Barber Schools in Arkansas

If you want to become a barber in Arkansas, we're here to help you on your path. Browse our directory of barber schools in Arkansas, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber license requirements and job outlook.

Browse Barber Schools in Arkansas

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ABC Barber College

103 Brenda Street
Hot Springs, AR 71913

Arkansas College of Barbering and Hair Design

9100 Rodney Parham Suite 101
Little Rock, AR 72205

Arkansas Technical School – Accredited

200 East Washington Avenue
North Little Rock, AR 72114

DeSigner Barber & Stylist School - Fort Smith – Accredited

2409 South 56th Street Suite 118
Fort Smith, AR 72903

DeSigner Barber & Stylist School - Springdale – Accredited

1074 East Henri de Tonti
Springdale, AR 72762

Good Fellas Barber College – Accredited

4306 Asher Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204

Legendary Institute

400 North Bowman Road Suite 14
Little Rock, AR 72211

Missions Barber College

2850 Prince Street
Conway, AR 72032

New Tyler Barber College – Accredited

1221 Bishop Lindsey Avenue
North Little Rock, AR 72114

Northern Technical College – Accredited

22215 East Harding Suites 8 and 9
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

Smith Barber Institution

1218 South Main Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

Washington Barber College – Accredited

5300 West 65th Street
Little Rock, AR 72209

Westark Barber College

401 North 11th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
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.

Find a Barber School Near You

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

How to Become a Barber in Arkansas

Arkansas Barber Careers At a Glance
  • 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every year.
  • 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for barbers is $39,050 nationwide.
  • There is a predicted 8% job increase for barbers between 2021-2031 nationally.

To become a barber in Arkansas, you must complete a barber program at a State-approved school, pass a practical demonstration exam and a written and oral theory exam, pay a $50 licensing fee, and submit an online application to the State Board.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Arkansas

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a barber license

Barber programs in Arkansas must take at least 1,500 hours to complete and cover topics such as sanitation, barbering services, science, and salesmanship.

Specifically, Arkansas barber programs must include the following in their curriculum:

  • 80 hours in sanitation and safety
  • 175 hours in barber-related sciences, including elementary chemistry, physiology, and anatomy of the face, head, and neck
  • 50 hours in shaving and beard trimming
  • 345 hours in barber chemical services
  • 65 hours in barbershop management
  • 50 hours in salesmanship and product knowledge
  • 300 hours on hair styling and waving
  • 425 hours on hair cutting and bobbing
  • 10 hours in shop deportment

Arkansas barber programs must take at least nine months to complete, and students are limited to eight hours of instruction per day.

When selecting a barber school, be sure to pick one that's board-approved.

Arkansas Barber Licensing Requirements

To earn your Arkansas barber license, you must complete a 1,500-hour barber program at a board-approved school, pass a practical demonstration and written and oral theory exam, pay a fee, and submit a license application online.

You must also:

  • Be at least 16 ½ years old
  • Have graduated 8th grade
  • Test negative for TB and on a Wassermann test

Having a criminal record doesn't automatically stop you from earning your license. However, it can affect the process, depending on your crime. If you have a criminal record, complete a pre-licensure background check before submitting your application.

You must register at least 10 days in advance for your Arkansas barber licensing exams. To register, you have to complete an application for examination form provided by the board, provide a certificate of completion from your barber program, and pay both the $75 exam and $50 licensing fees.

You need to get a score of at least 75% to pass each exam. If you fail, you must attend a barber board meeting and ask to re-test.

The board doesn't provide study guides or content outlines for the exams. Still, per Arkansas law, "examinations shall include both a practical demonstration and a written and oral test and shall embrace the subjects usually taught in schools of barbering approved by the board." This means you should study the topics covered in your barber program's curriculum before taking your exams.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Arkansas?

No, you can't apprentice as a barber in Arkansas.

Arkansas Barber License Reciprocity

Arkansas offers license reciprocity to anyone with 1,500 or more hours of barber training who holds a valid barber license in another state. You are also eligible if you have one year of experience as a barber instead of the 1,500 training hours.

To be awarded your reciprocal barber license, you must complete an application and pay a $150 fee.

Barber License Renewal in Arkansas

1 Year

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

Arkansas barber licenses must be renewed annually by September 1st. There's a $50 fee each time you renew your license. You can renew your license online.

You don't need to complete any continuing education to renew your Arkansas barber license. However, staying current on the latest barbering laws, trends, and technologies that affect Arkansas barbers is always advisable.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Arkansas

$39,350

Average yearly salary for barbers

There isn't data on Arkansas barber salaries, but the national average salary for barbers is $39,350 per year or $18.92 per hour.

Arkansas does track salaries for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, and barbers are likely to earn a comparable wage. The average salary for those in the industry is $28,510 per year or $13.71 per hour.

Across the nation, salaries range from $22,880 to upwards of $60,000. Jobs for barbers are expected to grow by 8% nationwide between 2021 and 2031.

Contact the Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners

Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners

Resources for Barbers in Arkansas

Arkansas Barber License FAQs
The Arkansas Board of Barber Examiners

Barbering FAQs
Answers to more general questions about barber careers, licenses, and education

Arkansas Barbers Network
A private Facebook group for barbers in Arkansas

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How to Become a Barber in Your State

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