With the option to be your own boss, get creative, set your hours and earn a decent salary, it’s no wonder so many people are interested in being barbers! Plus, barbering is a social profession that allows you to travel and meet new people. If you want an ever-evolving job where no day is ever the same, taking up barbering might be the way to go.
In Texas, barbers take home more than the average annual salary of barbers in the country, pointing to the lucrativeness of this profession. The rates are significantly higher in urban areas like Austin, and you can well be on your way to set up a chain of barbershops. But before you can start minting money, you need to get your license to work as a barber per the state requirements.
Unfortunately, you cannot walk into the state licensing department and request a license to start working as a barber. The authorities require that you prove you have the skills to take on such a task. As such, the first step lies in attending school, and you can either go to cosmetology school or straight to the barber school. We’ll break down each option to help you understand which one would be the best for you.
- 1. Educational Options for Barbers
- 2. How long does it take to get a barber license?
- 3. What do barbers do?
- 4. How much do barbers make?
- 5. How much does it cost to become a barber?
- 6. Requirements for Becoming a Barber in Texas
- 7. How to Get Barber License in Texas
- 8. Barbering Schools in Texas
-
9.
FAQs
- 9.1. Do you have to take a test to become a licensed barber?
- 9.2. I am a licensed barber in a state other than Texas. How do I get a license in Texas (reciprocity)?
- 9.3. What is the minimum age to obtain a barber license?
- 9.4. Is it okay for me to work with an expired license, certificate, or permit?
- 9.5. I did not receive my renewal notice. How do I renew my license?
- 9.6. How do I notify you that my address has changed?
- 10. Associations, Groups & Resources for Barbers
- 11. Contact the Texas State Board of Barbering
- 12. Final Words
Educational Options for Barbers
Option 1: Barber Certificate or Diploma
Whether you refer to this qualification as a diploma or a certificate, you are right. A certification is a short program that you can finish a year or thereabout, enabling you to understand hair care and styling fundamentals. From how to care for hair to how to get a clean shave down to the latest trends in styling hair, you will amass a lot of information. Taking this course puts you in a position to take the barber license exam and pass!
Why bother taking the course?
Well, for one, you cannot get a barber license without having attended school. Secondly, if you plan on starting a shop, you will benefit from the professional development courses offered as part of the diploma. You will know how to attract and retain customers and build a successful business once you are out of school. Consider it a wholesome approach to barbering that also focuses on business aspects.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by school. However, for the most part, as long as you have a high school diploma and are aged at least 16 years, you will already have one foot inside the door. You can even start taking the courses while you are in high school. But for you to finally get the license, you will need to get your GED or high school diploma. Additional requirements may be applicable, e.g., some schools may ask that you take further tests to gauge your proficiency in some areas. But you will be happy to know that you will not be subject to a series of pre-courses before you can finally take your seat in class.
Courses
The approved program will enable you to get hands-on training on:
- Hygiene and sanitation practices
- Shaving techniques
- Coloring and styling hair
- Washing hair
- How to relate with your clients and professional acquaintances
Depending on how extensive the program is, you may also get information on state laws, what rules and regulations you must observe, and how to start a barbershop. You should note that the program will center on skills you can rely on as a barber and will not delve into other areas much. Please note that a barber diploma is very practical, and you will require to put in a given amount of class hours for you to qualify to take the final exam for the licensing. Do not skip classes, or you’ll have a hard time getting your barber license in Texas.
Option 2: Cosmetology Degree
Did you know that cosmetologists can also run barbershops? Cosmetology degrees focus on haircare and delve into other areas such as skin care, manicures, spa treatments, and other integral procedures in salons. Like with barber diplomas, they also teach you how you can manage a small business.
Unlike a barber diploma, a cosmetology degree is a technical degree. Thus, you will likely have to pursue it in a technical school or community college where you will get hands-on experience with dealing with clients. Additionally, you will learn how to give your clients excellent customer service and best organize your practice. With this degree, not only can you become a barber, but you can also become a beautician, skin care consultant, and even a makeup artist, among other professions. You can also think of it as a path to become a business owner in the near and long term.
Such a program can run from anything from 9 months to two years. Once you’re done, most states will allow you to take the barber exam without having to pursue a barber certificate. However, you’ll require to focus on hairstyling techniques for you to get this pass.
