Barbering.
Sharpen your craft in men's grooming, fades, beard work and modern barbering — taught by mentors who still cut hair for a living.
1500 Hours
~10 Months
CA State Board
If you've considered a career in the barbering chair — now is the time.
The barbering course focuses primarily on men's hair and grooming. You'll be taught the essential skills and techniques of barbering, state law requirements, and business practices — while gaining real, hands-on experience on a clinic floor with a real clientele.
By the time you graduate, you'll have mastered haircutting and styling, facial treatments, scalp care, and the salon management thinking that turns a chair into a career. You'll be ready for the California state licensure exam — and ready to work the day after you pass.
Six modules.
One master barber.
Every module pairs technique with the business thinking behind it — so when you walk out, you're not just a great cutter, you're a great barber.
Men's haircutting.
Modern barbering technique — tapers, side and back fades, high-and-tight, flat tops, buzz cuts, military and razor cutting. The fundamentals, drilled until they're muscle memory.
Men's grooming.
Beard and mustache trims, shaping for every face, hot-towel facial shaving and how to handle the rest of facial hair like a working professional. The detail work clients come back for.
Scalp treatments.
Scalp and facial massage, basic shampooing and the hair-care thinking behind a great service. The part of the visit that turns a haircut into an experience.
Women's basic
Barbershops aren't just for men anymore. You'll learn the foundational styles for women's haircuts, so the chair is open to anyone walking through the door.
The business.
Networking, client interaction, product knowledge, retail support, interviewing and job placement — plus the deeper theory of professional barbering. The career skills around the craft.
Board prep.
Practical and written prep aligned to California's barbering board — so on exam day you walk in already knowing what's coming, and walk out licensed.
The nuts
and bolts.
1500 state hours.
Aligned to California Barbering & Cosmetology Board requirements. Every hour is built around real practice on real heads of hair.
~10 months full-time.
Daytime full-time schedule completes in roughly 10 months. Part-time options are available — talk to admissions about a path that fits your life.
Hands-on from day one.
Mannequin work transitions to a supervised clinic floor with a paying clientele — under the personalized guidance of skilled instructors.
Financial aid eligible.
Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify. Our team will help you navigate the FAFSA and explore your funding options.
Career services for life.
Resume help, salon partner introductions and ongoing employment support — long after the cap-and-gown photos are over.
How to start.
Reach out.
Use the form below or call admissions. We'll talk through your goals, schedule, and any aid questions you have.
Tour the campus.
Walk the floor, meet a few instructors, and see the chairs you'll be working at. Tours run weekday afternoons.
Enroll.
Submit your enrollment paperwork and finalize aid. You'll get a start date and a kit list — and that's it, you're in.
Day one.
Show up. Pick up your shears. Start the 1500 hours that turn into a career.
Take the
first step.
Ready to begin your barbering journey? Complete our application and an admissions advisor will reach out within one business day.
Start your application in under 2 minutes.
By applying, you consent to receive admissions information from American Beauty Institute.
Other paths.
Cosmetology
Hair, color, cutting and the business of building a clientele.
Esthetics
Skincare, facials, makeup and the science of glowing skin.
Manicuring
Nail care, gel, sculpted enhancement and salon-ready technique.
Massage Therapy
Anatomy, modalities and a steady, mindful touch.