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Barber Schools in Ohio

There are many barber schools located throughout the state of Ohio that can help you get started on your career as a barber. A good barber school will provide you with the training and education you need to become a successful barber.

Choosing the right barber school is an important decision that will impact your future career. Below we have assembled some resources to help you research and choose the best barber school for you.

Barber Schools in Ohio

State Requirements for Barber Licensing­ in Ohio

To work as a barber in Ohio, you must complete a four-step process. To obtain a barbering license in Ohio, you must finish the following tasks:

  • Enroll in an Ohio barber school
  • Complete 1,800 coursework and clock hours
  • Pass the Ohio barber exam
  • Complete continuing education requirements
  • Renew your license every year

How Much Do Ohio Barber Programs Cost?

The cost of tuition for barber schools in Ohio can range anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000. Tuition does not typically include additional costs that students are expected to pay, such as purchasing their own barber kits, paying for textbooks and training materials, and paying fees associated with the barber school, taking the barber exam, or applying for a license.

There are many financial aid options available for students interested in barber schools. From Pell grants to private scholarships, receiving financial aid is an option for most students. Reach out to your program’s financial aid office to see how they may be able to help you locate opportunities.

Required Skills and Classes

Prospective barbers in Ohio must complete 1,800 hours of training at an accredited barber school in Ohio. Ohio requires minimum hours spent on specific subject areas, which can be broken down into Theory and Practical hours.

Theory

Barber schools are required to provide a minimum of 100 hours of training related to theoretical study. The subjects covered in theorical study include the following:

  • Scientific fundamentals of barbering
  • Hygiene and bacteriology
  • Histology of the hair, skin and nerves
  • Structure of the head, face and neck (anatomy and physiology)
  • Elementary chemistry relating to barbering sterilization and antiseptic
  • Diseases of the skin, hair and glands
  • Barber history
  • Law pertaining to barbering
  • Salesmanship, advertising, public relations, and human relations
  • Barber ethics and shop management
  • Human Trafficking Education

Practical

Practical hours make up the majority of time spent in barber school, where students demonstrate barbering skills and concepts on mannequins, volunteers, and live patrons of a barber shop or barber school. Practical hours are categorized into time spent on Scientific Barbering and General Barbering.

Scientific Barbering

A minimum of 200 hours must be spent on scientific barbering concepts, which include the following:

  • Facial treatments
  • Shampoo treatments
  • Tinting
  • Bleaching
  • Facial shaving
  • Haircutting – tapers, style/trend cuts, and styling
  • Straightening and relaxing
  • Permanent waving
  • Hairpieces
  • Barber implements

General Barbering

A minimum of 1,200 hours is spent on general barbering practical learning, which includes the following topics:

  • Facial treatments
  • Scalp treatments
  • Shampoo treatments
  • Tinting
  • Bleaching
  • Facial shaving
  • Haircutting – tapers, style/trend cuts, and styling
  • Hair straightening and relaxing
  • Permanent waving
  • Hairpieces
  • Shop duties
  • Shop management

The remaining 300 required hours are up to the discretion of the barber school and can be applied to theory or practical learning. Upon completing the required hours set by the Board, and fulfilling the specific requirements set by the barber school, students can apply to take the Ohio barber exam.

State Licensing Exams

The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board requires that barber license candidates pass both a Theory exam and a Practical exam. Providing a state-issued form of ID and paying the examination fee are required.

Theory

The Ohio Barber Theory exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes. You will be tested on the following barbering subjects:

  • Infection Control & Safety – 25 questions
  • Anatomy and Physiology – 10 questions
  • Hair Care Services – 30 questions
  • Product Knowledge and Chemistry – 5 questions
  • Implements, Tools and Equipment – 15 questions
  • Skin Care Services – 5 questions
  • Ohio Rules and Regulations – 10 questions

Practical

Mannequins are used during the practical exam – the use of live models is no longer allowed. You must provide a mannequin head for the exam and the exam provider will provide a tripod stand for each station. During the practical exam, candidates are required to perform the following services or demonstrate the following barbering concepts:

  • Initial Set Up – 20 minutes
  • Honing and Stropping – Untimed
  • Chemical Wave – 20 minutes
  • Hair Color Retouch – 10 minutes
  • Chemical Virgin Relaxer – 10 minutes
  • Taper Haircut – 35 minutes
  • Straight Razor Shave – 35 minutes
  • Basic Facial – 10 minutes

How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in Ohio?

The average salary for barbers in Ohio according to the BLS is $40,260 per year or $19.36 per hour.

Does Ohio Have Continuing Education Requirements for Barbers?

The Ohio Cosmetology and Barber Board requires four (4) total continuing education requirements hours to be completed every year for barber license renewals. The continuing education hours must be completed in the following categories:

  • Board Laws and Rules – 1 hour
  • Infection Control and Safety – 3 hours

The “Board Laws and Rules” requirement must be completed as a course offered only by the Board. This course is provided through a CE Broker Account. Setting up a CE Broker account can be completed on their registration page.

First time barber license holders are not required to complete continuing education requirements to renew their license.

How Do I Renew My Ohio Barber License?

Barber licenses must be renewed before July 1 every year. There is a $110 license renewal fee for barber licenses.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board can be contacted with the following information:

Website: https://cos.ohio.gov/
Email: https://cos.ohio.gov/help-center
Phone: (614) 466-3834
Address: 1929 Gateway Circle, Grove City, OH 43123