Barber Schools in Massachusetts

If you're interested in learning about becoming a barber in Massachusetts, we're here to help! Browse our directory of barber schools in Massachusetts, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber license requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Barber in Massachusetts

To become a barber in Massachusetts, you must meet several requirements, like completing a state-approved barber program, passing relevant exams, and paying the required fees.

In more detail, to be eligible for barber licensure, you need to:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Complete at least 1,000 training hours as part of a state-approved barber program
• Pay an application fee
• Pass written theory and written practical exams
• Submit to a criminal background check

A criminal record doesn't mean you'll be automatically excluded from gaining a barber license in Massachusetts—unless it's directly related to your work as a barber. The state board reviews each application and considers a number of factors, such as the relationship between the offense and barbering, the time since the conviction, and the age of the applicant at the time of the crime.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, all barber students must complete at least 1,000 hours of training in a state-approved barber school program. Classes cover various topics, including sanitation, hair cutting and styling, shaving, shop management, and more.

The exact class schedule varies from school to school, but every program must cover the following topics:

• Chemical relaxing: 40 hours
• Cleaning and disinfection: 80 hours
• Facials: 20 hours
• Hair coloring: 75 hours
• Hair cutting and styling: 400 hours
• Honing and stropping: 10 hours
• Light therapy: 5 hours
• Mustaches and beards: 20 hours
• Permanent waving: 90 hours
• Scalp manipulations and treatments: 15 hours
• Shampooing: 10 hours
• Shaving: 50 hours
• Shop management: 20 hours
• Theory: 165 hours

Like individual barbers, barber schools must also be licensed and adhere to specific regulations. Verify your school is in good standing before enrolling.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Massachusetts?

Yes, you can become a licensed barber in Massachusetts through a 1,000-hour apprenticeship.

Unlike cosmetology apprenticeships, which typically require longer hours, the barber apprenticeship process in Massachusetts requires all students to complete 1,000 training hours before they're eligible to take their exams and apply for their license—the same as the standard school pathway.

Barber apprenticeships in MA are typically run by barber schools, and all applicants must have completed at least 200 school hours before they're eligible for apprenticeship. All apprentices must complete at least 600 school hours and no more than 400 shop hours within one year of their application. After 12 months, the apprenticeship expires and cannot be renewed.

Massachusetts Barber Licensing Requirements

You're ready for the next step once you've completed 1,000 training hours. To get your Massachusetts barber license, you must take (and pass) written Master Barber theory and practical tests and pay several fees.

Both tests are administered by PSI Exams, and you can apply for them online or via telephone. You must pay a $20 application fee, then the relevant test fees. Each exam costs $90 separately or $180 together. Once you apply, you have two years to take your test. You must earn a score of 75% on each exam to pass, and upon completion, your results are emailed to you immediately.

The tests are administered online via proctor and computer at specific PSI locations around the state.

On the day of each test, you must bring two forms of valid government ID with you, including a photo ID and a signed ID. You can take the exams in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese.

Theory Test

The theory test has 85 scored questions and 10 non-scored experimental questions; you have 120 minutes to complete it. It's split into the following subject areas:

• Safety and Infection Control: 29%
• Client Consultation: 2%
• Hair, Scalp, and Skin Analysis: 11%
• Hair Styling: 5%
• Haircutting: 9%
• Chemical Services: 18%
• Shaving: 24%
• Skin Care: 2%

Practical Written Test

The practical written test consists of 50 scored questions and five non-scored experimental questions. You have 90 minutes to answer questions about the following subjects:

• Safety and Infection Control: 18%
• Consultation and Analysis: 6%
• Shampooing, Conditioning, and Scalp Care: 4%
• Hair Styling: 8%
• Hair Coloring: 12%
• Permanent Waving: 8%
• Chemical Relaxing: 8%
• Haircutting: 10%
• Skin Care: 8%
• Shaving: 18%

ADA Accommodations

Per the ADA, you can request reasonable accommodations online. You may need to submit a disability description and contact information for your relevant medical authority.

Massachusetts Barber License Reciprocity

If you've already completed barber training and gained your license in another state, you may be eligible for Massachusetts licensure via reciprocity.

To transfer your out-of-state license, you must submit an Out of State Application. If the state you trained in has the same study requirements as Massachusetts and your license is current, you can be licensed without taking any exams. You must also take the Massachusetts practical exam if your license expires.

You should also submit the following:

• 2" x 2" passport-style photo
• Copy of your driver's license
• Copy of your out-of-state barber license
• License verification from the state in which you're licensed
• Official sealed transcript from your cosmetology or barber school
• Notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgment Form
• $225 license fee

Barber License Renewal in Massachusetts

Barber licenses in Massachusetts must be renewed by December 31 of every odd year. It costs $78 to renew, and no continuing education requirements exist. But taking classes anyway is a good idea to help yourself grow.

The board sends renewal notices via mail 60 days before expiration. If you miss your renewal date, your license expires, and you have two years to have it reinstated. You will also be charged a $57 late fee. If you don't re-up your license for more than three years, it's considered lapsed, and you need to re-take your practical exam and re-apply.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Massachusetts

On average, barbers in Massachusetts earn an annual mean barber salary of $31,830, or $15.30 per hour. Wages vary based on factors like your location and the services you offer. The lowest 10% of workers earn $30,640 or less, while the top 10% earn $31,520 or more.

Contact the Massachusetts State Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering

Resources for Barbers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Barber Association
This group aims to help barbers via education, advocacy, and more.