Many aspiring barbers find themselves weighing the costs, time commitment, and potential benefits of a traditional barber education and asking, “Is barber school worth it?” With the rise of social media, it’s more common now than ever to go the self-taught route with the idea that it will save you time and money; unfortunately, this is not the case for every person.
The question of whether barber school is worth it depends on your career goals, financial situation, and dedication to the craft. As beauty educators, we are confident that barber school is definitely worth the investment for anyone who dreams of becoming a licensed barber. Here’s why:
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Earning potential: Those with a barber license (which can only be obtained with formal training) will typically make significantly more money than those who practice without a license.
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Competitive edge: The barbering industry is becoming more competitive. If you’re searching for a job, a barber license can give you a competitive edge over other applicants and establish credibility.
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Career stability: Unlike many industries threatened by automation, barbering requires human touch, creativity, and interpersonal skills that cannot be replaced by technology or AI.
We at Houston Training Schools believe that any student wishing to pursue a career in the beauty space will benefit greatly from a traditional barber education. If you’re looking for the best barber schools in Houston that will teach you every skill you need to master without placing any financial strain on you or your loved ones, contact us today to learn about our barber program.
Common myths about barber school
Let’s address some misconceptions surrounding barber school that may be holding you back from achieving your dreams and full potential.
Myth 1: “You can learn everything on YouTube”
No hate to YouTube or content creators, but a video cannot supplement a proper barber program. Even the most talented online instructors can’t provide you with hands-on training, personalized feedback, or the interpersonal skills necessary for succeeding in this field. It’s also important to note that online schools rarely tend to cover safety, sanitation, and business aspects of the profession, which are essential for a well-rounded education.
Additionally, online barber school can’t give you the opportunity to work with real clients and begin building your client base now. In an industry built on personal connections, you can start making important ones right now by connecting with other professionals and clients in a traditional program.
If you want to master your craft, taking an in-person barber program at Houston Training Schools will ensure you get the education you deserve.
Myth 2: “Most employers don’t require a barber education”
Here in Texas, an accredited education for barbers is necessary for those who want to obtain their license. And yes, you must be a licensed barber to practice in the state. If an employer does not require a license, you probably shouldn’t be working there.
Does education level make a difference in barbers? Absolutely. A licensed barber with formal training typically stands out from self-taught practitioners in several ways:
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Greater versatility in handling diverse clientele needs
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Stronger technical foundation for creative work
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Better understanding of the “why” behind techniques
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Higher earning potential from advanced service offerings
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More opportunities for career advancement
Myth 3: “Barber school is too expensive”
How much is barber school in Texas? Depending on the school or program you choose, barber school cost in Texas generally varies between $2,000 and $18,000 — which does not always include textbooks and kit essentials. Here at Houston Training Schools, our barbering program tuition costs $11,350, which covers your classes, opportunities for working with real clients, your student barber kit, and your textbook — everything you need to begin your career.
In tough economic times like these, we understand if you feel like you can’t afford to attend barber school. However, most students aren’t aware that they can apply for barber school financial aid!
Houston Training Schools offers multiple financial aid options to help students graduate without debt. Our mission is to provide students with an accessible, affordable, and comprehensive barbering program to prepare them for success in the industry.
Myth 4: “Barber school takes too long”
Whether you’re attending traditional university classes or a trade school program, there will be a time commitment. Understanding barber school requirements in Texas can better prepare you for choosing the right one for you.
So, how long is barber school? In Texas, students must complete a 1,000-hour barber program to qualify for a license — more specifically, to qualify to take the exams required to obtain the license. Full-time students completing the traditional track would be able to finish the program in 40 weeks (approximately ten months). Compared to 2 – 4 year college degrees, barber school is relatively short!
However, we understand that time is precious and not every student can dedicate themselves to a full-time schedule. Houston Training Schools offers flexible scheduling options so that students who wish to be part-time can complete the program at their own pace.
Myth 5: “Barber school is too hard”
Because barbering is very dependent on hands-on training, we realize that some students may find it difficult to master. But, is barber school hard? Not necessarily. In our experience, it’s what you make of it. Will it be challenging? Sure! Barber programs are designed to challenge students to reach their full potential so they can be confident in their skills before they graduate.
Our well-rounded curriculum is designed to teach beginners with no prior experience who will continue to build their skills throughout the program. The instructors cultivate an encouraging learning environment to ensure every student feels on track at every step.
Remember that difficulty is subjective. If you’re passionate about barbering, you’ll likely find the learning process engaging rather than difficult.
Myth 6: “Barber school is only for men”
While barbering is primarily focused on men’s grooming, Houston Training Schools welcomes students of all genders to train with us!
The value of barber school
If you’re still wondering is barber school worth it for you, we’ve created a list of values that our barber program can bring to aspiring barbers like you:
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Hands-on training lets you apply what you learn in class to real clients — not just mannequins.
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Supervised practice allows you to receive immediate feedback as you learn.
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A diverse curriculum teaches our students to work with diverse hair types, styles, and client requests, so you can service anyone.
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Professional equipment lets students practice with industry-standard tools to better prepare them for professional environments.
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Confidence building is crucial to developing your skills in a supportive setting before entering the job market. We want to set you up for success!
As we mentioned earlier, the practical skills and experience you gain in barber school cannot be replicated in an online course. If you want to truly reap the fruits of your labor, invest in your education.
Fact: barber school is worth it — Apply to Houston Training Schools today!
Beyond the practical skills and career preparation, barber school offers advantages including building a professional network and client base early and creating a community of fellow barbers before you enter the workforce. Connections are key in this industry, so why not start building them now?
At Houston Training Schools, we’ve seen countless students transform their passion for style and grooming into rewarding careers through our dedicated training and certification. While barber school requires investment of time and money, the returns — both financial and personal — typically far outweigh the initial costs. In other words, it is completely worth it.
Ready to get started? Call (713) 674-2300 to schedule a tour of our two Houston campuses or apply online today! Your education is worth it because you are worth it.
More Helpful Articles by Houston Training Schools:
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What Is the Difference Between Barbering and Cosmetology?
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Cosmetology Education: Beauty School vs. College
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4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take Cosmetology Classes Online
