Barbering Schools in Michigan

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

How to Become a Barber in Michigan

How many times have you seen a man walk into a traditional salon, looking nervous and unhappy about being there? The traditional salon experience, which is exciting for women, can often be too much for a man who just wants to get his hair and beard trimmed. That's where barbering in Michigan comes in!

As a barbering student, you can master haircutting and facial hair design techniques that make a barber shop trip quick and enjoyable for men. To learn more about this career path, use our simple search tools to find beauty schools in your area that offer barbering programs!

State License Requirements

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs oversees barber licensing in Michigan. They will verify that you've completed 2,000 hours of training before they allow you to receive your license.

Education Details

Safety in the workplace is very important in barbering, so it may be one of the first topics you explore. Instructors may teach you about how to avoid infection, keep your barbering tools clean and hygienic, and utilize safe work practices throughout the day. You may also learn about scalp and hair disorders, since they can be contagious. Barbering tends to have a heavy focus on facial hair, since it's a part of cosmetology that is unique to men. You can learn facial massage techniques, since that's often part of a hair cut at barber shops. Shaving and facial hair design are also main components in this part of your education. You'll learn how to shave without leaving behind cuts or razor burn. Facial hair styles differ widely from man to man, so you can learn about many different styles and preferences. Plan on spending lots of time studying men's hairstyles and hairpieces. Some of your clients may have toupees or other hairpieces, and it's crucial to know how to work with them. It's likely that you'll learn about modern men's hairstyles as well as classic hairstyles.

License Renewal

In Michigan, you will pay a $20 fee for your initial barber license. From there, you will need to pay $30 to renew on an annual basis. Before you get to this step, you will need to complete at least an 1,800-hour training program at an approved school. Michigan has an online portal that handles the renewal process. Currently, Michigan does not require continuing education requirements for licensed barbers to complete between renewal periods. When you speak with barbering schools in this state, be sure to ask how they prepare students for state licensure.

Michigan Barbering Careers

Across the country, the job outlook for barbers is very promising. In the years between 2010 and 2020, O*Net expects job openings for barbers to grow by 11%. Job growth may be similar in Michigan, particularly in large cities where there is a greater demand for barber shops and their services. Since many barber shops are owned by experienced barbers, you may have the chance to become a business owner. Barbering salaries vary widely in Michigan. Since some of your income may come from tips, your income may be dependent on how many clients you see on a daily basis. The average salary for a Michigan barber is $25,950 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).

Customer service is the name of the game in barbering. Men don't just go to a barber shop to get a haircut; they want to relax, forget about the stresses of everyday life, and leave feeling like they look good. As a result, you must develop excellent customer service skills to succeed as a barber. Learn how to read people and figure out if they want to talk or if they want to enjoy some silence. It's also important to be able to understand what a customer wants for his hair; if you can help a guy keep a style he likes month after month, he'll come back to you when he needs a trim. The field of barbering is growing all over the country, so you may be able to look forward to more clients as your career grows. Circleville Today reports on a local barbershop that began as a one-person organization. Now, there are several barber chairs and the barbershop has served the same clients for decades. You may even be able to work in an upscale setting if you have the skills for it! Crain's Detroit reports that upscale barbershops are taking root in Detroit. No matter which type of barbershop you work in, you can develop a great client base in Michigan.

Contact the Michigan State Board of Barbering

The Michigan State Board of Cosmetology can help you answer additional questions about obtaining a Michigan state cosmetology license.

Barbers are a key part to the overall upward mobility of the economy in the state of Michigan, from small towns to the major bustling cities. Those wishing to be part of this swell take advantage of the resources that follow.