to align very quickly and stay focused on that goal. So when people tell me they want to be a barber - sure, that’s the easy part is wanting something, but if they follow up with “but idk if I’m too late or if I’ll be good enough or if the guys won’t respect me..etc”… Those types of thoughts will be the reason you slow down because you’re not believing in the process of action and work and repetition. You’re allowing space for saying it’s not for you. Doubts are the things that will slow us down and keep us from progressing. Fix those thoughts and fill yourself up with positive thoughts and actions. There’s nothing YOU can’t work on. There’s always room for improvement.

Have a wonderful week!

Sof!