Admission Requirements
Like with the barber diploma, you’ll need to be at least 16 years of age. However, with cosmetology, there’s a twist. Some schools will allow you to get in as long as you are of age without having finished your high school diploma. You can start learning how to run your barbershop as you complete high school. Most schools, however, are stricter and require that you finish your high school for you to graduate from the cosmetology course. It’s in your best interests to get that high school diploma, as many employers consider it a plus.
It’s rare for a school to ask for more than a minimum age requirement and a high school diploma. However, you may come across a program that requires you to show some competency in some key areas.
Courses
Generally, the course covers:
- How to analyze hair
- Chemical safety
- Skin treatments and makeup artistry
- How to recognize disorders of the hair and scalp
- Manicures, pedicures, and trendy nail techniques
- Safety and sanitation measures
- The proper use of tools and materials in the workspace
You may also get in on how to manage your business and run your operations efficiently. The degree is quite similar to what you would get from a barber diploma, only that it heavily leans on the beauty aspects of things.
Online Barber Programs
With most schools offering remote learning, it makes sense that even barber schools would follow suit. To learn online, you still need to enroll in a barber school to get your practical hours. Other than that, you can still take your classes online and cut back on time spent pursuing the course. Please note that the online route favors people who already have barbering skills and are after the license. If you’re new to barbering, you are better off attending all the classes physically for that hands-on experience.
Online barber courses offer the same courses as physical courses and will get into:
- Sanitation and hygiene measures
- Suitable business practices
- Statutory regulations
For the practical aspects, you will need to go to class.
How long does it take to get a barber license?
With 1,500 education hours, you can get your barbering license in Texas. You will find that most schools run their courses over nine months. This period allows the tutors enough time to browse the basics before covering the integral aspects of hairdressing. Students start by working on mannequins before moving on to real clients, enabling them to perfect hair cutting, coloring, texturing, masking, and other techniques. It takes a while to perfect the clean-shaven look.
So, how long would it take to get your 1,500 hours? Let’s assume you attend 7-9-hour classes five days a week, you would get your hours done in around nine months. But for most people, it’s not possible to put in this much time, and the course can drag on for a year or more.
What do barbers do?
On paper, it might look like all barbers do is shave hair and give facials. However, barbering is more complex than this. You’ll undergo sufficient training to enable you to handle an array of tools and equipment. Not only will you cut hair and give people the clean shaves they desire, but you will also:
- Wash hair
- Install hair extensions
- Offer facials
- Diagnose hair and scalp conditions and offer treatments
- Maintain a clean workspace and equipment
Depending on the business setup, you can also balance the books, attract clientele, and run promotions. Barbers can work part-time or full-time.
How much do barbers make?
Ah, the big question! Everyone always wants to know how much money they can mint from their skills. National averages show that barbers make about $35,000 per year, with most making anything between $30,000 and $40,000. On an hourly basis, this translates to between $14 and $18 each hour, which comes to $110 to $150 for an 8-hour workday.
However, you cannot work with these figures as the benchmark as what you make depends on the location of the barbershop, your experience, the hours worked, and the number of cuts, among other factors. Some barbers make well over six figures! Professional barbers in Austin and Dallas can make over $100,000 every year. Those who want to make more money open up barbershops or go the celebrity route.
How much can you make in Texas?
National averages indicate that some barbers earn more than others. For example, barbers living in Texas make about $38,200 each year, which is higher than what barbers in Illinois and Florida make annually.
How much does it cost to become a barber?
Costs vary per school and generally range between $2,000 and $11,000. You may end up paying more if the school offers highly specialized courses or requires you to buy a ton of equipment. In some states, you can qualify for a tuition cut as well as some financial assistance. It helps to look into these options before settling on a barber school.
Requirements for Becoming a Barber in Texas
To get your barbering license in Texas, you have to be aged at least 16 years of age. However, for barber instructors and specialty barbers, the minimum age requirement is 18 years. Please note that not all licenses are the same, and you need to keep an eye on the minimum hours as follows:
- Class A Barber: Requires the completion of 1,000 hours
- Barber Instructor: You must have at least 750 hours of instruction in barbering courses or have worked as a class A barber and completed 500 hours of instruction in barbering courses
- Barber Technician Specialty: Requires 300 hours
- Barber Manicure Specialty: Requires 600 hours
- Barber Hair Weaving Specialty: Requires 300 hours
- Barber Technician/ Manicurist Certificate: Requires 900 hours
- Barber Technician/ Hair Weaver Certificate: Requires 600 hours
Thus, you can only receive a license based on the program hours you have completed. If you’re applying for a license in another state, please note that requirements could be different.
