Barbering · California

Barbering colleges in California

CampusPin lists 325 U.S. colleges in California that offer Barbering programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Barbering programs train you to cut and style hair, shave and shape beards and mustaches, fit hairpieces, and prepare for your state board barber licensing exam.

Schools in California that offer Barbering

Barbering programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 325 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

325

Public / private

20 / 30

Universities / 2-year

39 / 11

Cities represented

38

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$57,946

Median in-state tuition

$14,275

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of the Arts

26% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Barbering program

  • Clipper cutting, tapering, and fading techniques for a range of hair types
  • Scissor-over-comb and shear cutting, layering, and hairline outlining
  • Straight-razor shaving with hot towels, lather, and proper blade handling
  • Beard and mustache shaping, trimming, and detailing
  • Hair and scalp anatomy, physiology, and analysis of hair and skin conditions
  • Shampooing, conditioning, and basic chemical services such as color and texture
  • Facial and scalp massage and basic skin and grooming treatments
  • Hairpiece and toupee fitting, cleaning, and maintenance
  • Sanitation, disinfection, tool care, client consultation, and shop business practices

Where a Barbering degree can lead

  • Barber
  • Hairstylist
  • Men's grooming specialist
  • Barbershop manager
  • Booth or chair renter
  • Cosmetologist

Typical pay: Early-career wages vary by employer, region, and experience (BLS, 2024 barbers median $38,960).

A barbering program teaches the technical craft of the barbershop: cutting and tapering hair with clippers, shears, and razors; blending fades and outlining hairlines; and shaving and shaping facial hair, beards, and mustaches, including the classic straight-razor shave with hot towels and lather. Coursework covers hair and scalp anatomy and physiology, shampooing and basic chemical applications such as color and texture services, facial and scalp massage and basic skin treatments, hairpiece and toupee fitting, and the sanitation and disinfection rules that govern razors, blades, and stations. Students also learn client consultation, equipment maintenance, and the business side of running a chair or a shop. Where Cosmetology covers a broad range of hair, nail, and skin services across salons and spas, barbering concentrates on cutting, men's grooming, and razor shaving in a barbershop setting.

Most students enter through a state-approved barber school and complete a set number of supervised clock hours on mannequins and live clients before sitting for the state board, which usually pairs a written theory exam with a practical demonstration scored on technique and sanitation. Barber licensing is regulated by each state, so required hours, exam format, renewal, and reciprocity between states vary, and some areas distinguish a barber license from a cosmetology license; verify the rules with your state board before enrolling. Many barbers work in barbershops or salons, rent a chair, or build their own clientele over time. A program is preparation for the exam and the chair, not a guarantee of work, since pay, hours, and demand depend on location, employer, specialty, and the book of clients you develop.

In federal data for the closely related occupation of barbers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $38,960 and projects employment to grow about 4.1% from 2024 to 2034; a postsecondary nondegree award is the typical entry-level education for that occupation. National figures are occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages or graduate outcomes.

Barbering in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Barbering schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 325+ Barbering programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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