Just like any other profession, becoming a barber has its perks. Above all, it is a rather profitable occupation in the state of Kansas. One nice thing is that there is a relatively low barrier to entry when compared to other professions that require extensive education and training. For instance, you do not need a college degree to become licensed. All you need is a high school diploma or GED and to complete an approved barber program, which typically takes about nine months to a year. Once you are licensed, you can open your own shop or work in an existing one. If becoming a barber sounds like something that might be a good fit for you, check out our listings below to find a barber school near you in Kansas.
Barber Schools in Kansas
State Requirements for Barber Licensing in Kansas:
Becoming a barber in Kansas involves completing the following steps:
- Enroll in a barber school
- Complete the minimum 1,200 required hours of barber training
- Pass the written, practical, and Rules and Regulations barber exams
- Renew your license every year
How Much Does Barber School Cost in Kansas?
The tuition for barber school programs in Kansas is approximately $15,000 – $20,000, but most students are eligible for scholarships or grants. Your desired barber school may be able to assist you with finding these financial aid options.
In addition to the cost of tuition, some programs require their students to pay for barbering equipment including barber kits, training books and clinic supplies. These can cost anywhere from $1,000 – $2,500. There are also state licensing fees, barber school administrative fees, and barber exam fees, which total around $500 – $600.
Required Skills and Classes
Becoming a barber in Kansas involves attending a state-accredited barber school program and completing a minimum of 1,200 hours of education. Barber schools can offer more than 1,200 training hours but no more than 1,500. Most programs last a full calendar year.
Most Kansas barber schools split the required hours into three sections. History of Barbering and Scientific Fundamentals, Practical Work, and Shop Management.
History of Barbering and Scientific Fundamentals
Most Kansas barber programs dedicate about 350 hours to this section, which involves classroom learning of the following topics:
- History of Barbering
- Barbering basics
- Grooming and First Aid
- Professional Ethics and Hygiene
- Sanitation, Sterilization and Bacteriology
- Anatomy of Hair, Scalp, and Skin
- Professional Ethics and Hygiene
- Electricity as Applied to Barbering
- Barber Shop Management Economics
Practical Work
Programs use anywhere from 700 – 1,000 hours towards practical work, which involves observing and demonstrating barbering skills in the following areas:
- Men’s and Women’s Haircutting and Styling
- Shaving, Facials and Massage
- Hair Tinting: Temporary, Semipermanent and Permanent
- Permanent Waving
Shop Management
Most programs use about 150 hours to cover this section, which is conducted in a classroom setting.
- Business Training and Shop Management
- Laws and Regulations for Kansas Barbers
State Licensing Exams
Before applying to take the Kansas Barber License Exam, you must be a graduate of a barber school approved by the Kansas Barber Board.
Kansas has a minimum passing score of 80% that must be attained on each of the three sections of the barber exam. These sections are:
Written NIC Barber Styling Theory Exam
You must take and pass with a score of 80% or higher on the written NIC barber theory exam first before being eligible to take the remaining two exam sections. The multiple choice test features 110 questions on a wide range of topics learned during barber school of which 100 questions are weighted and contribute to the final score. This test is taken on a separate day from the practical examination and at a different test site.
The test outline topics include:
- Scientific Concepts – 35%
- Implements and Equipment – 10%
- Hair Care Services – 40%
- Facial Hair and Skin Care Services – 15%
Practical Examination
The practical exam tests your ability to demonstrate skills learned in barber school on two live models. The test taker is responsible for providing the live models used for the exam.
The test taker is also responsible to provide tools and supplies used during the exam such as clippers, shears, a blow dryer, straight edge razor, combs, brushes, shampoo, conditioner, towels, a water spray bottle, perm papers, and disposable gloves.
The types of skills tested on models during the exam include:
- Straight razor shave
- Tapered haircut
- Trend haircut
- Professional conduct
- Hygiene
- Facial-Scientific Rest Facial
- Scalp Manipulation
- Shampoo
- Style Hair
Written Kansas Rules and Regulations Exam
This test focuses on the specific laws and regulations that barbers in Kansas must adhere to. The questions from this exam are similar to the content learned during the Shop Management section of barber school.
Salary: Kansas barbers make approximately $33,130 per year or $15.93 an hour on average.
Are There Continuing Education Requirements For Kansas Barbers?
There are no continuing education requirements for Kansas barbers.
How Do I Renew a Kansas Barber License?
Unlike most other states, Kansas requires that barbers renew their barber licenses every year. This can be done on the Kansas Board of Barbering website using your phone number as a license identifier and requires a $80 renewal fee. Refer to your barber license to find its expiration date.
Contact Information for Licensing Board
The Kansas Board of Board of Barber Examiners can be contacted using the following:
Website: https://kbob.kansas.gov/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (785) 296-2211
Address: 700 SW Jackson, Ste 2001
Topeka, KS 66603
