Barbering Schools in Virginia

If you want to learn about becoming a barber in Virginia, you've come to the right place. Here, you can learn what to expect from a Virginia barber school or apprenticeship, how to earn your license, the state's estimated salary and job growth, and more.

Browse our directory of barbering schools in Virginia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.

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3700 Candlers Mountain Road Unit 68
Lynchburg, VA 24502

(434) 385-7722
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy
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4mas Barber Academy – Accredited

148 Burnetts Way Suite 111
Suffolk, VA 23434

Ana Bella Beauty School & Barber – Accredited

905 Alabama Drive Unit B
Herndon, VA 20170

Another Level Barber Academy – Accredited

127 New Street
Waverly, VA 23890

Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School – Accredited

102 North Sycamore Street
Petersburg, VA 23803

Asher Institute of Hampton – Accredited

4107 West Mercury Boulevard
Hampton, VA 23666

Back To Life Barber Academy – Accredited

318 Lynn Shores Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Barbershop 27

2990 Churchland Boulevard
Chesapeake, VA 23321

Better Barbers Institute Of Barbering

1917 South Independence Boulevard Suite 102
Virginia Beach, VA 23453

Beyond Beauty Academy – Accredited

2508 Build America Drive
Hampton, VA 23666

Bushcutz Barber Academy – Accredited

6477 College Park Square Suite 104
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

C & S Beauty School – Accredited

8029 Centreville Road
Manassas, VA 20111

C.J. Hair School – Accredited

9667 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031

Chesterfield Technical Center – Accredited

10101 Courthouse Road
Chesterfield, VA 23832

Chris Styles Unisex And Barber School – Accredited

1418 Poindexter street
Chesapeake, VA 23324

Cosmopolitan Beauty and Tech School – Accredited

4201 John Marr Drive 206
Annandale, VA 22003

Crown Cutz Academy Bristol – Accredited

805 Commonwealth Avenue
Bristol, VA 24201

Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center – Accredited

311 South East Street 120
Culpeper, VA 22701

Cuts & Styles Unlimited Academy Of Hair – Accredited

7920 F Chesapeake Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23518

Cutting Room Barber Institute – Accredited

4032 Victory Boulevard Suite C
Portsmouth, VA 23701

Daves Barber School

8 North 18th Street
Richmond, VA 23223

Daydreamers Academy – Accredited

10432 Balls Ford Road Suite 300
Manassas, VA 20109

Diamond Cutz Barber College

4900 Fort Avenue
Lynchburg, VA 24502

District of Barbering & Arts Academy – Accredited

909 Willis Street Suite C
Chesapeake, VA 23323

Dominican House Of Beauty Academy – Accredited

14404 Jefferson Davis Highway
Woodbridge, VA 22191

Edify Barber Academy Of Richmond – Accredited

11569 West Broad Street
Henrico, VA 23233

Elite Barber Shop & Salon II

490-F Denbigh Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23602

Estern Shore Academy of Cosmetology – Accredited

4247 Nelson Road
New Church, VA 23415

Faded & Co. Barber Academy – Accredited

2215 Emancipation Highway Suite 102
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Flawless Styles Academy – Accredited

2706 Build America Drive Suite B
Hampton, VA 23666

Franklins' Family Barber Academy

7608 Gardner Park Drive
Gainesville, VA 20155

Graceful Touch Beauty Academy – Accredited

5756 Churchland Boulevard
Portsmouth, VA 23703

Hair 4 U International Beauty & Barber College – Accredited

702 North Mallory Street
Hampton, VA 23663

Hampton Roads Barber Academy – Accredited

2404 Lafayette Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23509

Headz 1st Barber Institute – Accredited

46000 Old Ox Road Suite 106
Sterling, VA 20166

J's Hair Design – Accredited

13895 Hedgewood Drive Suite 305
Woodbridge, VA 22193

Jazz Barber & Hairstyling Academy – Accredited

1024 East Washington Street
Petersburg, VA 23803

Kulture Kuts Barber & Styling Academy – Accredited

2313 Oaklawn Boulevard Suite A
Hopewell, VA 23860

LB Beauty Academy – Accredited

3114 West Marshall Street Suite A
Richmond, VA 23230

Le Arai Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

8630 Lee Highway Suite J
Farifax, VA 22031

Legacy Barber Academy – Accredited

2720 North Mall Drive 120A
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Mac's Barber Academy – Accredited

1512 27th Street
Newport News, VA 23607

Master’s Touch Barber School of Excellence – Accredited

2044 Battlefield Boulevard North
Chesapeake, VA 23324

Miracle Beauty & Nails Academy – Accredited

3420 Holland Road Suites 102 and 112
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Mo Better Barber Shop & College – Accredited

