Barber Schools in New Hampshire

If you live in New Hampshire, enjoy working with people, and want to help others look and feel their best, why not become a barber in the state? After completing barber school, you could have a fulfilling lifelong career.

Browse our directory of barber schools in New Hampshire, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensure requirements.

How to Become a Barber in New Hampshire

To become a licensed barber in New Hampshire, you must complete the steps set by the Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics.

Specifically, you must:

• Be of good professional character
• Complete high school (or its equivalent)
• Complete at least 800 training hours at a board-approved school of barbering
• Pass theory and practical exams
• Submit your application
• Submit a completed applicant questionnaire
• Pay an application fee.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in New Hampshire

Before being granted your barber license in New Hampshire, you must complete at least 800 training hours in a state-approved barber school. During your time at barber school, your education covers a wide variety of topics, including:

• Chemistry, sterilization, and antiseptics
• Diseases of the skin, glands, and nails
• Hair cutting
• Hair styling
• Hygiene and sanitation
• Massage
• Scientific fundamentals of barbering
• Shaving

New Hampshire also offers a Master Barber license, which requires 1,500 program hours or 3,000 hours of apprenticeship. This covers additional topics that the regular barber license doesn't include, like:

• Hair coloring and bleaching
• Permanent waves
• Fitting hairpieces

New Hampshire Barber Licensing Requirements

Before you apply for your New Hampshire barber license, you need to complete your training and pass theory and practical exams. As of April 1, 2025, ProV administers the state's beauty exams.

You must achieve a score of at least 75 to pass each exam, and results are generally available online within seven to 10 business days.

Theory Exam

New Hampshire's barber theory exam was developed by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), and you can apply to take it as soon as you finish your barber school program. In addition to English, the exam is available in Vietnamese, Korean, or Spanish to help English language learners show their true barber knowledge.

You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which contains 60 items (of which 50 are weighted and contribute to your final score). It's split into the following sections:

Scientific Concepts – 40%

• Anatomy and physiology
• Basic chemistry of barber products
• Hair conditions, disorders, and diseases
• Infection control and safety
• Skin conditions, disorders, and diseases

Implements and Equipment – 10%

• Equipment safety and sanitation
• Hair tools

Hair Care Services – 30%

• Client consultation
• Hair care
• Hair design
• Head shaving

Facial Hair and Skin Care Services – 20%

• Client consultation
• Electro-therapy and light therapy
• Facial hair and skin care draping
• Facial hair and skin care principles, procedures, and safety

Practical Exam

On the day of your practical exam, arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time with all the necessary supplies and present the examiner with your admission letter and a valid, signed government-issued photo ID. Unlike the theory test, you may only take the practical exam in English.

The practical test takes two hours to complete and is split into the following timed sections:

• Work area and client preparation, set up supplies (10 minutes)
• Hair cutting (40 minutes)
• Work area and new client preparation, set up supplies (15 minutes)
• Straight razor shaving (variable timing)
• Blood exposure procedure (10 minutes)

ADA Accommodations

Candidates with disabilities requiring accommodations can request the required forms from their school or contact ProV directly for assistance.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in New Hampshire?

Yes, you can apprentice as a barber in New Hampshire. Barbering apprenticeships in the state consist of 1,600 training hours over at least 12 months, and a licensed barber who has worked in the state for two or more years must oversee you.

New Hampshire Barber License Reciprocity

If you've already gained your barber license out-of-state, you may be able to transfer it for use in New Hampshire.

The educational requirements in your licensing state should match (or exceed) those required in New Hampshire, and you need to provide certain evidence to the state board before your license is granted, such as:

• A completed out-of-state application
• A completed applicant questionnaire
• An official certificate of licensure from your previous state
• A copy of a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• A $100 reciprocity fee
• A copy of your school transcript, including total number of hours.

Barber License Renewal in New Hampshire

You need to renew your New Hampshire barber license every two years.

There is no continuing education required for barber license renewals in New Hampshire. However, you should stay on top of new trends and industry developments to give your clients the best service possible.

Contact the New Hampshire State Board of Barbering

Resources for Barbers in New Hampshire

NH Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics FAQs
The state compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the beauty industry's rules and regulations.

New Hampshire Barber Association
This is the NH wing of the National Barber Association, with information and guidance on licensing, exams, professional recognition, and more.

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