How to Become a Barber in Oklahoma
- 1,500 education hours or 3,000 apprenticeship 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 cosmetologists in Oklahoma is $34,190.
- There is a predicted 8% job increase for barbers 2022-2032 nationally.
To become a barber in Oklahoma, you need to complete school or an apprenticeship, pass tests, pay fees, and meet background requirements. Some of the conditions and prerequisites are:
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Complete a state-approved barber training program or apprenticeship.
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED for admission into barber school.
- Pass the state's barber license exam.
- Apply for licensure.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Oklahoma
1,500 Education Hours
Required to earn a barber license
Oklahoma barber programs combine classroom instruction and hands-on training, aiming for a well-rounded education in various barbering techniques and practices. Your coursework should include the following:
Classroom Instruction
- Hair Coloring: Including color theory, application techniques, and client consultation
- Haircutting and Styling: Cutting techniques including clipper cutting, scissor cutting, fades, blending, layering, and texturizing
- Salon and Business Management: Customer service, client retention, retail sales, accounting, and marketing
- Shaving and Beard Grooming: Straight razor shaving, beard trimming, and shaping
- Theory and Fundamentals: Foundational knowledge of barbering, including anatomy, hygiene, sanitation, and safety practices
Practical Training
- Barbering Techniques: Haircutting, shaving, facial grooming, styling, and other services
- Client Communication: Understanding and meeting clients' needs
- Hands-On Experience: Practice on mannequins and real clients under the supervision of instructors
- Professionalism: Professional conduct, time management, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment
After completing your Oklahoma barber program, you can sit for the state's licensure exam. The test is offered through the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering. Keep reading to see what to expect on the test and how to secure your Oklahoma barber license.
Oklahoma Barber Licensing Requirements
After dedicating 1,500 hours to your barber training, you need to pass your Oklahoma barber test and apply for your license.
Oklahoma's barber exam includes two sections: a written section testing theoretical knowledge and a practical section testing technical proficiency. You must earn at least 75% on both sections for a passing score. You can register and learn more about the barber licensing exam here.
Written Exam
You'll have 90 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section of the exam. Get ready to answer questions about the following topics:
- Anatomy
- Chemistry of barber products
- Hair and scalp treatment
- Haircutting
- Infection prevention
- Shaving and beard grooming
- Skin, face, and scalp diseases
- State rules and regulations
Practical Exam
This test assesses your hands-on skills; plan to perform various barbering techniques. You must also show your knowledge of health and safety rules. Common testing areas include:
- Set up and tear down
- Sanitation and cleaning
- Client consultation
- Straight razor shaving
- Haircutting and styling
After passing Oklahoma's licensure exam, you can begin your barbering career.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Oklahoma?
3,000 Apprenticeship Hours
Required to earn a barber license
Yes, Oklahoma may let you complete an apprenticeship program instead of barber school. Like cosmetology apprenticeships, barber apprentices must complete 3,000 hours of supervised training and have at least an 8th-grade education.
Oklahoma Barber License Reciprocity
Oklahoma does offer reciprocity for barbers transferring their licenses from out of state. If you're seeking license reciprocity, you must submit the following:
- Reciprocity Application
- Proof of an active license
- Evidence that you completed a barber education program
Barber License Renewal in Oklahoma
1 Year
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
Barbers in Oklahoma must renew their licenses annually. While the state does not require continuing education credits for renewal, honing new skills through crossover programs can enhance your professional toolbox while expanding your client base. Barbers can only practice with an active license. Late renewals can result in a modest late fee.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Oklahoma
$34,190
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Oklahoma
While barber salary and job growth data for Oklahoma is unavailable, the state reports that cosmetologists in the state earn a mean annual salary of $34,190. This is close to the national average barber salary of $39,350. If the job outlook for barbers in Oklahoma mirrors national numbers, jobs in Oklahoma should grow by a faster-than-average 8% by 2032.
Contact the Oklahoma State Board of Barbering
Resources for Barbers in Oklahoma
r/Barber
This is Reddit's No.1 barbering community, and it's a great way to engage with other barbers and keep up with trends in the industry.
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