Barber Schools in South Carolina

Becoming a barber in South Carolina could be ideal if you're looking for a creative, hands-on profession. Browse our directory of barber schools in South Carolina, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Barber in South Carolina

To become a barber in South Carolina, you must complete a program or an apprenticeship, pass exams, and earn your licensure.

In South Carolina licensure requirements include:

• Being at least 17 years old
• Having passed ninth grade or the equivalent
• Either completing a nine-month training course consisting of at least 1,500 hours of instruction at a state-approved barber school, or a 12-month barber apprenticeship composed of 1,920 hours
• Testing negative for tuberculosis or have a doctor's note saying you're not contagious
• Passing the written and practical licensing exams
• Applying for licensure
• Paying relevant fees
• Renewing your license every year

After you pass the exams, expect to receive your license within 30 days.

What To Expect From a Barber Program in South Carolina

Barber programs in South Carolina last at least nine months and entail 1,500 hours of training in basic barbering topics like shaving, hair cutting, shampooing, and barber-related science.

A standard barber school curriculum includes:

• Anatomy and Physiology: 10 hours
• Bacteriology, Sterilization, and Sanitation: 35 hours
• Chemistry and Product Knowledge: 90 hours
• Cutting and Styling Curly Hair: 150 hours
• Disorders of the Skin, Scalp, and Hair: 35 hours
• Electricity and Light Therapy: 5 hours
• Facial Treatment: 15 hours
• Hair and Scalp Treatment: 35 hours
• Hair Coloring: 90 hours
• Hair Relaxing: 40 hours
• Hair Waving and Curling: 50 hours
• History of Barbering: 5 hours
• Honing and Stropping: 8 hours
• Hygiene: 45 hours
• Implements: 8 hours
• Licensing Laws: 5 hours
• Men's Haircutting: 450 hours
• Men's Hairpieces: 25 hours
• Mustaches and Beards: 15 hours
• Perms: 150 hours
• Professional Ethics: 30 hours
• Razor Haircutting: 45 hours
• Retailing: 35 hours
• School Staff and Policy: 5 hours
• Shampooing: 50 hours
• Shaving: 10 hours
• Shop Management: 35 hours
• Testing: 24 hours

South Carolina Barber Licensing Requirements

After completing your barber program, submit an application with your desired exam date, pay the testing fees, and pass the written and practical barber licensure exams.

After the testing administrator, Professional Credential Services (PCS), emails you a Theory Authorization to Test letter and a Practical Admission Notice, you can schedule your theory exam online at PSI Exams. It costs $115, and the practical is $105, or you can pay $175 for a combined examination. You must score 70% or higher to pass both exams.

Written Exam

You have 90 minutes to complete the theory exam, which contains 100 questions on the following:

• Scientific Concepts: 35%
• Implements and Equipment: 10%
• Hair Care: 40%
• Facial Hair Services: 15%

Practical Exam

You must bring your own supplies (labeled in English) and mannequin head or model to the exam.

The exam covers the following:

• Work Area and Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies: First client, 10 minutes
• Haircutting: 40 minutes
• New Work Area and Client Preparation: Second client, 15 minutes
• Shaving with Straight Razor: Variable Timing
• Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
• Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
• Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Product: 10 minutes
• Chemical Relaxer – Virgin Application: 15 minutes
• Hair Color – Retouch Application: 15 minutes

PCS emails your scores within 10 business days of the exam.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in South Carolina?

Yes, you can apprentice as a barber in South Carolina. The state offers the opportunity to train under a licensed barber or master hair care specialist instead of attending a traditional school. To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old, have achieved a ninth-grade education, and test negative for tuberculosis or present a doctor's note stating you're not contagious.

South Carolina barber apprenticeships last at least 12 months or 1,920 hours on the same material as a standard barber school curriculum. You must also undergo an additional 420 training hours on sanitation, sciences, and shaving.

South Carolina Barber License Reciprocity

You're eligible for a South Caroline barbe license through endorsement if you were licensed in another state.

You must:

• Have a valid license
• Been practicing as a licensed barber in the last year
• Submit a license verification from your state
• Submit an endorsement application and pay the $140 fee
• Pass the exams

If you or your spouse is a member of the military, you may be able to receive an expedited license.

Barber License Renewal in South Carolina

You must renew your South Carolina barber license every year by June 30 and pay $125 each time.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in South Carolina

Barber salaries in the state range from $22,430-$42,440, or an average of $33,010.

Charleston is the highest-paying metro area for Barbers in South Carolina, with a median salary of $28,810.

Data isn't available on job growth for barbers in the state. Nationally, the future is bright for this career. Jobs are expected to grow by 8% from 2021-2031.

Contact the South Carolina State Board of Barber Examiners

Resources for Barbers in South Carolina

FAQ About Barbering
This page covers critical information about barber programs and careers.