How to Get Barber License in Texas
Step 1: Graduate from a 1,500-Hour Texas Barber Training Program
As we earlier stated, the state will not allow you to operate as a barber if you have not received training for this profession. Before enrolling in a training program, fill your student permit application and submit it to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It will enable you to enroll in a program and start counting towards your hours.
You cannot receive training on just anything to get your license. Instead, the state requires that you get some training on at least one of the following areas:
- Barber laws and rules in the state
- Skin and hair disorders
- Hygiene measures
- How barbering works
- The anatomy of the hair, skin, muscles, and nerves
- How to give facials
- How to weave hair
- How to service wigs
- The anatomy of the head, neck, and face
- How chemicals interact
At the end of your practical training, the school will send a notice to PSI Services, the Texas licensing exam testing vendor.
Step 2. Pass the Texas Practical and Theory Licensing Examinations
If you have met all the requirements to apply for a license, PSI services will send you a postcard. On it, you will see details on how you can register for your exams which will fall under:
Written Exam
For 100 minutes, you will sit on a desktop and answer questions relating to:
- Hair coloring techniques
- Shampooing and conditioning
- Skin and nail care
- How to sanitize, disinfect and sterilize your workspace
- Chemical waving, haircutting, and hair styling techniques
- Licensing requirements in Texas
The exam will cost you $55, and you can take it in any of the following cities:
- Abilene
- Amarillo
- Arlington
- Austin
- Corpus Christi
- Dallas
- El Paso
- Fort Worth
- Harlingen
- Houston
- Lubbock
- Midland
- San Antonio
- Tyler
- Waco
Practical Exam
For this exam, PSI Services requires you to carry a supply kit, model, and a mannequin with you as it takes on a practical approach. The session enables you to put your practice to the test and runs over 180 minutes, during which you need to show your prowess in:
- Shampooing and blow-drying hair
- Shaping hair
- Shaving hair
- Giving facials
- Applying chemicals to the hair
- Permanent waving
You can take the exam in any of the following locations:
- Amarillo
- Austin
- El Paso
- DFW Metroplex
- Greater Houston Area
- McAllen
- Midland
- San Antonio
PSI Services will take note of your scores in both the written and oral exams. The same will be forwarded to the Texas State Board of Barber Examiners if you have a passing score.
Step 3. Attain an Initial Barber License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Congratulations! If you have made it this far, you are a few steps away from actualizing your dream to be a barber. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is your next stop. Given that the department does not have an online application system, you will need to contact it via:
- Calling (800) 803-9202
- Accessing http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/
- Emailing barbers@tdlr.texas.gov
Once you get the details you need, you can then send in a license application to:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
PO Box 12157
Austin, Texas 78711-2157
Please note that this application comes at a $55 fee payable to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The department will process the application and give you a license which you can now use to start your career.
Step 4. Start your Career as a Barber in Texas
Good news! You can skip the fee attached to renting a booth in a barbershop and go straight to cutting hair! Before 2014, new barbers had to part with yet more money to get their careers going. Not anymore! You can now rent a booth or chair in one of the best barbershops in the state and start making money straight out of school. Alternatively, you can open your barbershop and have more of a say in the shop’s style. You can also retain more clients this way. Please note that whichever route you choose, you will need to maintain an active barber license. Also, to start a shop by yourself, you will require a barbershop license which is separate from a barber license.
Texas Barber License Renewal
The state requires that you maintain an up-to-date license, and you’ll need to renew your current license every two years. Usually, the state sends a renewal packet to you by mail. However, if you do not get one, you can always make your application online. Either way, it will set you back $55 and will enable you to be on the right side of the law.
