Barber Schools in Kentucky
Barbers play an essential role in helping people to look and feel good. Keeping a clean, groomed appearance is important, and barbers help people achieve this with specialist knowledge and a broad skill set. Browse our directory of barber schools in Kentucky, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber license requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Barber Schools in Kentucky
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11320 North Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40229
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
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Barber Schools Near Me
Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Kentucky have to offer.
How to Become a Barber in Kentucky
- 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 1 year.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in Kentucky is $37,070.
- There is a predicted 10% job increase between 2020–2030 for barbers.
To become a barber in Kentucky, you need to get a professional license. This means satisfying these basic requirements:
Kentucky is unusual in its requirement that graduates of 1,500-hour Kentucky barber programs must work as apprentices before getting professional barber licenses. The apprenticeship, or probationary period, must be at least six months and no longer than nine months. Once verified by the Kentucky Board of Barbering, you can take your barber license exam between the sixth and ninth months before your apprentice license expires.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Kentucky
Required to earn a barber license
Kentucky barber schools should teach you how to care for the hair on the head and face and the requirements for safety, sanitation, and equipment sterilization. You can also expect it to cover the legal, ethical, business, and even psychological aspects of barbering.
The 1,500-hour curriculum required by the Kentucky Board of Barbering is as follows:
In addition, as part of this barber school curriculum, students should spend at least one hour per week devoted to the Kentucky Revised Statutes (317) and Regulations (201) that pertain to barbering laws.
Kentucky Barber Licensing Requirements
After completing your 1,500-hour training program, it's time to get your apprentice license. This enables you to gain practical experience under a professional's supervision for a probationary period of six to nine months. First, you must apply to take the exam. Fill it out and mail it to the board with your $200 apprentice exam fee.
Be sure to bring your exam notification letter and driver's license or photo ID to the exam. It includes a 30-minute written exam comprising 50 multiple-choice questions and a one-hour-20-minute practical exam. You must bring your own model who needs a haircut and a shave. You must score at least 75% on the exam to receive your apprentice license. The results will be mailed to you.
Upon passing, you are ready to work as an apprentice. It's up to you to find a shop in which to perform the required 20 hours per week for at least six continuous months. Toward the end of this apprenticeship, you'll receive an application for your barber exam in the mail, along with available testing dates. Fill out the application and submit it by mail with your $200 barber exam fee. You must take the exam before your apprentice license expires.
Your barber licensing exam demonstrates practical skills only. The test is one hour and 10 minutes, and you have to do one of the following: a permanent wave, hair straightening, or hair coloring. You must also bring a model and a complete set of tools and supplies to the test. If you don't bring a model, you won't be allowed to test and will lose your exam fee.
If you pass, you can pay the $50 licensing fee and receive your official Kentucky barber license.
Kentucky Barber License Reciprocity
According to the board, a barber from another state may be granted a Kentucky barber license if they submit proof of experience equivalent to Kentucky's requirements. If this isn't possible, the applicant must show evidence of three or more years of experience and a current license in good standing. You may also be asked to take a written and practical exam to show equivalency. You also have to pay a $50 barber license fee.
Barber License Renewal in Kentucky
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Your barber license must be renewed each year between June 1st and July 1st. The cost to renew your license is $50, and if the renewal application and fee are not postmarked by July 1st, you also have to pay a $25 late fee. No continuing education is required to renew your license. Still, seeking further education is a good idea so your skills stay sharp and relevant.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Kentucky
Average yearly salary for barbers in Kentucky
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), barbers in Kentucky earned a mean annual salary of $37,070 in May 2022.
The future of barber jobs in Kentucky is promising. O*Net Online predicts the number of Kentucky barber jobs will grow by 10% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than the national expectation of 8%.
Contact the Kentucky State Board of Barbering
- 111 St. James Court, Suite A Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
- Website: Kentucky Board of Barbering
- Call: 502-429-7148
- Fax: 502-429-7149
Resources for Barbers in Kentucky
Kentucky Barber Association
State chapter of the American Barber Association, offering members access to credentialing, advocacy, networking, and more
Kentucky Barbers
A Facebook group dedicated to connecting barbers from all over The Bluegrass State
Kentucky Female Barbers
Approved-members-only Facebook group devoted entirely to female barbers to bring more recognition to their talents and skills