D.C. Schools with Barbering Programs
The District of Columbia has one school that offers students the opportunity to prepare to become a barber, which is Aveda Institute in Washington D.C.; however, both the American Beauty Academy in Wilmington, DE and the American Beauty Academy in Wheaton, MD are close to the area and can provide a student with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to become a licensed barber in Washington D.C.
Since a barber primarily works with men’s hair, a barbering program will focus on haircutting, styling and coloring specific to men.
However, because some women choose to get their hair done at a barbershop and long hair on men is a growing trend, barbers learn a wide range of skills to successfully cut, dye and style hair. Additionally, a barbering student will learn to work with facial hair such as trimming beards, evening out a goatee or shaving a mustache. Sanitation and safety will also be a portion of a student’s education.
Find Cosmetology Programs in District of Columbia
You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.
Licensing Requirements in Washington D.C.
The DC Barber and Cosmetology Board requires that applicants be at least 18 years old to take the exam to become a barber. A person must have at least an eighth grade education or the equivalent of one. Additionally, to obtain licensure in Washington D.C., an individual must have at least 1,500 hours of training in barbering or 1,500 hours in cosmetology along with 500 hours in barbering. The training must be from a board-approved institution. Having 1,500 hours experience working under a licensed barber is also acceptable if the person doesn’t have formal training.
Employment Outlook for Cosmetologists in Washington D.C.
The capital of America might be filled with politicians – one’s that need their hair done at that – but barbering is an in-demand field in Washington D.C. as well. Opportunities in the field of barbering are expected to grow at a rate of 14 percent, which is the average for all other jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The District of Columbia is an ideal location for barbers because it’s one of the top paying places for barbering jobs. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Division pays an average of $21.41 per hour, which is equivalent to $44,530 annually. Moreover, the entire area of Washington D.C. is among the top paying states for barbers.