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Barber Schools in South Carolina

There are many barber schools located throughout South Carolina that can provide the necessary training and education to become a licensed barber. Many of these schools offer programs that can be completed in as little as 9 months, making it a relatively short path to a new career.

In addition to completing an accredited barbering program, individuals must also pass the South Carolina State Board of Barber Examiners licensing exam. Once licensed, barbers in South Carolina are required to renew their license every 2 years.

Becoming a barber can be a rewarding and satisfying career choice, and there is always a demand for skilled professionals in this field. If you are interested in exploring a new career in South Carolina, consider enrolling in a barbering program today.

Barber Schools in South Carolina

State Requirements for Barber Licensing­ in South Carolina

The following are the legal and educational prerequisites for becoming a barber in South Carolina:

  • Enroll in a barber school
  • Complete 1,500 hours of education
  • Pass the Theory and Practical Barber Exams
  • Renew your license every year

How Much Do South Carolina Barber Programs Cost?

The average cost of tuition for barber schools in South Carolina is about $14,000.

In addition to paying for tuition, students in barber school must buy a kit and all necessary supplies, pay for textbooks and study guides, as well as any fees associated with taking the licensure exam.

Remember that there are a few ways you can get support to help pay for your barber school education, like Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships from your chosen institution, Pell Grants, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, VA benefits and direct subsidized loans. To see if you qualify for any of these programs, just reach out to the financial aid office at the barber school you’d like to attend.

Required Skills and Classes

Barbers in South Carolina are required to have passed at least the 9th grade level of education and must provide proof, typically in the form of a high school diploma or GED. Barbers must also complete training requirements set by the South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners.

There are two types of barber licenses in South Carolina – Barbers and Master Hair Care Specialists.

South Carolina barber schools are required to complete the following class and training requirements for their students, which total 1,500 of clock hours:

Category Hours
Hygiene and Good Grooming 45
Professional Ethics 30
Bacteriology, Sterilization and Sanitation 35
Implements 8
Shaving 10
Men’s Haircutting 450
Cutting and Styling Curly and Over-Curly Hair 150
Mustaches and Beards 15
Shampooing and Rinsing 50
Hair and Scalp Treatment 35
Facial Treatment 15
Razor Haircutting 45
Hair Waving and Curling 50
Permanent Waving 150
Men’s Hairpieces 25
Disorders of the Skin, Scalp and Hair 35
Anatomy and Physiology 10
Shop Management 35
Retailing 35
Licensing Laws 5
History of Barbering 5
Orientation and Introduction of School Staff and Policy 5
Honing and Stropping 8
Chemical Hair Relaxing 40
Hair Coloring 90
Electricity and Light Therapy 5
Chemistry 90
Testing 24
Total Hours 1500

State Licensing Exams

The South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners use test materials from NIC for the state barber exam. The test is the same for Barbers as well as Master Haircare specialists. The exam is made up of a Theory and a Practical section. Candidates must pass both tests before applying for licensure.

Theory

South Carolina uses the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Exam, which is made up 100 total multiple choice questions. There are 10 additional questions that do not influence your final score. The following are the sections of the Theory exam.

  • Scientific Concepts – 35 questions
  • Implements and Equipment – 10 questions
  • Hair Care Services – 40 questions
  • Facial Hair and Skin Care Services – 15 questions

Practical

The practical exam requires candidates to complete nine core domain sections. Each section has a specific time limit, and the services are performed in front of exam administrators. Candidates are expected to complete the following core sections:

  1. Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (First client, 10 minutes)
  2. Haircutting (40 minutes)
  3. Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second client, 15 minutes)
  4. Shaving with Straight Razor (Variable Timing)
  5. Blood Exposure Procedure (10 minutes)
  6. Chemical Waving (20 minutes)
  7. Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Product (10 minutes)
  8. Chemical Relaxer – Virgin Application (15 minutes)
  9. Hair Color – Retouch Application (15 minutes)

How Much Do Barbers Get Paid in South Carolina?

According to the BLS, South Carolina barbers earn an average salary of $23,760 per year or $11.42 per hour.

Continuing Education Requirements

The South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners does not require licensed barbers to complete continuing education requirements for license renewal.

How Do I Renew My South Carolina Barber License?

You can renew licenses up to two months before the expiration date, which will be on June 30 of every year. There is a $125 required fee for renewing Barber licenses and Master Haircare Specialist licenses. Renewals can be completed online using the South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation website.

Contact Information for Licensing Board

The South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners can be contacted through the following:

Website: https://llr.sc.gov/bar/pub.aspx
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 896-4588
Address: 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210