Ready to Prepare for a Successful Future in Barbering?

American Beauty Academy’s Affordable Barbering Program is the place. Our Barber school curriculum is one of the best in the state of Utah and the perfect place to start!

Our students get more clinic floor time, we keep our classes small so that you get the attention you deserve, and when you graduate you will be prepared for success as a barber. This comprehensive barbering program includes personalized instruction and regular Guest Artists teaching the latest trends and methods. This course will prepare you to pass the licensing examinations and give you the edge in this in-demand industry.

Come visit our campus in Salt Lake City & Payson, Utah for a campus tour to learn more about our barber program. You'll see the difference that makes our barbering school truly unique.

Barbering Curriculum Snapshot (1000 Hours)

  • Hair Styling
  • Hair Cutting
  • Clipper Variations
  • Shampooing & Conditioning
  • Shaving
  • Razor Cutting
  • Scissor Cutting
  • Mustache Design
  • Beard Design
  • Safety & Sanitization
  • Shop Management
  • Barbering Exam Preparation

Download our course catalog for full details on the curriculum.

Barber Student Tools List

Our Barbering Student Kits have quality tools to last far into a student's professional career. The following is a list of tools* in the American Beauty Academy barber student kit. *Items subject to change or substitution

  • Miladys Mindtap
  • Case
  • G2 styling iron
  • Rocket dryer
  • Male mannequin
  • Female mannequin
  • Small nylon bristle brush
  • Med nylon bristle brush
  • Large nylon bristle brush
  • XL nylon bristle brush
  • 9-row styling brush
  • Backcomb brush
  • Small paddle brush
  • Large paddle brush
  • Large cutting comb
  • Cutting comb
  • Dual taper cutting comb
  • Fine tooth cutting comb
  • Wide tooth cutting comb
  • Xlong cutting comb
  • Large tooth rake comb
  • Medium-tooth tail comb

  • Water mister
  • Mirror
  • Andis Ultra Blade 1.5
  • Andis Ultra Blade 2
  • Andis Ultra Blade 3.5
  • Collar Clips (2)
  • Andis Excel 2-speed Clipper
  • Dorco Prime 100-pk
  • Cape
  • Andis Masters
  • Andis t-outliner
  • Neck Duster
  • Derby Blades
  • Andis Magnetic Guards
  • Magic Straight Razor
  • Double Edge Razor
  • Monsr Charles Razor with Blades
  • Clipper Combs (3)
  • Clippercare
  • Hair pick
  • Styptic
  • Shear Kit

FAQ Barbering School at American Beauty Academy, Salt Lake City & Payson, Utah

A new future as a professional barber in this growing industry presents a wide world of opportunities for career-minded people who are ready for the challenge. The more information you acquire as you’re preparing to embark on your barbering education, the faster you will be able to build on that knowledge, and the easier it will be to succeed. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions from new barbering school applicants, to help as you begin to develop your understanding of this exciting field:

ABA Beauty School’s Barber program teaches all critical facets of the art of barbering as well as the professional business strategies and customer services training necessary for sustained real-world success in this high-demand field. We cultivate the knowledge and skills you need in order to pass the Utah state board exam. Above all, we help you develop all the knowledge and skills that prepare a student for a profitable barbering career. From scalp and hair anatomy and health, and haircutting, styling, tapering, and fading, to the art of shaving and grooming facial hair, to the fine points of barbershop business management, you will graduate well prepared to do well in the industry. American Beauty Academy Barbering courses include:
  • Hair Styling
  • Hair Cutting
  • Razor Cutting
  • Scissor Cutting
  • Clipper Variations
  • Shampooing & Conditioning
  • Shaving
  • Beard Design
  • Mustache Design
  • Barbering Exam Preparation
  • Safety & Sanitization
  • Shop Management
Students also learn how to deliver exceptional customer service, build a clientele, and maintain efficient and profitable barbershop management. Download the complete course catalog.

Both barbers and cosmetologists wash, cut, and style hair. However, barbers are typically more associated with providing these services for men's hairstyling and care, whereas cosmetologists serve both women and men. Beyond hairstyling, cosmetologists also perform and may even specialize in one or more other grooming services, such as facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and application of makeup.

Both types of professionals must obtain the applicable training program certificate or associate degree for their field and obtain a state license.

