How to Become a Barber in Idaho

Who doesn’t enjoy getting a quality haircut while having a good conversation? The joy of this simple pleasure might be why barbering has been around for thousands of years. If you’re passionate about men’s grooming and you enjoy working with people, then you should consider starting your barbering education! The requirements for becoming a barber vary from state to state, so let’s go over how to become a barber in Idaho.

The First Steps

Find a Great Barber School

First things first: You need to find a barber school to receive your training and hone your craft. Your education will play a big role in your barber journey, so it’s important to choose the right school. Search online for different cosmetology schools in your area that offer barbering programs. Check out each school’s website, social media pages, and the details about their barbering classes.

Once you’ve researched different beauty schools near you, schedule tours for a few of the schools you’re most interested in attending. Visiting each of the campuses will give you a better idea of what it’d be like to be a student there.

While you’re touring the schools, make the most of your time by asking the staff any questions you have about the barbering program or application process. We’d also recommend writing some notes about each school so that you can easily compare them later.

Enroll in a Barbering Program

Once you’ve toured a few different barber schools, choose your favorite one and apply for their barbering program. The application process varies depending on which school you choose, but you’ll most likely need to send over a copy of your driver’s license or state ID, your high school diploma or GED, school transcripts, and an application fee. Reach out to a member of your barber school’s admissions team if you have any questions during the application process.

Are you wondering how to pay for barber school? Many schools, including Aveda Institute Boise and Aveda Insitute Twin Falls, offer financial aid* and scholarships to qualifying students. We highly recommend looking into financial aid to see if you qualify for any grants, loans, or scholarships. This can help lessen the potential challenges of paying for barber school.

Build Your Brand and Portfolio

Once you’ve enrolled in barber school, you’ll have the chance to learn a ton of useful skills, such as shaving, styling hair, and beard design. Aside from classroom instruction, you’ll also get hands-on experience by providing services to real clients in your school’s student salon*. This is the perfect opportunity to start building your brand and portfolio.

Take photos that show off your barbering skills, then add them to your portfolio on a regular basis. Your portfolio could be physical, but it’s easier to create a digital portfolio on social media. Your portfolio will be a place for potential clients and employers to find your work and decide if they want to work with you, so it’s important to keep it updated with impressive imagery. 

Your portfolio is a big part of building your brand, but there are some additional steps you can take to build your brand even further. For example, you can create a website or a blog to make it easier for people to find you online. You could also get business cards to hand out to clients, so it’s easier for them to contact you or recommend you to their friends.

Grow Your Professional Network

During barber school (and throughout your entire barber journey), it’s essential to make professional connections with others. Network with your fellow classmates, your instructors, clients at the student salon, and anyone else in the beauty industry who you cross paths with. Your professional network can potentially help you find exciting job opportunities and build your clientele.

After Graduation

Pass Idaho’s Barber Licensing Exams

After graduating from barber school, you need to obtain licensure to legally provide barbering services in Idaho. You have to pass several written and practical exams, so make sure to study beforehand. Once you pass the exams, you can apply for licensure and officially become a licensed barber in Idaho! Then you’ll be ready to land your first job as a barber. Aveda Institute’s barbering program covers salon business and marketing skills, so you’ll be well-equipped to step out into the job market.

Start Your Barber Education at Aveda Institute Boise and Aveda Institute Twin Falls

Are you ready to start your barber education in Idaho? Our school offers a great barbering program at our Boise and Twin Falls campus. The curriculum covers hair cutting techniques, business skills, and much more. Contact our team for more information today!

*Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

*All services provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals.