Barbering Schools in Michigan

If you're interested in a barber career in Michigan, then this page is for you. This guide covers almost everything you need to know about this growing career field. From certification requirements to employment and salary data, we've got you taken care of.

Browse our directory of barbering schools in Michigan, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.

Browse All Barbering Schools in Michigan

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Douglas J Aveda Institute - East Lansing – Accredited

331 East Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, MI 48823

(480) 461-4028

Sponsored

Programs:

Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy

Douglas J School of Barbering

333 Albert Street
East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 318-6444

Sponsored

Programs:

Barbering

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Craft Education

24310 Meadowbrook Road
Novi, MI 48735

Hair Lab Detroit Barber School

15070 Dix-Toledo Road
Southgate, MI 48195

Lansing Barber Styling College

2101 North East Street
Lansing, MI 48906

Legacy Barber College - Adrian

1114 South Winter Street
Adrian, MI 49221

Metro Detroit Barber College – Accredited

7443 West McNichols Avenue
Detroit, MI 48221

Michigan Barber School – Accredited

8990 Grand River Avenue
Detroit, MI 48204

Teach 2 Reach School of Cosmetology

3268 Cheyenne Avenue G
Burton, MI 48529

West Michigan College of Barbering and Beauty

3200 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

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Accredited School

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.

Related Beauty Careers

Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:

• Cosmetology in Michigan
• Esthetics in Michigan
• Makeup Artistry in Michigan
• Nail Technology in Michigan

Barbering Schools Near Me

Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Michigan have to offer.

• Detroit
• Detroit - Flint / Saginaw / Bay City
• Grand Rapids / Kalamazoo / Battle Creek
• Lansing
• Marquette
• Traverse City / Cadillac

How to Become a Barber in Michigan

To become a licensed barber in Michigan, you must complete a barbering program at a state-approved school, pass a written and practical exam, pass a background check, and pay a licensing fee to the board.

Upon completing the program, you should have the knowledge and skills to pass the state exams. Here are some essential requirements to become a barber in Michigan:

• Education: You must complete at least 1,800 hours of training through a state-approved barbering school. These programs typically take 12-18 months to finish, and you'll become skilled in technical areas like hair cutting, shaving, coloring, and sanitation.
• Pass the Exam: After you've completed an accredited barbering program, you can take the state's official barbering exam. Plan to complete both written and practical examinations.
• Age: Prospective barbers must be at least 17 to apply for a Michigan barbering license.
• Background Check: As part of the barber licensing process, you must pass a criminal background check.
• Pay All Fees: Besides paying for your barbering program, you must pay all relevant fees for the state exam, license, and others.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Michigan

Barber programs in Michigan are 1,800 hours and include courses covering safety and sanitation, shaving, haircutting, chemical services, Michigan barbering laws and regulations, and more.

State-approved Michigan barber schools should equip students with the knowledge and skills to pass their licensing exams and transition into their professional careers.

You should learn to cut and style different hair types using standard barbering tools like scissors, clippers, and razors. Some programs also introduce you to the history and cultural value of barbering. Standout barbering programs focus on how the industry is evolving. Courses should weave in tools and trends you should master to stay relevant in the field for the foreseeable future.

In the classroom portion of your program, you'll take courses covering the theoretical knowledge you need to pass your exams and practice as a barber.

Outside the classroom, in the studio, is where you develop your hands-on practical barbering skills. Thousands of hours of training—the core of barbering programs-- involve practical barbering experience overseen by an experienced, licensed instructor.

While your technical skills keep clients happy, running a business is a different animal. The best Michigan barber programs introduce essential business and management topics, including client retention, advertising, social media marketing, and how to run your own barbershop.

Below we break down how you'll spend your time during barbering school.

Practical Training—1,575 Hours

• Safety and Sanitation: 45 Hours. During this portion of the program, you can learn about basic first aid while exploring topics such as bacteriology and various skin and hair issues. Additionally, students become familiar with sanitation methods and the state regulations that inform safety and sanitation.
• Shaving and Haircutting: 900 Hours. This is by far the most significant focus of your barber school experience. You can gain extensive hands-on experience in haircutting, styling, shaving, and beard trimming during this section.
• Chemical Services: 315 Hours. This portion of the program covers topics like shampooing, hair relaxing, and hair coloring.
• Additional Services: 225 Hours. There's more to learn in the barbering school experience than cutting and shaving hair. This portion of your program familiarizes you with skin care, scalp and hair treatments, message, and the sale and maintenance of hairpieces.
• The Barbering Business: 90 Hours. In addition to technical skills, you learn about business ethics, merchandising, insurance, accounting, and marketing.

