Barbering Schools in New York State

If you're considering a barber career in New York, we're here to help. Browse our directory of barbering schools in New York, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Barber in New York

To become a barber in New York, you must be at least 17, complete a barbering program or apprenticeship, take an infectious disease course, and pass a practical exam.

The NYS Department of State (DOS) oversees New York barber licenses. It requires barbers who go through an apprenticeship or reciprocity to have an elementary education.

But, if you want to become a barber through a training program, you need more than an elementary education. All barber programs must be approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In addition, schools must ensure students have a diploma, GED, "Ability to Benefit," or Wonderlic Basic Skills Test scores of 200 verbal and 210 quantitative.

You also need to have a medical professional complete a form certifying you don't have any infectious or contagious diseases. Further, you have to undergo a background check. A criminal conviction doesn't always bar you from a barber license. However, the state must review your record to ensure you're a good fit for a job behind the chair.

Unusually, the NYS DOS allows schools to set their own training hours. The state has a pre-approved curriculum running about 500 hours. But schools can use that as a guide more than a rulebook. Check your program's website for the exact hours you need to graduate.

You can also become licensed by completing a two-year apprenticeship. Like traditional barber schools, apprenticeships have no set number of hours.

Additionally, you must take an HIV/AIDS training course to be licensed. This covers several diseases barbers could encounter, so you may see the course listed as Infection Control or similar.

You have to complete the course at an approved school. You also need to take bloodborne pathogen and sanitization practices training.

You aren't required to learn about signs of abuse. Still, you're encouraged to take domestic violence training and review NYS resources. Barbers get up close and personal, physically and emotionally, with clients. This means they may recognize signs comparatively quickly.

After finishing training and safety courses, you can sign up for your practical exam. New York doesn't require a written exam, unlike many other states.

State License Requirements

New York barber schools set the length of time it takes to complete their programs. But all must teach about sanitation, safety, relevant chemistry and biology, and barbering services.

NYSDOS doesn't have a set number of training hours. But they do require the following:

• A set curriculum and a few specific courses students must take
• All programs must prepare students for their licensure exam
• All programs must be approved by the NYSED

The courses required by the NYSED for barbering programs mirror the licensing exam. Only barber programs that teach these courses are approved:

• Overview of the Schools' Rules and Regulations and State Laws: 5 Hours
• Anatomy and Physiology: 10 Hours
• Artificial Hair Products: 30 Hours
• Bacteriology, Decontamination, and Infection Control: 20 Hours
• Business Practices: 35 Hours
• Chemistry as Applied to Barbering: 10 Hours
• Hair Coloring: 50 Hours
• Haircutting and Shaping: 170 Hours
• Hairstyling: 45 Hours
• Properties and Disorders of the Skin, Scalp, and Hair: 20 Hours
• Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners, Treatments: 20 Hours
• Shaving and Facial Massage: 60 Hours
• Workplace Health and Safety: 10 Hours
• State Board Exam Review: 15 Hours

NYSED also decides which programs can offer the mandatory HIV course. There are specific criteria for approved HIV course providers. If your school doesn't offer HIV/infectious disease courses, there are online options.

Barber schools have to have textbooks and equipment meeting industry standards. Further, they must try to prepare you for your practical exam and career.

While barber and cosmetology licenses are separate, some crossover programs are available.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in New York?

You can become a barber in New York by completing a two-year apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed barber. The goal of an apprenticeship is to prepare you to pass the state licensing exam under the supervision of a well-rounded barber.

Before you begin, you must get an apprentice license. You can register for this license online on the same site as issues full operational barber licenses. To get your apprentice license, you must be at least 17 and get checked for infectious diseases and general health. Even apprentices need to take an approved infectious disease/HIV course.

NYSDOS doesn't set the hours you must complete within those two years. But, you do have to track and submit your hours to the DOS after you pass your exam and apply for your full license.

You can also go through a cosmetology apprenticeship if it covers the aspects of barbering in your practical exam, like shaving.

New York Barber Licensing Requirements

To get your operational barber's license in New York you must pass a practical exam and pay a $40 initial licensure fee after completing training. NYDOS Division of Licensing Services oversees the exam.

You can register online and pay the $15 fee when you're ready to take your barbering exam.

On the day of your exam, bring a government-issued photo ID. The approved forms of identification are on the barbering exam information page. You should also bring your own mannequin and necessary supplies. What you need to bring is also listed in the registration instructions.

Dress professionally—like you would at work in a real barber shop—and wear closed-toe shoes.

The exam takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete and requires you to perform these services

• Professional appearance, preparation of work area, and client preparation: About 10 minutes
• Haircutting techniques: Approximately 30 minutes
• Shaving facial hair: Approximately 15 minutes
• Facial massage: Approximately 10 minutes
• Cleanup work area: Approximately five minutes

You get an email notification when your exam results come in, which you can access online. If you pass, you receive your license in the mail and if you fail, you can use the online system to register for a retake.

For accommodations, complete a form about your accommodation and provide supporting documentation.

New York Barber License Reciprocity

New York has reciprocal agreements in place with Maine, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. So, if you have an active license in one of these states, you can begin your New York barbering career right away.

You may also be eligible for a license if you went through a barbering program in another state with similar expectations. To do this, submit paperwork detailing your program and proof of graduation. You still need to take the New York practical exam for this licensure path.

The final path to a New York barber's license is via professional experience in another state. Suppose you have three years of barbering experience outside New York. In that case, your state's board can send documentation certifying your experience. However, you still have to take the New York practical exam.

License Renewal

You need to renew your New York barber license every four years. There are no continuing education hours required for renewal. But, you should stay top of barbering trends and technologies. License holders receive an email reminder when it's time to renew a license. New York barber licenses are renewed online for a $40 fee.

New York Barbering Careers

The average yearly salary for barbers in New York is $38,000 ($18.27 per hour). The number of jobs for barbers is expected to grow by 8% across the United States. Unfortunately, there is no data available for New York specifically.

The bottom 10% of earners in New York earn $30,160 or less. On the opposite end, they can make $41,390 or more.

Barbers in the large metros of New York City and nearby Newark and Jersey City earn a median of $36,960 per year.

Contact the New York State Board of Barbering

Resources for Barbers in New York

Barbers NYC Facebook Group
This Facebook group is for barbers in New York looking for a job and for shops looking to hire barbers.

New York Barber License FAQs
The state department maintains a robust FAQ section.