Reciprocity
Did you know that you can skip the barber licensing requirements? If you already have a barber license from another state, you may qualify to get a barber license without going to barber school or even taking exams. However, your current license must match or be better than the Texas version. If you meet these requirements, all you need to do is:
- Fill out a Reciprocity Application and attach your current license as well as a letter of certification from the licensing state
- Pay a fee of $110
Once again, the mail forwarding will be to:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
PO Box 12157
Austin, Texas 78711-2157
Barbering Schools in Texas
Name | Status | Address |
Academy of Hair Design | Accredited | 2015 East Riverside Drive Building 6
Austin, TX 78741 |
Milan Institute | Accredited | 605 Southwest Military Drive
San Antonio, TX 78238 |
360 Degrees Beauty & Barber College | Accredited | 10638 Fm 1960 Road West
Houston, TX 77070 |
Acres Home College of Barber Design | Accredited | 2306 Fergusonway
Houston, TX 77088 |
Advanced Barber College and Hair Design | Accredited | 2818 South International, Weslaco, TX 78596 |
Alamo City Barber College | Accredited | 8910 Bandera Road Suite 209
San Antonio, TX 78250 |
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes | Accredited | 21003 Encino Commons, San Antonio, TX 78259 |
Barber Institute of Texas | Accredited | 2325 South Stemmons Freeway #404
Lewisville, TX 75067 |
Barber Institute of Texas | Accredited | 2430 South High Street Suite B4, Longview, TX 75602 |
Bella Cosmetology College | Accredited | 410 West Broadway Street, Winnsboro, TX 75494 |
Blade Craft Barber Academy | Accredited | 2719 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75226 |
Brighton Barber Institute | Accredited | 133 West Harwood Road, Hurst, TX 76054 |
Bronx Barber College | 1360 Lee Trevino Drive, El Paso, TX 79936 | |
Buckner Barber School | Accredited | 1515 South Buckner Boulevard #147
Dallas, TX 75217 |
CC’s Christian Barber School | 11316 Westheimer Road Suite C, Houston, TX 77077 | |
Central Texas Barber College | Accredited | 544 West Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Harker Heights, TX 76548 |
Central Texas Beauty College | Accredited | 2010 South 57th Street
Temple, TX 76504 |
Champions Barber and Beauty Academy | Accredited | 1300 Lake Air Drive
Waco, TX 76710 |
Charles and Sues School of Hair Design | Accredited | 1711 Briarcrest Drive
Bryan, TX 77802 |
College of the Mainland | Accredited | 1200 Amburn Road
Texas City, TX 77591 |
Cosmetology Academy of Texarkana | Accredited | 4115 North Kings Highway Suite 110
Texarkana, TX 75503 |
Cut & Shave Barber College | Accredited | 1139 Gembler Road
San Antonio, TX 78219 |
Dallas Barber & Stylist College | Accredited | 9357 Forest Lane
Dallas, TX 75243 |
Dallas Barber & Stylist College | Accredited | 5504 Matlock Road
Arlington, TX 76018 |
Dallas Barber & Stylist College | Accredited | 3407 Sycamore School Road
Fort Worth, TX 76133 |
Dallas Blends Barber Academy | Accredited | 2902 Buckner Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75227 |
Dapper G Barber College | Accredited | 1305 Southwest Loop 410 Suite 210
San Antonio, TX 78227 |
Deluxe Barber College | Accredited | 12636 Nacogdoches Road
San Antonio, TX 78217 |
Diamonds Cosmetology College | Accredited | 3321 Loy Lake Road
Sherman, TX 75090 |
Elevation Barber College | Accredited | 7207 Elm Trail
San Antonio, TX 78244 |
Enlightened Barber Academy | Accredited | 1006 South 10Th Street Suite 4
Mcallen, TX 78501 |
Enrichment Barber College | Accredited | 4138 Naco Perrin Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78217 |
Eyes on Me Advanced Barber College | Accredited | 1494 Hillcrest
San Antonio, TX 78228 |
Franklin Institute | Accredited | 4745 Highway 6 North
Houston, TX 77084 |
Gloria’s Barber College | Accredited | 6812 Bandera Road Suite 106
San Antonio, TX 78238 |
Graham’s Barber College | Accredited | 3016 AL Lipscomb Way
Dallas, TX 75215 |
Houston Barber School | Accredited | 313 Rankin Road Suite G
Houston, TX 77073 |
Houston Community College | Accredited | 6815 Rustic Street
Houston, TX 77087 |
Houston Training School – Gulfgate Campus | Accredited | 6630 Gulf Freeway
Houston, TX 77087 |
Houston Training School – Main Campus | Accredited | 10314 East Freeway
Houston, TX 77026 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 793 East Park Row
Arlington, TX 76010 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 2215 South Loop 288
Denton, TX 76021 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 750 Sunland Park Drive
