If you’ve ever imagined yourself behind the chair—crafting sharp fades, precise shaves, and confident smiles—you’ve probably wondered: How long does barber school take?

At JT Cuts Academy, we understand that starting your barbering career can be an exciting decision, and you want to know what kind of time commitment you’re making. Whether you’re looking to change careers, upgrade your skills, or start fresh after high school, we’re here to help you plan your journey from the classroom to the barbershop floor.

Let’s break down what to expect, how long it takes to complete barber school, and what your training at JT Cuts Academy can include.

Understanding the Barber School Timeline

The length of time it takes to complete barber school depends on several factors, including your state’s licensing requirements, your chosen program, and whether you attend full-time or part-time.

At JT Cuts Academy, we make it simple by offering two focused programs designed to fit different goals and schedules:

• Barber Program: 900 Clocked Hours — Approximately 30 weeks
• Restricted Barber Program: 600 Clocked Hours — Approximately 24 weeks

Both programs prepare students for state licensure and a professional career in the barbering industry, but they differ in scope and specialization. Let’s look at each in detail.

The Barber Program (900 Hours / 30 Weeks)

Our Barber Program is the full professional track designed for students who want a complete education in the art and science of barbering.

In this 900-hour program, students learn everything from classic men’s cuts and straight-razor shaves to advanced techniques like coloring, bleaching, and chemical texture services.

What You Can Learn

The curriculum is designed to blend theory, technical skills, and real-world experience. Here’s an overview of what’s covered:

• Men’s Haircutting and Styling: Master all types of hair textures and lengths. Learn techniques for fades, tapers, line-ups, and more.
• Facial Hair Design: Perfect the art of shaving, beard sculpting, and mustache trimming with professional precision.
• Chemical Services: Learn about hair coloring, bleaching, relaxing, curling, and permanent waving—skills that open up additional career opportunities.
• Sanitation and Safety: Understand proper hygiene, tool care, and state board sanitation requirements.
• Client Consultation and Care: Build communication skills that help you connect with clients and understand their style preferences.
• Business and Professional Development: Get practical training in building a clientele, marketing your services, and managing your own barbershop.

This well-rounded training can prepare you to take the state barbering exam and succeed in any professional setting—whether that’s a local barbershop, a luxury men’s grooming salon, or your very own business.

The Restricted Barber Program (600 Hours / 24 Weeks)

If your goal is to focus on men’s grooming services without chemical work, our Restricted Barber Program offers a faster route to the chair.

This 600-hour program concentrates on the core skills of traditional barbering—precision haircutting, shaving, and beard care—without covering chemical services such as coloring or relaxing.

What You Can Learn

• Men’s Haircutting Techniques: Learn clipper-over-comb, shear work, fades, and other cutting methods used in today’s barbershops.
• Shaving and Beard Grooming: Gain hands-on experience in straight-razor shaving, beard trimming, and mustache shaping.
• Client Relations and Consultation: Learn how to provide an exceptional barbershop experience that keeps clients coming back.
• Hygiene and Sanitation: Follow state safety guidelines and maintain professional work standards.
• Barbershop Operations: Understand the day-to-day responsibilities of working in or managing a barbershop.

Because this program doesn’t include chemical training, it can be completed more quickly—typically in about 24 weeks (as little as six months).

It can be a great option for students who want to specialize in classic barbering or start working sooner while still earning a respected professional license.

Which Program Is Right for You?

Both programs can lead to rewarding barbering careers, but the best choice depends on your personal and professional goals. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

 

Feature	Barber Program	Restricted Barber Program
Total Hours	900	600
Approximate Duration	30 Weeks	24 Weeks
Covers Chemical Services	Yes	No
Focus Areas	Haircutting, Shaving, Beard Care, Coloring, Relaxing, Curling	Haircutting, Shaving, Beard Care
Career Options	Licensed Barber, Men’s Stylist, Shop Owner, Chemical Specialist	Restricted Barber, Men’s Grooming Expert
Best For	Students seeking full training and advanced techniques	Students focused on traditional barbering skills or quicker entry into the workforce

If you’re passionate about mastering every aspect of hair—from cutting to coloring—the Barber Program may be your best fit. But if you’re eager to start cutting and shaving without the chemical services, the Restricted Barber Program gets you there faster.

