Barbering Schools in Ohio
If you're considering a career as a barber in Ohio, you're in the right place! In this article, we discuss how to become an Ohio barber, including what to expect from barber programs, how to earn your license, what to expect to pay, and more.
Browse our directory of barbering schools in Ohio, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Barbering Schools in Ohio
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815 Youngstown Warren Road
Niles, OH 44446
Beyond Expectations Barber College - Youngstown – Accredited
Youngstown, OH 44511
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Barbering Schools Near Me
Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Ohio have to offer.
Cost of Barbering School Across OH
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Youngstown | $19,200 |
| Toledo | $14,000 |
| Columbus | $13,738 |
| Cincinnati | $13,500 |
| Dayton | $10,080 |
| Cleveland / Akron | $9,699 |
Comparing Program Costs in OH
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $15,750 - $24,550 |
| Lowest range: $6,950 - $15,750 |
| Average: $17,181 |
| Barbering School Costs |
| Highest range: $10,256 - $19,200 |
| Lowest range: $1,311 - $10,256 |
| Average: $11,462 |
How to Become a Barber in Ohio
- 1,800 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in Ohio is $40,320.
- There is a predicted 8% job increase between 2021–2031 for barbers nationally.
To become a barber in Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old, complete 1,800 training hours in a board-approved barbering program, pass two exams, and pay a license fee.
The Ohio Cosmetology and Barber Board enforces the barbering licensing and practicing laws set at the state level.
The board defines a barber as someone who performs these services:
Barbers are only qualified to perform these services on clients' heads, faces, and necks for cosmetic purposes only.
In addition to being 18 years old, before you can earn your Ohio barber license, you must also have completed at least 8th grade (or the equivalent) to be eligible for your license
Before applying for your license, you need to earn 1,800 training hours in a board-approved barbering program. Alternatively, if you already have a cosmetologist license, you only need 1,000 hours in a board-approved barbering program to earn your barber's license.
Ohio doesn't currently offer barbering licenses through apprenticeships.
In addition to the theoretical, scientific, and practical classes you must take in your barbering program, you must also complete a one-hour human trafficking education course.
After completing your barber education, you're ready to take your licensing exams. You need to pass a practical exam, during which you'll perform barbering services on a mannequin, and a theoretical exam on barbering concepts.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Ohio
Required to earn a barbering license
Barbering programs in Ohio are 1,800 hours and have classes in hair styling, facial treatments, and shaving.
As part of your program, you need to complete 100 hours of theoretical study. The theoretical study includes courses like:
You must also complete 200 hours of "scientific barbering practice" courses. These may include:
The remaining hours focus on general barbering practices, which include services like:
To become licensed, board-approved barbering schools need a large enough facility for students to learn to perform all barbering treatments.
They must also require their students to meet specific qualifications set by the board, including being a minimum age of 17 and having an 8th-grade education or above.
Schools must also file their curriculum with the state board.
Ohio Barber Licensing Requirements
To earn your barber license in Ohio, you must complete your barbering program, take a theory and practical exam, and pay a $30 fee.
You can register for your barber license exams online. The board reviews your exam application and emails you confirmation that you're ready to schedule your exams.
The barber theory exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions.
Your other licensing exam covers practical skills.
You need to bring your own mannequin head to your exam, along with a valid government-issued ID and the supplies you need to perform the required treatments. You can find the suggested supplies on the board's website.
Your exam begins with twenty minutes of setup time. This is to wash your hands, disinfect your station and supplies, and set everything up.
Next, you'll show how to correctly hold strops and razors safely and correctly.
Then, you have 20 minutes to demonstrate a chemical wave. Follow proper safety procedures, correctly set up for the treatment, and simulate a technically proficient chemical wave to succeed in this exam section.
Following the chemical wave, you have ten minutes to retouch the color on your mannequin's right front section of hair.
Next, you perform a chemical virgin relaxer on the mannequin's left front section of hair. You have ten minutes to complete it.
Following the relaxer, you have 25 minutes to perform a taper haircut. Next up, you have 35 minutes to perform a facial shave.
The practical exam ends with a basic, ten-minute facial.
The exams are offered in English only. You must receive 75% on each test to pass. If you fail, you can retake the exam again in 90 days. If you only fail one of your exams, that's the only one you must retake.
If you need ADA accommodations for your exams, you just need to complete a form and submit it to the board. Your physician or the barber school you attended must sign the form confirming you need the requested accommodation.
Ohio Barber License Reciprocity
There's good news for barbers who want to relocate to Ohio but are licensed in another state. The Ohio Cosmetology and Barbering Board issues Ohio barber's licenses to barbers who earned their license in any state with licensing requirements equivalent to Ohio's.
To earn your Ohio barber license via reciprocity, you don't even need to take the Ohio licensing exams. All you have to do is pay a $300 license reciprocity fee.
Barber License Renewal in Ohio
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Ohio barbers must complete four hours of continuing education and pay a fee every other year, in even-numbered years, to renew their license.
Licenses expire on August 31st every two years, in even-numbered years. You must complete your four hours of continuing education 15 days before then, on August 15th.
The continuing education courses you must take to renew your license are:
After you complete your continuing education hours, you can pay the $110 license renewal fee and apply for your license renewal online.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Ohio
Average yearly salary for barbering in Ohio
In 2022, the average yearly salary for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Ohio was $40,320. The state doesn't provide details specifically about barbering.
Nationally,O*Net predicts an 8% leap in the number of barbers between 2021 and 2031. Again, Ohio doesn't publish its own details.
Contact the Ohio State Board of Barbering
- 1929 Gateway Circle Grove City, OH 43123
- Website: Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
- Email: sue.gatwood@cos.state.oh.us or ashley.riffle@cos.state.oh.us
- Call: 614-466-3834
- Fax: 614-644-6880
Resources for Barbers in Ohio
Ohio Salon Association
A professional network with a mission to connect Ohio beauty professionals and communicate changes to Ohio Cosmetology and Barber Board rules and state laws concerning the beauty industry.
Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board Facebook Group
Get Ohio industry updates as soon as they're released.