El Paso, TX 79912 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 1802 Green Oaks Road
Fort Worth, TX 76116 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 1101 Melbourne Road Suite B-5A
Hurst, TX 76053 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 2426 Irving Mall B-5C
Irving, TX 75062 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 1900 Oates Drive #175
Mesquite, TX 75150 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 3033 West Parker Road 205
Plano, TX 75023 |
ITS. Academy of Beauty | Accredited | 3111 Midwestern Parkway Suite #110
Wichita Falls, TX 76308 |
Instituto de Belleza y Arte | Accredited | 112 South Broadway
McAllen, TX 78501 |
Interstate Barber Stylist School | Accredited | 3415 North 19th Street
Waco, TX 76708 |
Jay’s Technical Institute | Accredited | 11910 Fondren Meadow
Houston, TX 77071 |
K & G 5 Star Barber College | Accredited | 618 FM 517 West
Dickinson, TX 77539 |
Lee College | Accredited | 511 South Whiting
Baytown, TX 77520 |
Lone Star College | Accredited | 20000 Kingwood Drive
Kingwood, TX 77339 |
McLennan Community College | Accredited | 1400 College Drive
Waco, TX 76708 |
Mei Barber School | Accredited | 205 East Elizabeth Street
Brownsville, TX 78520 |
Mesa Barber College | Accredited | 8523 Mesa Drive
Houston, TX 77028 |
Michael’s Barber & Hair Stylist Academy | Accredited | 2413 West Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75062 |
Mid Cities Barber College | Accredited | 2345 Southwest 3rd Street 101
Grand Prairie, TX 75051 |
Milan Institute of Cosmetology | Accredited | 6804 Ingram Road
San Antonio, TX 78221 |
Mission Beauty Institute | Accredited | 1123 East 9th Street
Mission, TX 78572 |
Modern Barber & Beauty Institute | Accredited | 1123 East Villa Maria Road
Bryan, TX 77802 |
Modern Barber College | Accredited | 2401 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77002 |
Montana Barber College | Accredited | 1920 North Zaragoza Road Suites 101 – 103
El Paso, TX 79938 |
Mystros Barber Academy | Accredited | 1434 Cypress Creek Parkway
Houston, TX 77090 |
Natural Images Beauty College | Accredited | 236 Old Angleton Road
Clute, TX 77531 |
NeeCee’s Barber College | Accredited | 1813 Industrial Boulevard
Abilene, TX 79602 |
NeeCee’s Barber College | Accredited | 11220 North Lamar Building C Unit 300
Austin, TX 78753 |
New Image Beauty and Barber School | Accredited | 502 US-77 Frontage Road
Harlingen, TX 78550 |
Next Level Barber Institute | Accredited | 3815 North Fry Road
Katy, TX 77494 |
OG’s School of Hair Design | Accredited | 2501 South Ws Young Drive
Killeen, TX 76542 |
Ogle School of Cosmetology and Esthetics | Accredited | 742 North Loop 410 Suite 226
San Antonio, TX 78216 |
Ogle School of Cosmetology and Esthetics | Accredited | 12788 Fountain Lake Circle
Stafford, TX 77477 |
Panola College | Accredited | 1109 West Panola Street
Carthage, TX 75633 |
Paul Mitchell | Accredited | 309 Curtis Mathes Way Suite 101
Arlington, TX 76018 |
Paul Mitchell | Accredited | 2389 Midway Road Suite A
Carrollton, TX 75006 |
Paul Mitchell | Accredited | 10516 Katy Freeway Suite A
Houston, TX 77043 |
Paul Mitchell | Accredited | 5590 Summit Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78229 |
Paul Mitchell | Accredited | 20807 Gulf Freeway
Webster, TX 77598 |
Premier Barber School | Accredited | 8795 Antoine Drive
Houston, TX 77088 |
Preparing People Barber Styling College | 3125 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75215 |
|
Roffler School of Hair Design | Accredited | 5339 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756 |
Salon & Spa Institute | Accredited | 2695 North Coria Street
Brownsville, TX 78520 |
San Jacinto Community College | Accredited | 8060 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, TX 77505 |
Sebring Career Schools | Accredited | 6672 Highway 6 South
Houston, TX 77083 |
Sebring Career Schools | Accredited | 2505 Lake Road Suite 1
Huntsville, TX 77340 |
Sol Barber & Styling Academy | Accredited | 531 West Jefferson Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75208 |
South Post Oak Barber College | Accredited | 14217 South Post Oak Road
Houston, TX 77045 |
South Texas Barber College | 3917 Ayers
Corpus Christi, TX 78415 |
|
Southwest Barber Institute | Accredited | 4242 Hondo Pass Suite 107-108
El Paso, TX 79924 |
Southwest Texas Junior College | Accredited | 2401 Garner Field Road
Uvalde, TX 78801 |
Texarkana College | Accredited | 2500 North Robison Road
Texarkana, TX 75599 |
Texas Barber College | Accredited | 9888 Ferguson Road
Dallas, TX 75228 |
Texas Barber College | Accredited | 5148 Lancaster Road
Dallas, TX 75241 |
