What Is the Difference Between Barbering and Cosmetology?

Barbering and cosmetology students
Houston Training Schools For Students 01/07/2025

If you would like to turn your passion for helping people look and feel their best into a rewarding career, the fields of barbering and cosmetology are perfect for you. However, how do you know which choice is right for you? Aren’t the two paths extremely similar?

Whether you’re searching for cosmetology or barber schools in Houston, it’s best to study at an institution that offers both disciplines. Houston Training Schools is a Houston beauty school with two campuses that offer both barbering and cosmetology programs. With hands-on training and a focus on real-world skills, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful career in the beauty industry regardless of your path.

Let’s discuss the differences and similarities between barbering and cosmetology.

Is barbering the same as cosmetology?

Not exactly. While the two share many similarities in practice, the differences between the two professions lie primarily in what you are taught in barbering and cosmetology programs in beauty school, as well as training and career opportunities and development as a professional.

Both barbers and cosmetologists work directly with clients to provide hair styling and cutting services to both men and women. However, a barbering education also delves into facial hair maintenance such as shaving, and cosmetology covers extensive skin care, makeup application, and even some facets of design.

Choosing which career path you want to take relies heavily on your personal interests and passions, who your ideal client base would be, and what occupation you wish to pursue for your future.

Barbering and cosmetology: Similarities and differences

1. Enrollment requirements

In Texas, barber and cosmetology school requirements are similar to one another. Any student looking to enroll in a beauty school for barbering or cosmetology must:

  • Be at least 17 years of age with a valid ID

  • Have a high school diploma or GED certificate

While requirements for enrollment vary from school to school, these are the base requirements required for applicants in the Lone Star State.

2. Education and training

What are the basics of barbering and cosmetology? Fundamentally, these programs focus on grooming techniques, sanitation, and customer service skills*. While some aspects of barbering and cosmetology programs do overlap, there are a few differences. Other barber schools in Houston focus heavily on men’s grooming — with a heavy emphasis on beard maintenance and men’s hairstyling — and do not teach barber students manicuring or extensive skincare as a part of their curriculum.

At Houston Training Schools, we believe that a barbering education should be just as inclusive to a wide range of clients and needs.

What do you learn in barber school? Here is what our barbering program entails:

Here is what you will learn in cosmetology classes in Houston:

  • Orientation, theory, and salon management

  • Shampoos, rinses, and scalp treatments

  • Chemical rearranging (perms and relaxers)

  • Hair coloring and bleaching

  • Hair styling and cutting

  • Facials and other skin care

  • Manicuring

  • Shaving

  • Facial hair grooming and maintenance

  • Cosmetology theory and salon management

  • Shampoo, rinses, and scalp treatments

  • Haircutting and styling

  • Chemical rearranging: Perms and relaxers

  • Hair coloring and bleaching

  • Nail extensions, manicures, and pedicures

  • Skincare and facials

  • Makeup application

  • Design theory
Every student at Houston Training Schools is exposed to a hybrid hands-on learning model where they are encouraged to practice on real-life clients outside of the classroom in our student salon. The ability to practice skills on a real person provides students with more confidence going into their licensing exams and their future careers.

*Keep reading: What skills does being a barber require?

3. School tuition

How much is barber school? The Texas state average for barber school tuition typically ranges from $2,000 to $18,000, depending on the program, school, and included supplies. Some cosmetology institutions are a bit more expensive, with $5,000 being on the low end and $20,000 being on the high end. For example, Paul Mitchell’s tuition for cosmetology is $17,247 per year. At other schools, in addition to tuition, students will need to purchase books, kits, and other materials to complete the course — and these expenses add up over time!

Houston Training Schools offers the same price for both our barbering and cosmetology programs at $11,350, which includes your necessary student kits and books. We are also one of the few beauty schools that accept financial aid to help our students graduate debt-free.

4. Program duration

How long is barber school in Houston, Texas? The Texas state licensing exam requires that each barber and cosmetology student must complete 1,000 hours of an accredited program in order to take the test and obtain a license. If you were to take regularly scheduled classes, you could finish either program within 40 weeks. We do offer our students flexible scheduling options for those who work full or part-time jobs, have children, or simply prefer evening classes.

5. Clientele focus

The primary difference in clientele between barbering and cosmetology professionals lies in their service focus. Barbers primarily cater to male clients seeking haircuts, beard grooming, and shaving services. Cosmetologists can serve a broader range of clients, including men, women, and children, offering hair, skin, and nail care services such as hair coloring, makeup application, and manicures.

It’s important to note that although barbering is usually associated with men and cosmetology with women, either profession can service any type of client, regardless of gender. At Houston Training Schools, we teach our students how to work with a variety of diverse clients to provide a more well-rounded education than what is typically offered.

Can you be a barber with a cosmetology license in Texas?

Barbers and cosmetologists share many of the same skills with an emphasis on customer service. However, if you want to work as a barber or cosmetologist in Texas, you must apply for a separate license to work as either a barber or a cosmetologist.

Licensed cosmetologists in Texas may perform most barbering services but cannot perform straight-razor shaving — if a cosmetologist wants to add that skill to their services, they will have to apply for a Class A barber license. Similarly, a licensed barber can’t provide eyelash extension services as their education does not cover that service.

Some professionals choose to dual-license in barbering and cosmetology to provide a full range of services to their clients.

Experience barbering and cosmetology courses at Houston Training Schools

While barbering and cosmetology share many similarities, they are different career paths and credentials that allow you to perform certain services. Finding which program is right for you is entirely up to your preferences and desires for your future. Each program at Houston Training Schools is designed to be immersive, well-rounded, and inclusive so that you can make the most out of your occupation as a beauty professional.

Because we offer both barbering and cosmetology programs, if you chose to get a barbering license after obtaining your cosmetology license, you would only need to complete 300 hours of our barber program as opposed to the full duration of 1,000 hours. This would be a great option for those of you who would like to obtain both licenses to practice in Texas.

Your future in beauty starts here! Apply online today to get started.

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