Good news: there are plenty of schools to study barbering in California!
There are also plenty of good reasons to become a barber in CA, including the fact that it is a growing profession. Did you know that by 2022 there will be an approximately 20% increase in the number of barbers employed in the state? Here are the ins and outs of getting your license…
How Long Is The Training At Barber Schools In California?
The first thing you need to do is complete the necessary training. Usually, this is done at an accredited school or college. The minimum time you will need to study and practice in school is 1,000 hours (this changed from 1,500 hours to 1,000 hours on January 1, 2022).
Alternatively, you can complete an apprenticeship, but that takes longer (3,200 hours plus 200 in the classroom), however, with an apprenticeship, you can earn while you learn.
Since it is set by the CA state board, the barber’s curriculum is the same whichever college you go to. Different schools will have different instructors and different styles (some teach barbering nights and weekends), but all prepare you for the profession according to regulations. Besides cutting hair, you will learn things like tool maintenance and use, shaving, hair coloring, hair styling, and safety and sterilization.
Exams and License for New CA Barbers
Once you’ve finished your schooling, it is time to apply to take the California exam. It usually takes two to three months to hear back about your exam date, but once you’ve taken and passed the exams — which have two parts — both written and practical, you are eligible to receive your barber’s license. The cost of the CA barber’s license is included in the fee you pay to take the exams. Barber’s licenses in California must be renewed every other year.
Enter your ZIP below to see what’s available near you and come to an informed decision about where to train to become a Ca. licensed professional barber:
California Barber Schools with Cost
| Name | Address | Cost | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Academy of Beauty | 8823 Garvey Avenue, Unit B1 Rosemead, 91770 | $4,758 | Manicure, Massage Therapy, Esthetics, Cosmetology |
| Bay Area Hair Institute | 1133 El Camino Real, Suite 1 South San Francisco, 94080 | $10,000 | Cosmetology |
| Bellflower Beauty College of Lakewood | 5438 Woodruff Avenue Lakewood, 90713 | $10,000 | Cosmetology, Esthetics, Manicuring |
| Coachella Valley Beauty College | 79450 Highway 111 La Quinta, 92253 | $13,350 | Cosmetology, Esthetician, Manicuring |
| California Hair Design Academy | 8011 University Avenue Suite A-2 La Mesa, 91942 | $18,470 | Cosmetology, Esthetician, Manicuring |
| D'Lacreme School of Cosmetology and Barbering | 1787 North Texas Street Fairfield, 94533 | $6,350 | Cosmetology, Esthetics, Manicuring |
| Federico Beauty Institute | 1515 Sports Drive Sacramento, 95834 | $12,835 | Cosmetology, Esthetics |
| Hinton Barber and Beauty College | 1035 Tennessee Street Vallejo, 94590 | $15,850 | Cosmetology |
| International Academy of Cosmetology | 4085 Tweedy Boulevard South Gate, 90280 | $7,485 | Cosmetology,Manicuring, Esthetician |
| Lancaster Beauty School | 44646 10th Street West Lancaster, 93534 | $16,500 | Cosmetology, Manicure, Esthetician |
L.A. Barber College – Los Angeles
Central Valley Barber College – Riverbank
San Jose Barber College – San Jose
Stockton Barber College – Stockton
The Brothers Barber College – Oakland
Healthy Hair Academy – Inglewood
Western Beauty Institute – Lancaster
Western Beauty Institute – Panorama City, CA
Northern California Barbering & Cosmetology Apprenticeship School – Sacramento, CA
Saco Academy San Diego, CA
Mojave Barber College – Victorville, CA
Marinello Schools of Beauty – North Hollywood CLOSED
Marinello Schools of Beauty – San Diego-Miramar CLOSED
Bakersfield Barber College – 2844 Niles St, Bakersfield, CA 93306 – Throughout 24 years in business at Bakersfield Barber College, they have maintained a structured program with a family atmosphere. Their large facility accommodates both full-time and part-time schedules. Hands-on practical applications are offered to customers and other students.
Bellus Academy -13266 Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064 – Bellus’s complete barbering course will prepare you to take on the highly coveted profession of a barber. From start to finish, students can expect to receive a comprehensive knowledge of barbering and fully understand both the artistry and business of this timeless profession.
Marinello Schools of Beauty – San Mateo CLOSED
Marinello Schools of Beauty – West Covina CLOSED
Marinello Schools of Beauty – Victorville CLOSED
Marinello Schools of Beauty – Chico CLOSED
Royale College of Beauty – 27485 Commerce Center Dr # A, Temecula, CA 92590 – The Barbering program at RCB encompasses not only the CA. State Board requirements, but expands into the latest techniques of today’s market. This will include advanced Dermalogica skincare and advanced color classes. Low tuition, Federal Financial Aid, Grants, and VA to qualified students.
Marinello Schools of Beauty – Hemet CLOSED
Marinello Schools of Beauty – Castro Valley CLOSED
Marinello Schools of Beauty – Los Angeles-East CLOSED
Royal Hair Institute – Los Angeles
The Academy of Barbering Arts – Northridge, CA
Other California schools for nail technicians, estheticians, cosmetologists and makeup artists.
School links:
firstacademyofbeauty.com/courses/barber/ catalog
(PDF)
Baldwin Park Adult School
ssfbahi.com
bellflowerbeautycollegelakewood.com
The Real Barber’s College – Anaheim, CA
Form Academy – Los Angeles
chdaschools.com
Cinta Aveda Institute – San Francisco
cvbeautycollege.com
dlacreme.com
federico.edu
hintonbarberbeauty.com
Institute of Beauty Culture – Santa Maria
academyofbarberingandcosmetology.com
Jade Beauty and Barber College – San Jose
John Wesley International Barber & Beauty College – Long Beach
lancasterbeautyschoo.reachlocal.net
Linda Beauty School – San Diego NOW CLOSED
My Beauty & Barber College – Sacramento
National Cosmetology Beauty School – Oakland
Rosston School of Hair Design – Moreno Valley
San Luis Obispo Beauty College – San Luis Obispo
Santa Ana Beauty Academy – Santa Ana
Tramy Beauty School – Escondido, San Diego
Urban Barber College Concord, CA
Wayne’s College of Beauty – Salinas
CRU Institute of Cosmetology & Barbering Garden Grove, CA & Rancho Cucamonga, CA
International School of Beauty – Indio, CA
California Barber and Beauty College – San Diego
Marinello Schools of Beauty Los Angeles
Borners Barber College Long Beach & Los Angeles, CA phone
Safavi Institute of Cosmetology and Esthetics – Modesto, CA
Pro Barber College – Westminster, Torrance CA
Academy for Salon Professionals – Canoga Park, Santa Clara
Associated Barber College of San Diego – San Diego
David’s Academy of Beauty – Pico Rivera, CA
Lu Ross Academy of Beauty & Health – Ventura, CA
Moler Barber College – Oakland, San Pablo catalog
San Bernardino Barber & Beauty College San Bernardino, CA
Academy of Beauty – Culver City
Abram Friedman Occupational Center – Los Angeles
American Beauty College West Covina, CA
Palace Beauty College Los Angeles, CA
ZMS The Academy – Los Angeles
Did we miss any barber schools in California? Please contact us to let us know.