Why the Number of Hours Matters

In the barbering world, hours = experience.

The number of clocked hours required in each program isn’t arbitrary—it’s set by the state licensing board to ensure students receive enough training in both theory and hands-on practice.

Each hour you spend in class contributes to your readiness to pass your state exam and start your career with confidence. At JT Cuts Academy, your hours can be a mix of:

• Classroom Instruction: Learning theory, safety, and professional standards.
• Demonstrations: Watching experienced instructors perform techniques step-by-step.
• Hands-On Practice: Performing services on mannequins and real guests under supervision.
• State Board Preparation: Practicing exam techniques so you’re ready to earn your license.

The time you invest now can set the foundation for a long, successful career in the barbering industry.

The Typical Week in Barber School

Wondering what your weekly schedule might look like? At JT Cuts Academy, we know that life doesn’t stop when you start school. Many of our students juggle jobs, families, or other commitments, which is why our programs are designed to be manageable and efficient.

A typical week may include:

• Theory Classes: Covering anatomy, haircutting principles, tool safety, and sanitation.
• Practical Training: Hands-on work performing haircuts, shaves, and other services.
• Guest Services: Gaining experience working with real clients in a professional setting.
• Evaluations: Regular feedback from instructors to help you perfect your skills.

Our instructors guide you through every step, ensuring that you’re not just learning techniques but also developing the professionalism and confidence needed to thrive after graduation.

From Enrollment to Graduation: What to Expect

Here’s a general overview of what your journey at JT Cuts Academy might look like:

1. Enrollment and Orientation: Meet your instructors, receive your tools, and get an introduction to the program.
2. Foundational Skills: Learn basic haircutting techniques, tool handling, and sanitation.
3. Intermediate Training: Begin to work on models and mannequins while studying theory and state board material.
4. Advanced Skills: Practice fades, tapers, shaves, and—if enrolled in the 900-hour program—chemical services.
5. Clinic Floor Experience: Provide services to real clients under supervision, refining your speed and technique.
6. State Board Prep: Review all material and practice mock exams to ensure you’re fully prepared for licensing.
7. Graduation and Licensing: Once you complete your required hours, you’ll be eligible to take your state exam and officially become a licensed professional barber.

Why Choose JT Cuts Academy?

At JT Cuts Academy, barbering isn’t just a trade—it’s a craft and a lifestyle. Our programs are designed not only to meet state requirements but to exceed expectations in every area of education and experience.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Hands-On Training: You’ll practice on real clients in our student barbershop, gaining real-world confidence before you graduate.
• Experienced Instructors: Our educators bring years of professional and teaching experience to help you grow.
• Career-Focused Curriculum: We don’t just teach you how to cut hair—we teach you how to succeed as a professional.
• Supportive Learning Environment: Our community is tight-knit, encouraging, and built to help every student thrive.
• State Board Preparation: We integrate exam prep into your daily training so you’ll feel ready when it’s time to test.

Whether you’re interested in the traditional Restricted Barber route or want the full spectrum of services covered in our 900-hour Barber Program, you can graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in today’s barbering industry.

How Soon Can You Start?

Barber school can be a relatively short path to a career. Depending on your chosen program, you could be licensed and working in as little as six months.

Think about it: In less than a year, you could go from dreaming about your career to building your own clientele, earning steady income, and creating a lifestyle that reflects your passion for style and precision.

Your Future Starts at JT Cuts Academy

Barbering is more than a job—it’s an art form, a community, and a lifelong skill that opens doors to endless opportunities. At JT Cuts Academy, we’re proud to help students turn that passion into a professional career in just a few short months.

Whether you choose the 900-hour Barber Program or the 600-hour Restricted Barber Program, your future in the industry starts here—with the training, guidance, and experience you need to succeed.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to take the next step toward your career in barbering, we’d love to help you begin your journey. Contact JT Cuts Academy today to learn more about enrollment dates, schedules, and financial aid options*.

Don’t wait to start doing what you love—your barbering career is closer than you think.

*financial aid is only available to those who qualify