14512 Smoketown Road
Woodbridge, VA 22191

Naturally Yours Barber & Beauty Salon – Accredited

8014 Midlothian Turnpike Suite 311 North
Chesterfield, VA 23235

Nu Image Salon & Beauty School – Accredited

315 South Main Street
Blackstone, VA 23824

Parlor University Of Barbers – Accredited

5660 Indian River Road Suite 107
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

People's Choice Beauty Academy – Accredited

34 East Church Street
Martinsville, VA 24112

Redefine Barber And Beauty Academy – Accredited

5330 Chamberlayne Road
Richmond, VA 23227

Seward's Barber Academy – Accredited

93 Onville Road
Stafford, VA 22556

Sharp Line Cuts Academy

44260 Ice Rink Plaza Suite 114
Ashburn, VA 20147

Sharps Barber Academy – Accredited

4221 Pleasant Valley Road Suite 111
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Spectrum Beauty Academy – Accredited

25 South Quaker Lane Suite 15
Alexandria, VA 22314

Sporty's Perfect Gentlemen Barber School – Accredited

4010 Indian River Road
Chesapeake, VA 23325

Star Beauty School – Accredited

2263 Valor Drive
Winchester, VA 22601

Stepping Stone Career Training School – Accredited

1010 West Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227

Stylez & Kutz School Of Barbering & Cosmetology – Accredited

132 Elm Avenue
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Tomorrow's Image Barber & Beauty Academy of Virginia – Accredited

490 F Denbigh Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23608

Tony's Unisex Barber and Cosmetology – Accredited

731 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510

Trojan Beauty And Barber College – Accredited

107 Pickwick Avenue
Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Ultimate Performance School Of Cosmetology

324 Memorial Boulevard
Martinsville, VA 24112

Upper Echelon Barber And Beauty Academy – Accredited

2044 Atlantic Avenue East
Chesapeake, VA 23324

VA Beach Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

4312 Holland Road Suite 109
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Virginia Barber School – Accredited

1152 Wilkinson Road
Richmond, VA 23227

Williamsburg Beauty & Barber Academy – Accredited

1505 A Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Wise Cuts Barber School – Accredited

9300 Old Keene Mill Road Suite A
Burke, VA 22015
Accredited School

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.

Barbering Schools Near Me

Cost of Barbering School Across VA

Metro Average Tuition
Norfolk / Portsmouth / Newport News $17,081
Roanoke / Lynchburg $15,150
Kingsport / Bristol $13,600
Richmond / Petersburg $10,761

Comparing Program Costs in VA

Cosmetology School Costs
Highest range: $18,975 - $22,400
Lowest range: $15,549 - $18,975
Average: $18,414
Barbering School Costs
Highest range: $11,483 - $19,085
Lowest range: $3,880 - $11,483
Average: $14,035

How to Become a Barber in Virginia

Virginia Barbering Careers At a Glance
  • 1,100 education hours or 2,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for barbers in Virginia is $37,250.
  • There is a predicted 13% job increase between 2020–2030 for barbers.

To become a barber in Virginia, you must complete a state-approved barber program and pass written and practical exams. All barbers in Virginia must also be licensed. To gain licensure, you need to:

  • Complete one of the following:
  • 1,100 hours in a State-approved barber program OR
  • 2,000 hours in a barber apprenticeship OR
  • A Virginia high school barber program
  • Submit a license application.
  • Pay a $90 application fee (this is set to rise to $105 from September 1, 2024).
  • Take and pass written and practical exams.
  • Submit to a criminal background check.

While all applications are subject to criminal checks, having a record doesn't mean you'll be denied licensure. The board reviews applications on a case-by-case basis, but you must be honest.

Regulations state that you must declare all misdemeanor convictions that occurred within two years of your application, as well as all felony convictions that occurred within 20 years of your application.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Virginia

1,100 Education Hours

Required to earn a barbering license

In Virginia, all barber programs must consist of at least 1,100 training hours. The exact topics covered by each barber school vary. Still, by law, they must cover the following topics within their curriculum:

  • Analyzing skin or scalp conditions
  • Business and shop management
  • Client consultation
  • Using a razor, clippers, and shears
  • Giving basic facial massage or treatment
  • Giving scalp treatments
  • Hair coloring
  • Hair tapering
  • Hair thinning
  • Honing and stropping
  • Hygiene
  • Sanitizing and maintaining equipment
  • School policies
  • Shampooing
  • Shaving
  • State law, regulations, and professional ethics
  • Trimming a mustache or bear

Like individuals, all Virginia barber schools must apply for and maintain licenses.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Virginia?