Texas Barber College | Accredited | 8201 South Gessner Road Suite A
Houston, TX 77036 |
The Professional Cosmetology Academy | Accredited | 1407 Calle del Norte Suite 116
Laredo, TX 78041 |
Tonsore Master Academy | Accredited | 6856 Ingram Road
San Antonio, TX 78238 |
Tonsorial Arts Barber College | Accredited | 2831 New Boston Road
Texarkana, TX 75501 |
Top of the line Barber School | Accredited | 2306 Austin Highway
San Antonio, TX 78218 |
Trend Barber College | Accredited | 16950 Ella Boulvard Suite 330
Houston, TX 77071 |
Trend Barber College | Accredited | 8250 West Bellfort
Houston, TX 77090 |
Trucco Beauty Institute | Accredited | 11385 James Watt Drive Suite B 44053
El Paso, TX 79936 |
UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences | Accredited | 4522 Fredericksburg Road A-85
San Antonio, TX 78201 |
UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences | Accredited | 913 North 13Th Street
Harlingen, TX 78550 |
UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences | Accredited | 724 East Expressway 83
La Joya, TX 78560 |
UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences | Accredited | 8401 North 10Th Street
Mcallen, TX 78504 |
UCAS University of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences | Accredited | 910 Southeast Military Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78214 |
Victoria Beauty College | Accredited | 1508 North Laurent
Victoria, TX 77901 |
Vogue College of Cosmetology | Accredited | 1836 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78201 |
Vogue College of Cosmetology | Accredited | 800 Fern Avenue
Mcallen, TX 78501 |
Vogue College of Cosmetology | Accredited | 6012 Ingram Road
San Antonio, TX 78238 |
Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy | Accredited | 2520 Paramount Boulevard
Amarillo, TX 79109 |
Yahweh Beauty Academy | Accredited | 431 North 38th Street
Killeen, TX 76543 |
FAQs
Do you have to take a test to become a licensed barber?
The state of Texas requires that you complete a course in barbering before taking a written and practical test. To become a licensed barber, you must have completed at least 1,500 hours of practical work.
I am a licensed barber in a state other than Texas. How do I get a license in Texas (reciprocity)?
First, you need to ensure that your license matches or is better than the Texas license (regarding requirements). If you can confirm this, you can petition the state to grant you a license by:
- Filling out a Reciprocity Application and attaching your current license as well as a letter of certification from the licensing state
- Paying a fee of $110
- Mailing the application to:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
PO Box 12157
Austin, Texas 78711-2157
What is the minimum age to obtain a barber license?
You must be at least 16 years old. For barber instructor licenses, you must be at least 18 years old.
Is it okay for me to work with an expired license, certificate, or permit?
It is never okay to operate with an expired document, as this can land you in legal trouble. Working with such a document would violate the law and incur fines and penalties. In worst-case scenarios, you can get shut down.
I did not receive my renewal notice. How do I renew my license?
The state often sends out renewal packets by mail. If you have not gotten yours, you can still renew your license online. If you face any issues, the state is reachable on 800-803-9202 or by email.
How do I notify you that my address has changed?
To ensure that you get your renewal packets, you can update your address by writing to the state by email, fax, or mail. When writing, indicate that you wish to change your address and attach your license number and new mailing address. Please note that this notification should be done at least ten days before moving to accord the state enough time to adjust its mailings.
Associations, Groups & Resources for Barbers
For further resources on starting your barbershop and getting your license, you can refer to:
- American Barber Association (ABA)
- American Barber Institute (ABI)
- Barber National Institute (BNI)
Contact the Texas State Board of Barbering
PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711
Website: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations
Call: 512-463-6599
Fax: 512-463-9468
Final Words
As much as the state does not require you to further your education, you will be better off as a barber if you have more credits to your name. With more shaving techniques and trends coming up, clients will always gravitate to the barber with the latest services. It helps to stay ahead of the curve.
All the best in your career!