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Barber Schools in Massachusetts

There are many barber schools located in the state of Massachusetts. Each school has its own unique curriculum, facilities, and instructors. However, all of the schools have one common goal: to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful barber.

The following is a list of some of the more popular barber schools located in Massachusetts:

State Requirements for Barber Licensing­ in Massachusetts

Becoming a Barber in Massachusetts involves completing the following steps:

  • Enroll in a Barber Styling Program
  • Completing 1,000 hours of training
  • Pass the Written and Practical Exams
  • Renew your license every two years

Estimated Cost

Barber schools in Massachusetts typically have tuitions ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Many students qualify for scholarships, grants, and federal funding programs like Pell Grants and FAFSA financial aid programs. These financial aid programs and options can significantly reduce the total amount required to pay out of pocket towards barber school.

Students may also be expected to pay for basic barbering supplies, a barbering kit, and other essentials needed for barbering school. There are also fees involved with barber school registration, exam registration, and license application and renewals.

Required Skills and Classes

The first step for becoming a barber in Massachusetts involves attending a barber school program and completing 1,000 minimum hours of a Barber Styling program within a time period of 6 months or longer.

During the Barber Styling Program, you will learn basic concepts of barbering services. The following is a typical breakdown of a Barber Styling Program curriculum along with the amount of time spent on each section:

  • Haircutting – 400 hours
  • Classroom Theory – 180 hours
  • Sterilization and Sanitation – 80 hours
  • Perming – 90 hours
  • Hair coloring – 75 hours
  • Shaving – 50 hours
  • Chemical Relaxing – 40 hours
  • Scalp Treatments – 15 hours
  • Trimming of the Beard & Mustaches – 20 hours
  • Facials – 15 hours
  • Honing and Stropping – 10 hours
  • Shampooing – 10 hours
  • Light Therapy – 5 hours
  • Shop Management – 10 hours

State Licensing Exams

The Massachusetts Barber Exam consists of Written and Practical sections and requires a $130 examination fee for first-time candidates. The exam is administered by Pearson Vue.

Written Exam

The written exam is a four-option, multiple-choice question format test. A passing score of 70% is required. The exam consists of 100 scoreable questions along with 10 pre-test questions. You have two hours to complete the following sections:

  1. Patron Protection – 27%
  2. Hair, Skin and Scalp – 14%
  3. Extended Services – 8%
  4. Shaving/Beard Design 11%
  5. Chemical Services – 5%
  6. Hair Cutting and Styling – 14%
  7. Massachusetts Barbering Laws and Board Rules – 18%
  8. Shop Management Guidelines – 3%

Practical Exam

The Barber Practical Exam consists of five sections. Each section is timed and you have two and a half hours in total to complete the test. You must also supply a model to be used during the exam, who must be at least 16 years of age and cannot be a licensed barber or cosmetologist, and they cannot be pursuing either profession.

The following are the five sections, or tasks, you must complete on the Barber Practical Exam:

  1. Preparation
  2. Honing & Stropping
  3. Disinfection
  4. Haircut/Scalp Manipulation
  5. Shaving

How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Massachusetts

The average salary for barbers in Massachusetts is $32,030 per year or $15.40 an hour.

Continuing Education Requirements

There are no continuing education requirements for licensed Barbers in Massachusetts.

How Do I Renew My Massachusetts Barber License?

All barbers must renew their licenses every other year on odd years by December 31st. This can be done by mail or online. You will need to pay a $20 license fee and provide your Record ID and Authorization codes when renewing your license.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering can be contacted with these details:

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-cosmetology-and-barbering
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (617) 701-8792
Address: 1000 Washington Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02118