Barbers help customers correct haircut issues, partner with the customers to work together to make adjustments to suit the customer’s desired look and lifestyle. They help customers address scalp and hair health issues as well as cutting and styling methods to overcome hair styling challenges for customers. Barbers can assist with these same styles and hair health goals for men’s facial hair design and maintenance. Barbers also provide a reliable resource for professional hair grooming advice and products for their patrons.
The American Beauty Academy admits people with a high school diploma or its equivalent. A high school diploma, transcript, GED, or state-issued acknowledgment of completion of high school equivalency for home-schooled students is required. Or, a college transcript showing at least two years of courses completed that are applicable to a bachelor’s degree is acceptable. Applicants must show proof that they’re at least 16 years old. All applicants must complete an application for enrollment and complete two interviews before enrollment. An enrollment agreement must be completed. An application fee of $50 must also be paid. Admissions are on a first-come, first-served basis. The school reserves the right to obtain a background check prior to acceptance for enrollment. For more information about eligibility and enrollment requirements, contact American Beauty Academy at (801) 919-8175. Or fill out our online request for information.
American Beauty Academy Barber School students are typically high school graduates looking for an excellent post-secondary education in a specialty field that offers strong career opportunities and pays well. They are generally individuals who want to graduate from an advanced education program faster than is possible in a four-year college program.
How long it takes someone to become a barber will depend on the number of hours they take per week. Many can finish barber school Utah in around a year! The barber training course for full-time students at American Beauty Academy is 1000 clock hours. The schedule is 37.5 hours per week. The course must be completed within 29 weeks from the student’s starting date. Additional time is added for absences and for holidays. Part-time barber training can be completed in 54 weeks, attending 20 hours per week. Barber school students who do not complete the 1000 hours by the required date for course completion are required to pay $10.00 for each clock hour required to meet all hours needed to graduate. Factor additional time for absences and for holidays. For barbering students who are also interested in cosmetology training, the length of the full-time American Beauty Academy cosmetology course is 1600 clock hours. The course must be completed within 49 weeks from the student’s starting date, which is 35 hours per week. Or, the training can be completed on a part-time school schedule of 20 hours per week over 86 weeks. (Cosmetology students must pay $9.50 for hours not completed.)
Not everyone who goes to barber school has a high school diploma. Furthermore, some students even decide to go to barber school as part of their high school education. Therefore, you do not necessarily have to have a high school diploma to go to barber school. We take a look at the entire application and do not rule anybody in or out based on a single factor alone.

There are legal requirements for licensing as a barber in Utah. The Utah requirements for barber licensing include:

  1. Graduation from a cosmetology/barbering school with a minimum of 1600 clock hours completed.
  2. Pass the Utah state board examination, including the written portion and the demonstration of practical skills part of the testing.
  3. Submit an application for a barber’s license in Utah and pay the required licensing fee.

While it is possible that some barbershops might hire someone and train them on their own, not barber will be able to get a license without producing proof of having taken the classes. The reality is that a barber license is essential in order to work in a barbershop. This means that students who want to become a barber need to be willing to put in the work and go to the best hair schools in Utah.

Generally, barbering students at American Beauty Academy want to easily get into a good post-secondary school, without much out-of-pocket expense. They also want to graduate within a shorter time frame than the usual four-year college program and obtain licensure, to get a good job, and start a career they can enjoy and succeed in.

The Academy has a high graduation rate and a strong career-assistance program. We also have developed strong ties to our surrounding community of salons, spas, medical facilities, and other establishments in need of barbering services. These aspects attract students who value graduate status from one of the industry’s most highly reputed accredited cosmetology schools and those looking to work in the area.

Having a criminal record doesn’t mean that someone is a bad person. If you have a criminal record, we are still willing to consider your application. We want to hear your story and look at the entire body of work.

Yes! There are abundance of opportunities for scholarships to barbering school. A cosmetology/barbering scholarship to a top barber training academy can help you achieve your goal of launching a great career in the world of barbering.

To introduce you to some excellent scholarships available to barbering college applicants, we've listed some of the best scholarship opportunities currently available for aspiring barbers. Access the scholarship list through this link.

American Beauty Academy offers a full-tuition scholarship. Discuss application requirements with your Admissions application representative. (This scholarship does not include the student kit.)

More scholarships for cosmetology and barbering college students are available. Click this link to see a list of additional scholarships, the reward amount for each, the qualification criteria for these funding opportunities, and application instructions

The exact cost of going to barber school is going to vary from school to school. Some schools charge as much as $20,000 to go to barber school while other institutions might cost half as much. Some of the costs that students need to consider in addition to tuition include books, supplies, and other equipment. It is hard to learn without the proper tools that are used by professional barbers.

The program’s total amount of tuition can be covered by financial aid available to barber school students, including a Pell Grant, federal student loans, various scholarships, and possibly VA benefits. See financial resources for cosmetology students for potential amounts of tuition coverage and other details.

