Wyoming Barber License & Training Requirements

Earning a Wyoming Barber License

Wyoming has always been known for its wide-open spaces. Today the state’s barbershops are riding the wave of national barbering revivals to give clients a traditionally close shave, clean cut, and overall classic grooming experience. With demand for barbers nationally projected at 10 percent through 2026, why not join the renaissance? Become a Wyoming barber, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of steady income and potential entrepreneurship while helping clients look and feel their best.

State barber licenses are regulated by the Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners. This body determines the training barbers require to cut, style, and design men’s hair and facial hair. A second state licensing category, barber-stylists, learn how to chemically color hair and execute additional styling techniques.

Wyoming Barbering School Training Options

Because of the state Board’s licensing options, barbering candidates must choose their school accordingly:

• Regular barber training programs provide 1,000 hours of theory and practical barbering coursework
• Barber-stylists training programs must provide at least 1,250 hours of barber instruction

The regular barber training courses include 1,000 hours earned in these subjects:

• History of barbering
• Shaving and beard trimming
• Clipper cutting and tapering
• Facial hair design
• Sanitation
• Infection control
• Sterilization
• Professional image
• Barbershop management

Barber-stylists complete the general barbering courses as well as 150 hours of chemical service coursework for a total of 1,250 hours:

• Color theory
• Chemical services
• Hair coloring
• Chemical waving
• Reformation curls
• Hair lightening
• Color for mustaches and beards

Barber school graduates are eligible to take licensing exams upon completion of their full 1,000 coursework hours and Board acceptance of their application. Current Wyoming cosmetology license holders may apply for their crossover barber licenses after completing 750 hours of coursework.

Submitting your Wyoming Barber License Application

Despite Wyoming’s two-tier barber training options, candidates for both licenses apply the same way; simply download the exam application. Once you’ve completed it and had it notarized, submit the form to the Wyoming Board along with:

• Copy of current license (if licensed)

• Copy of government-issued ID

• Copy of Social Security card

• Copy of proof of lawful presence (birth certificate, passport, etc.)

• Official barber school transcripts

• Applicable exam fees

• Applicable license fees

Both fees are accepted as money orders or cashier’s check.

Send all materials to:

Board of Barber Examiners
2515 Warren Ave., Suite 302
Cheyenne, WY 82002

The Wyoming Board offers licensing exams on a roughly bi-annual schedule, although exceptions are made on an as-needed basis.

Written Exam

This multiple-choice exam tests your knowledge of barbering theory. Sample exam topics include:

• Wyoming barber laws, rules, and regulations

• Chemistry and anatomy

• Infection control

• Haircutting and styling procedures

• Draping procedures

• Facial hair design

• Client consultation

• Disorders of the hair and scalp

• Anatomy of the skin

Barber-Stylist Written Exam

This exam covers the topics above as well as these stylist-specific topics:

• Chemical services

• Draping procedures related to chemical services

• Safety procedures related to chemical services

• Performing client consultation and hair analysis

• Chemical texture services

• Hair color and lightening

Barber Practical Exam

Using your own kit, supplies, and mannequin or model, you will be asked to perform these barbering services:

• Setup and client protection

• Shaving with a straight razor

• Haircutting

• Candidate summary and final cleanup

Barber-Stylist Practical Exam

The practical exam includes the above sections as well as hands-on demonstrations of:

• Chemical waving

• Hair coloring/lightening

• Chemical relaxing

A passing grade on both exams qualifies you to apply for your Wyoming barber license.

Out-of-State Barber License Reciprocity in Wyoming

Interested in transferring your existing barber license to Wyoming? To apply, submit the documentation for an initial state license to the state Board — including the same license application — along with:

• Certified record(s) from previous licensing state
• Official barber school transcripts
• Official licensing exam scores
• Applicable licensing fees

Send all materials to the following address:

Board of Barber Examiners
2515 Warren Ave., Suite 302
Cheyenne, WY 82002

Requirements for Renewing Your Wyoming Barber License

When it’s time to submit your annual Wyoming barber or barber-stylist license renewal, you can do so by downloading and mailing a traditional renewal form or completing the online renewal form on the Board’s website. Late renewals may result in fines, reinstatement procedures, or denial of barbering privileges.

Although Wyoming doesn’t require continuing education hours to renew your license, picking up a few hours every year is a great way to stay informed about new products, styling techniques, and the overall industry trends. Acquiring new skills is also a great way to attract new clients and boost your bottom line as a practicing Wyoming barber or barber-stylist.

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