2,000 Apprentice Hours

Required to earn a barbering license

Yes, you can become a licensed barber in Virginia via a state-approved 2,000-hour apprenticeship program. All Virginia barber apprenticeships are organized and managed through the Department of Labor and Industry, and you must be at least 16 years old to apply.

Barber apprenticeships cover the same topics as barber schools. However, the training time is longer, at 2,000 hours over 18 months. In addition, for every year of your apprenticeship, at least 144 hours must be instructional because you can't get your license through on-the-job experience alone.

Apprentices learn a wide range of techniques and topics related to the job while working under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Training is split into the following sections:

  • Business and shop management: 200 hours
  • Color and shaving: 300 hours
  • Hair cutting and grooming: 1,200 hours
  • Orientation and hygiene: 300 hours

Apprentices must also complete a total of 370 service performances, split as follows:

  • Basic facials: 5
  • Hair and scalp treatments: 10
  • Hair services: 320
  • Semi-permanent color: 10
  • Temporary rinses: 10
  • Tinting: 15

All apprentices must take and pass the practical and written exams, just like other applicants.

Virginia Barber Licensing Requirements

Once you've completed your required training hours, you can apply for the written and practical exams. Both are administered by PSI Exams, and you can apply to take them online. The cost to take each exam is $86 separately or $172 when booked together.

On the day of each examination, arrive at least 30 minutes early and bring two forms of valid government-issued photo ID with you. At least one must be signed.

Written exam

The written exam can be taken in English, Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese. It must be taken on a computer at one of PSI's Virginia exam centers.

It takes 90 minutes to complete the exam, which contains 60 questions, 50 of which are weighted and contribute to your final score. You must achieve a score of at least 75% to pass, and you'll get your result as soon as you complete the exam.

The test is split into the following topics:

  • Scientific Concepts: 40%
  • Implements and Equipment: 10%
  • Hair Care Services: 30%
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services: 20%

Practical exam

The practical exam is held at set locations in Chesapeake, Springfield, Richmond, Lynchburg, and Roanoke. Details of each site are in the NIC exam bulletin. On the day of your practical exam, you should dress professionally, as you would when working in a shop. You are not allowed to have your name, school name, or shop name on your professional attire or kit.

The practical exam can be taken in English, Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese, but all supplies must be labeled in English.

The test is split into the following topics:

  • Work Area and Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies (First client, 10 minutes)
  • Hair Cutting (40 minutes)
  • Work Area and New Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies (Second client, 15 minutes)
  • Straight Razor Shaving (Variable Timing)
  • Blood Exposure Procedure (10 minutes)

If you fail either of your exams, you can retake them from the next day onward, though you must pay the full fee each time you retake.

ADA Accommodations

All PSI exam centers are equipped to provide reasonable ADA accommodations. Request yours by applying online. You may need to give a description of your disability and contact information to your relevant medical authority.

Virginia Barber License Reciprocity

If you've already completed barber training and gained your license in another state, you may be eligible for licensure in Virginia via endorsement.

To transfer your out-of-state license to Virginia, you must:

  • Have a current license issued by a state or U.S. Territory
  • Complete equivalent training to Virginia's requirement (both hours and content)
  • Complete written and practical exams
  • Apply and pay the $90 fee

If your out-of-state license required at least 880 hours of training, you may be able to substitute five years of work experience within the United States for the remaining 220 hours. However, if your out-of-state license requires fewer than 880 hours, you will not be eligible for endorsement and must complete your Virginia barber license training and take the exams.

Barber Specialties in Virginia

If you want to level up your barber qualification, you can take the next step and apply to be a master barber. A dual barber/master barber license is also available, which covers both qualifications and takes 1,500 hours.

Master barber training requires 400 additional hours and covers the following topics:

  • Hair relaxing
  • Hairpieces and wigs
  • Hand hair dryer use
  • Lightening or toning
  • Permanent waving with chemicals
  • Scalp waxing
  • Thermal waves

Barber License Renewal in Virginia

2 Years

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

You must renew your barber license every two years by the last day of the month it was issued. Each renewal costs $90, rising to $105 on September 1, 2024.

There are currently no continuing education requirements to renew your license in Virginia. Still, staying on top of the latest trends and techniques is a good idea to ensure you can continue to offer excellent service and remain relevant in the industry.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Virginia

$37,250

Average yearly salary for barbering in Virginia

The average salary for barbers in Virginia is $37,250 per year, or $17.91 per hour. The number of barber jobs in the state is expected to grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030, higher than the national average of 8%

Wages vary across the state, from a low of $23,260 to a high of $63,570. The highest-paying area is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, which has an average median salary of $31,200.

Contact the Virginia State Board of Barbering

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Barbering
Virginia

How to Become a Barber in Your State

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