Where Can I Receive Training to Become a Barber in Michigan?

Michigan Barber Requirements

As of December 2011, there were five schools licensed to offer barber training in the state of Michigan. All five of these schools offer the training needed to prepare you to become a licensed barber in this state. In order to secure your Michigan barber license, you must successfully complete 2,000 hours of training at a licensed barber college as of 2011. However, you may want to check the current education requirements, as a bill was proposed in the Michigan House in the beginning of May 2012 for deregulation that could remove the training requirement.

In addition to education, applicants must be at least 17, have completed at least tenth grade (or equivalent education), have good morals and pass the state board exam consisting of theory and practical portions that's approved by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can find the application instructions on the LARA website.

Salary and Job Outlook for Barbers in Michigan

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2011, the annual mean wage for barbers in Michigan was about $21,000, which was lower than the national annual mean wage for barbers, which was around $28,000.

Nationwide, the employment of barbers may grow only seven percent in the decade spanning 2010-2020, based on BLS estimates. That growth is slower than the occupation of hairdressers, cosmetologists and hairstylists, which is predicted to grow by 16% during that same time. However, job openings for barbers are expected to occur to replace those who retire, transfer to other occupations or leave for other reasons. You might experience keen competition if you apply at the higher paying shops, according to the BLS.

Barber Schools in Michigan

Metro Detroit Barber College

• Program Name: Barbering course
• Program Length: 2,000 clock hours
• Cost: $6,800 (2009) includes tuition and school registration
• School Type: Private, non-profit; student enrollment not available
• Address: 7443 West McNichols, Detroit, MI 48221
• Phone: 313-342-4400

Metro Detroit Barber College is located in the urban area of northern Detroit. Classes for future barbers include haircutting, shaving and facial hair trimming. You can also take classes in sanitation and barber shop management. The program is interactive and includes both classroom work and practical demonstration of techniques.

Michigan Barber School, Inc.

• Program Name: Barber/Styling course
• Program Length: 2,000 clock hours spanning 14-18 months
• Cost: $10,660 (2012) includes tuition, registration, tools and books
• Requirements: Proof of high school completion or GED and an $80 application fee
• School Type: 2-year, private, non-profit; 240 students
• Address: 8988-90 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48204-2244
• Phone: 313-894-2300

Located in a large urban area, this barber/styling program includes 1,750 hours of practical instruction and 250 hours of theory classes to help prepare you in becoming a professional barber or stylist. Morning and evening schedules are available. This program contains a senior review component to help you prepare for the state board exam.

Barber/Styling College of Lansing

• Program Name: Barber/Styling course
• Program Length: 2,000 clock hours designed for completion in 50 weeks
• Cost: $5,700 (2009) includes application fee, administrative fee, tuition, laboratory fee, malpractice insurance and tool kit
• Requirements: Proof of high school completion and completed Michigan student license application
• School Type: Private, for-profit; 40 full-time students
• Address: 2101 North East Street, Lansing, MI 48906
• Phone: 517-482-8083

Located in the capital city of Michigan, this program is hands-on and duplicates real world duties and working conditions to help equip you as a professional in your field. While enrolled in this program, you'll learn about client service and business management, as well as techniques in haircutting, moustache trimming, shampooing and skin care.

Flint Institute of Barbering

• Program Name: Barbering course
• Program Length: 2,000 clocks hours over 12 months
• Cost: $10,067 (2009-10) estimate includes tuition, fees, books, supplies and personal expenses
• School Type: 2-year, private, for-profit; 50 students
• Address: 3214 Flushing Road, Flint, MI 48504-4395
• Phone: 810-232-4711

Located in a large suburban setting, this program strives to provide these students with knowledge and skills to secure state licensure. Classes meet from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays.

West Michigan College of Barbering and Beauty

• Program Name: Barbering course
• Program Length: 2,000 clock hours could be completed in a little over a year, depending on whether full-time or part-time
• Cost: $10,750 (2012) includes registration, equipment, books and tuition
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED
• School Type: 2-year, private, for-profit; 117 students
• Address: 3200 South Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
• Phone: 269-381-4424

Located in the smaller city of Kalamazoo, this program acquaints you with current technical information and tries to provide realistic exposure to the role of barber. This school also offers courses in cosmetology, manicuring and cosmetology teaching.