Barber Schools in Mississippi

If you love working with your hands, being creative, and helping others look and feel their best, then becoming a barber in Mississippi could be the perfect career path for you.

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

How to Become a Barber in Mississippi

To become a licensed barber in Mississippi, you have to complete the steps set out by the Board of Barber Examiners. Specifically, you must:

• Be of good moral character and temperate habits
• Complete at least 1,500 training hours at a state-approved barber school
• Pass the state barber exam
• Submit a license application
• Pay the $45 license fee*

*$45 applies to those under 65 years old; from 65-71 years, the cost is $30, and after age 72, it's free.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Mississippi

Before you can apply for your barber license in Mississippi, you must complete at least 1,500 training hours in a state-approved barber school. The exact class content varies from program to program. Still, the state curriculum recommends that barber courses should be split as follows:

Theory classes:

• Barber implements (5 hours)
• Barber laws, rules, and regulations (5 hours)
• Business management and salesmanship (10 hours)
• Disorders of the skin, scalp, and hair (10 hours)
• Elementary chemistry and sterilization (25 hours)
• Hair coloring and straightening (5 hours)
• Hair structure and chemicals (75 hours)
• History fundamentals of barbering (5 hours)
• Male hairpieces (5 hours)
• Theory of massage and facial treatment (5 hours)
• General review (20 hours)

Practical classes:

• Facial treatments (20 hours)
• Hair coloring (70 hours)
• Hair cutting (900 hours)
• Hairpieces (20 hours)
• Permanent waxing, razor cutting, and styling (50 hours)
• Scalp and hair treatments and shampoos (50 hours)
• Shaving beard and mustaches (25 hours)
• Miscellaneous (195 hours)

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Mississippi?

No, you can't apprentice as a barber in Mississippi. However, legislation is currently being discussed in the senate that could allow this to happen in the future—so watch this space!

Mississippi Barber License Reciprocity

If you've already earned a barber license out of state, you may be able to transfer it for use in Mississippi via reciprocity. However, there are specific requirements you must meet, such as:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good moral character and temperate habits
• Show proof of completing at least 1,500 training hours at an out-of-state barber school
• Submit an application, complete with all the required supporting evidence
• Pay a $150 license fee

If you have less than 1,500 training hours, there are still several ways you can gain a license via reciprocity. You can:

• Prove by sworn affidavits that you have practiced elsewhere as a licensed barber for at least five years immediately before making your reciprocity application
• Show proof that you've worked as a barber in military service for two or more years or are the spouse of an active duty military member and can provide a certificate of registration

In addition to the above, you may also be asked to prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the Barber Law of Mississippi and good practical skills in barbering.

Mississippi Barber Licensing Requirements

Once you've completed 1,500 training hours at a Mississippi barber school, you can register to take your barber exam, which is administered by the state board.

The exam costs $100 and is held regularly throughout the year at set locations. It's split into theory and practical parts and covers a range of relevant subjects and treatments, such as:

• Chemical treatments
• Client consultations
• Hair and skin anatomy
• Hair coloring
• Hair cutting
• Hair growth and disorders
• Hair styling
• Infection control
• Sanitation
• Shaving

If you don't pass your exam the first time, don't worry—there is still hope. Your first re-take is included in your initial exam fee, but after that, you must pay an additional $55 each time you re-sit the test.

If you fail to pass the exam on your first or second attempts, you can register to try again and re-take just the portion(s) you failed.

If you fail your exam three times, you must take 60 hours of approved training in each subject failed before re-taking the entire exam. However, if you fail your fourth attempt, you must appear before the state board before being allowed to apply for re-examination.

Barber License Renewal in Mississippi

All Mississippi barber licenses must be renewed annually, on or before the date they were initially issued. Renewals cost $45 for those under 65, $30 for barbers aged 65-71, and are free for those aged 72 years and above.

If you don't renew your license within 30 days, it expires, and you need to pay an additional fee to have it reinstated on top of the usual renewal payment.

Continuing education isn't required for barber license renewals in Mississippi. However, it would be best if you stayed on top of new trends and industry developments to give your clients the best service possible and stay relevant.

Contact the Mississippi State Board of Barbering

Resources for Barbers in Mississippi

FAQs About Barbering
Learn more about this creative career with our guide to all things barbering.

Mississippi Barber Association
This is the Mississippi arm of the National Barber Association, with information and guidance on licensing, exams, professional recognition, and more.