FAQs for Students Interested in Becoming Hairstylists or Barbers

Written By Norma Rey-Alicea

FAQs for Students Interested in Becoming Hairstylists or Barbers

Posted on 3/8/2023

What Formal Training is Required to Become a Hairstylist or Barber in Massachusetts?

In order to work as a hairstylist or barber in Massachusetts you must be licensed. To qualify for a license, you need to complete 1,000 hours of training at a Cosmetology or Barbering School and pass the Massachusetts licensing exam. Cosmetology training focuses on hair, skin, scalp, and nail care, including haircutting, hair coloring, chemical relaxing, and manicures.* Barbering training covers several of the same skills but also includes shaving and beard design.**

What Factors Should a Student Weigh in Selecting a School?

There is, in practice, little difference between schools in the curriculum they offer. All Cosmetology and Barbering programs offer a standard curriculum geared to meet the state’s 1,000-hour training requirement and prepare students to pass the state licensing exam. Students learn the basics in school but will need additional training after graduating, both working under an experienced stylist and taking additional professional development courses in advanced techniques. When selecting a program to attend, students should look for a convenient schedule and location, since they will need to attend the program for up to seven hours a day. Most schools offer a part-time and evening option in addition to full-time day sessions. Students should also shop for programs based on cost and financial aid. More expensive schools do not necessarily provide better training, so if cost is an issue, students should prioritize the most affordable schools on their list. Finally, it’s worth a visit to meet the instructors and students to see if the culture of the school is a good fit.

What Will Students Need to do to Secure a Good Job Following Graduation?

While all programs advertise job placement services, the reality is that cosmetology/barbering programs focus their resources on preparing students for the licensing exam. To secure a job in a top-notch salon, students will need to feel comfortable networking and marketing themselves to potential employers. Many students get a foot in the door by working as a shampooer or other assistant in a salon where they want to work after graduation. Salons seek out cosmetology students for these jobs because Massachusetts law requires that employees be either licensed or enrolled in a Cosmetology program to fill these entry-level positions.

Salons pay attention to personal presentation. For job interviews, applicants should show up looking professional and put together — well dressed, with well-styled hair and makeup. Jobseekers should look to work in a salon that fits their own personality, vibe, and personal values (e.g., eco-friendly, specialized in natural hair or glam, highly creative); this will increase the chances of building rapport with coworkers and management.

How do Students Learn to Style Black Hair?

Unfortunately, there are no schools in Massachusetts that focus on Black hair and styles. Some other states (e.g., Louisiana) require students to demonstrate competency in styling and treating Black hair as part of their licensure exams, but not Massachusetts. Students will need to gain these specialized skills by securing a training position at a salon that specializes in Black hair or by taking additional courses after graduation. Seeking advice from stylists at salons who service customers with Black hair can be a great way to learn about good courses and get valuable tips and instructions.   

What Salary Can My Student Expect to Earn? 

According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for hairstylists was $37,660 in 2021. For barbers, the median salary was $29,560. But these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. Hairstylists and barbers make most of their money through tips, which are typically underreported in official salary statistics. Stylists who land a job at a top-notch salon can expect to make substantially more than the reported industry average. But to get one of these better-paying jobs students will need to promote themselves and continue to hone their craft.

What Skills Will My Students Need to Succeed in This Career?

In addition to a willingness to market oneself, students will need other interpersonal skills to succeed in the industry. Stylists we interviewed stressed that students will need strong communication skills including listening carefully to what the client wants. A friendly, welcoming manner is also important to building a base of loyal clients. Finally, students will need to be eager, self-motivated learners who are committed to learning new techniques and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and styles. Some salons will pay for additional training.

* It is important to understand the difference between a cosmetologist and an esthetician. While cosmetologists focus on hair, skin, nail art, and general beauty (with a main focus on hair), estheticians are focused on more direct skincare services and treatments (e.g., facials, microdermabrasion, exfoliation, waxing, superficial chemical peels). Each career has its own specialized training and licensing requirements.

** Barbers provide haircutting, hairstyling, hair coloring, permanent waving, facial shaving, and facial services to customers. Barbers and cosmetologists have different licensing exams.

Data Sources

Norma Rey-Alicea
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