Typically, unemployment does not provide any additional benefits for someone who is looking to go back to school, including barber school; however, if you are receiving unemployment benefits, the money that you receive can be put towards your education at a barber school Salt Lake City if you decide.

For those who are looking for financial aid for barber school, the good news is that there are other options available. Vocational rehabilitation services, third-party scholarship options, and favorable student loan plans are available. If you are interested in learning more about financial aid options that will make our program more affordable contact us!
The number of hours needed to graduate from barber school vary. In general, the weekly hours are going to fall somewhere between 25 and 35 hours per week. Some of the various areas in which students will have to take classes include hair design, barbering, cosmetology, and makeup artistry. Some students elect to take additional courses in areas such as microblading and eyelash extensions. These additional licenses may add to income potential but can also lengthen the graduation time.

To get started in barber school, contact American Beauty Academy at (801) 919-8175. Or, for more information, download a brochure or our complete catalog of barbering courses to see everything included in our barber school curriculum.

You don’t need to be concerned about how to fund your tuition. Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to see the range of student loans and grants available to you. The Pell Grant is available, based on financial need, regardless of your grades. Assistance through the Utah Department of Vocational Rehabilitation are also available, if applicable. Sallie Mae federal financing may fund up to 100% of your total school cost.

Other funding options include merit scholarship opportunities, which are open to applicants with proven high potential for success in the program. VA Benefits also may or may not fund tuition for barber school. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to see how much the VA might cover.

Other Important Information for Barber Students

Here is some other important information for students interested in pursuing barber training.

Barber and Cosmetology Training Course Catalog: See complete details about cosmetology and barbering school attendance requirements in the course catalog.

Leave of Absence: A leave of absence for either the barbering or cosmetology program can be granted only in compliance with rules explained in the American Beauty Academy Course Catalog.

Transfer Students: Transfer students will have a course completion date that is calculated pro-rata based on the number of hours needed to complete a total of 1000 training hours.

Licensing Restrictions: Note that under Utah law, an applicant may be disqualified or delayed from becoming licensed as a barber in Utah due to one of several kinds of criminal conviction For detailed information about barber licensure restrictions in Utah, see Utah Code R156-11a-302

We are a small learning institution. Our size allows us to know every student and best understand each individual’s personal learning style. It also enables our students to get more abundant hands-on experience, working with many clients every week, needed to build skills. Our students’ pass rate with the state board is 100%. After the freshman course, students can arrange their school schedule to suit their personal needs. We also provide a set of high-quality barbering tools that will last long into a student's career. We have a friendly, inspiring environment for learning. Our excellent reputation makes our graduates highly sought as barbers.
Barbers are highly skilled in everything men need for hair styling and care. Professional barbers perform such processes as:
  • Hairstyling
  • Scissor cutting and razor cutting
  • Shampooing and conditioning
  • Beard and mustache design
  • Facial hair shaving and razor cutting
  • Processes promoting the health of hair and scalp
  • Education of customers regarding anatomy and physiology of hair and scalp
  • Barbershop operations and business management
Barbers must further possess the creativity and passion for unique styling. Barbering also involves the daily use of good listening skills and good management of time and money. A barber's responsibilities also include spending some time daily and weekly to keep their workspace clean and organized and helping maintain stocks of grooming products. They also promote the business’s styling and grooming services with business cards and coupons and promote its cosmetic supplies and other products.

Things to Keep in Mind When Pursuing Barbering Training

Choose an accredited barbering school to entrust with your investment in your education in this field of study. Try to find a school with smaller class sizes, where you can get all the help you need to develop your talents and skills to the fullest. At a smaller school, instructors can get to know all the students and cater to your individual learning style, and at a popular small barber school, you can get much more abundant hands-on salon experience working with the public.

To enjoy your academic experience more, opt for flexible scheduling, if possible, so you can tailor your school schedule to fit your lifestyle.

American Beauty Academy, Salt Lake City Utah

We are the best barber school Utah has to offer. Our students benefit from attending a top academy of hair design that includes full-scope cosmetology skill training and/or exclusively barber training.

Visit our Salt Lake City campus to tour the academy’s barbering and cosmetology training facilities. Experience the friendly atmosphere and our inspiring, state-of-the-art educational environment. Talk with your Admissions representative at (801) 704-7521 about financial aid for barber school.

For answers to all your questions about requirements for barbering education and licensing, call American Beauty Academy, Salt Lake City UT at (801) 704-7521, or use our online contact form.

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