In our modern world, it’s tempting to stick to the unisex ideas of styling and beauty. But men’s hair has specific needs, and a lot of men would rather trust a barber than a hairstylist. New Mexico is home to some great barber schools. If working with men’s hair and is more interesting to you than becoming a general stylist, you might consider licensing yourself as a professional barber.

Schooling Requirements For NM Barbers

New Mexico has strict educational requirements for your license. Check with your school and the board’s website for exact breakdowns.

You will need to prove that you have either a high school diploma or GED or you are at least 17 years old. You will be expected to complete a program at least 1200 hours long, with courses in facials, hair styling, barbering theory, and hair cutting and beard trimming, among other courses.

New Mexico also stipulates that once your education is complete, you must complete your exams and apply for your license within 24 months. If not, your training hours may become void, requiring further study to put you back on track. Find the school closest to you using our app below:

As far as we know apprenticeship is not an option in the state.

Barber Schools in New Mexico Listings

Alamogordo School of Barbering – 1011 Madison Avenue, Alamogordo, NM 88310

Metro Barber School – 10000 Coors Bypass NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

Beauty College of Eddy County – 107 West Mermod Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220

Elan Academy of Cosmetology & Barbering – 1600 Eubank Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112

Adorabella Beauty Academy – 800 Juan Tabo Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

Toni & Guy Hair Academy – 2201 Uptown Loop Road NE, Suite F, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Olympian Academy of Cosmetology – 1011 East 10th Street B, Alamogordo, NM 88310

A Better U Barber Academy – 5400 Phoenix Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Albuquerque Barber College – 601 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Getting Your NM Barber’s License

Once you have completed your training, you need to apply to the Professional Credentialing Services to take your exams.

You’ll need to provide proof of your training hours, a valid photo ID, and two passport-sized photos, along with your exam fees. There are three exams in total. Your first step is the national practical exam, followed by a written exam, and a state law exam, covering all the rules and regulations you’ll need as a barber or operator of your own shop.

Remember to bring your own kit and mannequin. You may choose a live model if you prefer but check with the board for the requirements for your exam model.

Moving From Out-Of-State?

If you have a current active barber license in another state, you may be eligible to transfer to New Mexico if you can prove that your current license is in good standing.

You must also prove that your current state’s training hours equal at least 1200 hours. If not, you may substitute up to 150 hours of work experience. If your home state requirements still do not match those of New Mexico, you will need to make up the rest in school.

How To Renew Your License

Congratulations! You have obtained your barber license. Now, you need to keep it active by renewing each year. The New Mexico State Board will send you a renewal package in the mail each year to advise you of your renewal date. You must fill out the renewal application and send it back. Failure to pay by deadline results in an increased fine to renew.

Working Opportunities

More than three-quarters of barbers working in New Mexico are self-employed. A barber might choose to work in a salon, in a barbershop, or by renting his own chair at one or more existing shops. You might even decide to run your own shop! A good barber program will have links and connections to a great first job, while sites like newmexico.gov can help you get your perfect first job, and start your career off right.

Take a look at our barber equipment page to see what kind of stuff you’ll need to be a barber professional & student.

Other NM schools for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs and makeup artists.

School URLs:
elanacademynm.com
www.abuacademy.com
adorabellabeautyacademy.com
www.abqbarbercollege.com
olympianacademy.com

Did we miss any schools? Please contact us to let us know. More listings at the bottom of the page.