Theory—225 Hours

• Orientation: 9 Hours. This introductory portion of the test covers the history of barbering, what you can expect on the job, and the tools used in the profession.
• Client Management: 27 Hours. This theoretical section explores anatomy and how elements like skin, hair, and bone structure can influence the services you provide. Additionally, you can learn how to evaluate any medical issues concerning hair and skin.
• Chemical Services: 40 Hours. This topic examines the science behind barber treatments such as shampooing and conditioning, hair relaxing, and hair coloring.
• Sanitation and Client Safety: 54 Hours. As a licensed barber, your clients need to be safe. This section teaches basic first aid and how to keep a clean and organized workspace.
• Haircutting and Shaving: 54 Hours. Before you start cutting hair, understanding the theories behind different methods and styles is vital. In this area, learn the reasoning behind current haircutting, styling, shaving, and beard trimming methods.
• Rules and Regulations: 9 Hours. The rules and laws governing barbers vary between states. This section familiarizes you with Michigan barbering regulations and how to run a legal barbering business.
• Business: 14 Hours. From business ethics and taxes to merchandising and advertising, becoming familiar with foundational business practices is vital to you and your business.
• Additional Services: 18 Hours. You can expand your earning potential by offering secondary services. This theoretical area includes skin care, massage, facials, and hair treatments.

While Michigan barber programs vary, the best schools offer a comprehensive education that prepares you for success. In addition to preparing you for Michigan's barbering license exam, standout programs provide essential skills that allow you to run and grow a successful barbering business. Some students also tackle a crossover program combining cosmetology and barbering training.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Michigan?

You can become a Michigan barber by completing an 1,800-hour apprenticeship.

Like cosmetology apprenticeships, barber apprenticeship programs allow you to hone your barbering skills by learning on the job under the watchful eye of an experienced, licensed barber.

To become a barber through an apprenticeship in Michigan, you must find a licensed barber willing to take you on as an apprentice. After finding a professional mentor, you must register with the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing. You can complete the application online and pay a $20 processing fee. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.

Michigan Barber Licensing Requirements

To get your Michigan barber license, you need to complete an 1,800-hour barbering program or apprenticeship, pass a written and practical exam, and pay an $80 fee.

The best Michigan barbering programs prepare you to pass your licensing exams. The test includes both written and practical portions. Keep reading as we take a closer look at what you need to know about Michigan's barbering exam. All barber students must:

• Be 17 or older.
• Be allowed to legally work in the United States.
• Complete the Good Moral Character Question.
• Complete an 1,800-hour barber program or apprenticeship.
• Pay the $80 exam fee.

Michigan Barbering Exam

• Written Exam: The written portion of Michigan's barbering exam is a 100-question multiple-choice test covering everything from general barbering concepts and chemical services to state laws and regulations. This part of the test lasts 120 minutes.
• Practical Exam: Test-takers have 170 minutes to complete the practical portion. You must bring a live model who is over 18 years old. The tasks covered include shampooing, hair cutting, permanent waving service, and end-of-exam disinfection.

Test-takers must pass Michigan's barbering exam with a minimum score of 75%. Expect to receive notice of your scores in about one week.

Michigan Barber License Reciprocity

Michigan does offer barber license reciprocity, meaning that if you have an active license in another state, you can apply for your Michigan barber license. You may be exempt from Michigan's license exam if licensed in another state. The required steps to secure your reciprocal license include:

• Submit Michigan's reciprocal barber license application
• Include a copy of your active license
• Pay the application fee

You can contact Michigan's Board of Barber Examiners or the state's Bureau of Professional Licensing if you have any questions.

Barber License Renewal in Michigan

In Michigan, barbering licenses are renewed bi-annually through a straightforward process. You can apply for barber license renewal and pay the renewal application fee of $60 online. Michigan doesn't require continuing education classes.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Michigan

Michigan's most recent barber salary data, from 2020, says barbers in the state averaged $47,950 ($23.05 per hour). Though they didn't report that data for 2022, cosmetologists and hairstylists made $42,760 at that point. These pros made about $3,000 less than barbers in 2020, so it's reasonable to assume something similar happened in 2022.

Alongside salary data, Michigan employment for barbers is trending in the right direction. Over the 2020-2030 decade, jobs for Michigan barbers are projected to grow by about 10%—this faster-than-average growth is higher than the national projected growth of 8% Additionally, barbers in the state can anticipate approximately 170 job openings per year.

Contact the Michigan State Board of Barbering

Resources for Barbers in Michigan

Michigan Board of Barber Examiners
This is your homepage for practical information regarding licensing, forms, and related links.

Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing—Barber FAQs
This concise FAQ answers standard questions about Michigan's barber licensing process.

Michigan Barber Licensing Guide
This page outlines the steps and requirements for Michigan barber licensing.

Michigan Barber Apprenticeship Guide
Prospective barbers wanting on-the-job training should review this page.

Michigan Works!
This statewide network connects job seekers with employers and offers resources like training, education, and job placement.