Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Barber Schools in Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood.
Ever wondered how to become a barber in Colorado? Finding the right school is essential.
This article reviews the best Barber Schools in Colorado, highlighting top programs, costs, and what you can expect from each.
Read on to discover your ideal path to a successful barbering career in the Centennial State.
Emily Griffith Technical College – Barbering Program
The Barbering program at Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver offers a hands-on learning experience that prepares you for the professional world. Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time schedules, this program provides flexibility to accommodate your needs.
Key highlights of this program include:
- Practical Experience: Students gain real-world skills by working with clients at the on-site Emily’s Salon & Barbershop, simulating a professional environment.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The training encompasses a wide range of barbering techniques such as shaving, haircuts, scalp treatments, styling, coloring, and chemical texture services.
- Licensure Preparation: Strong focus on Colorado’s licensing requirements, ensuring you are well-prepared to obtain your barbering license.
- Hybrid Format: Combines on-site and online learning, emphasizing the need for technology proficiency.
- Cost: The program costs $8,538, with financial aid options available.
Overall, this program offers a balanced mix of theory and practice, designed to equip you with the skills necessary for a successful career in barbering.
Pickens Technical College – Barber Program
The Barber program at Pickens Technical College in Aurora offers a well-rounded education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills. This program, conducted in both lab and classroom settings, is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of barbering essentials.
Program specifics include:
- Diverse Skill Set: Training covers mustache and beard design, trimming, haircuts, and shaving, along with sanitation and safety procedures.
- Practical Application: Practice on mannequins and models in a supervised environment, ensuring you gain the confidence needed to apply your skills professionally.
- Internship Opportunities: Offers an on-site internship that provides real-world exposure in various professional settings.
- Accreditation: Credits are recognized by the Colorado Community College System, making them transferable to other institutions.
- Employment Outlook: Graduates can expect entry-level salaries ranging from $25,000 to $54,000, with a promising job outlook.
This program’s comprehensive approach ensures you are well-prepared for a career in barbering, providing both the knowledge and the hands-on experience necessary to succeed.
Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes – Barber Program
Offering locations in Denver, Colorado, and Provo, Utah, the Inspire Greatness Aveda Barber Program provides an immersive educational experience. This program, developed by an Aveda Purefessional Barber, equips you with the skills needed to excel in men’s grooming.
Program highlights include:
- Comprehensive Training: Covers grooming and styling for men, straight-razor shaves, razor fades, clipper cuts, and more.
- Professional Toolkit: Students receive a high-quality toolkit and personalized mentorship from licensed instructors.
- Advanced Learning: Includes Master’s Series Workshops and opportunities to participate in industry events like New York and London Fashion Weeks.
- Flexible Hours Requirement: Requires 1500 hours in Denver and 1000 hours in Provo, with transfer hours reviewed case-by-case.
Graduates are well-prepared for employment in various settings, including barbershops, unisex salons, spas, and the entertainment industry.
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs – Barbering Program
The Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs Barbering Program is designed to offer a traditional barbering education under the expert guidance of licensed professionals. Structured into three educational phases—Core, Adaptive, and Creative—this program ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
Features of this program include:
- Diverse Curriculum: Covers essential topics like hair, skin, men’s grooming, and facial shaves.
- Professional Kit: Includes tools such as shears, clippers, trimmers, and a straight-edge razor.
- Resourceful Learning: Supported by industry apps and the Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future curriculum.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, ensuring a high standard of education.
With a tuition cost of $17,025 and additional fees for applications and kits, this 1500-hour program is designed to prepare you for a successful career in barbering through a combination of distance learning and on-campus training.
IBMC College – Barbering Program
IBMC College offers a Barbering Program designed to set you on a path to a professional barbering career. Located in northern Colorado with campuses in Longmont and Greeley, the program provides flexibility with various start dates throughout the year.
Key components of this program include:
- Core Skills Development: Training in precision haircutting, color and texture techniques, skincare, shaving, and grooming.
- Business Management: Focus on the skills needed to open and operate a successful barbershop.
- Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience by working in on-campus clinics under the supervision of licensed educators.
- Program Duration: Approximately 13 months, depending on individual progress and scheduling.
- Flexible Tuition Options: Costs vary based on financial aid availability and military status.
Graduates of IBMC College are well-prepared for careers as barbers, barbershop owners, or spa workers. With strong job placements and a growing demand for professional barbers in Colorado, this program is an excellent choice for aspiring barbers.
Avila’s Barber School – Comprehensive Barbering Program
Avila’s Barber School boasts over 12 years of experience in cultivating skilled barbers with a well-rounded education.
Program highlights include:
- Experienced Instructors: Learn from full-time professional barbers who bring industry knowledge and passion to the classroom.
- Job Placement Emphasis: The school focuses on career opportunities and job placements, ensuring you are job-ready upon graduation.
- Skill Development: Training covers both traditional barbering techniques and modern grooming trends, providing a holistic education.
- Client Education and Safety: Emphasizes safe practices and client communication to offer exceptional grooming experiences.
Avila’s Barber School is committed to producing knowledgeable and skilled barbers, ensuring graduates are equipped to thrive in a competitive job market.
Trinidad State College – Barbering Program
The Barbering Program at Trinidad State College in Colorado prepares you rigorously for the state barber licensure examination. The program is thorough, covering all essential aspects needed to become a successful barber.
Program specifics include:
- Foundation in Barbering: Includes training in shaving, hairstyling, coloring, chemical relaxers, scalp treatments, and sanitation.
- Licensure Preparation: Strong focus on understanding state laws and regulations related to barbering.
- Success Rates: Records a 59.38% pass rate for the Colorado State Barber Licensure exam from 2009-2014.
- Related Programs: Provides additional training opportunities in related fields like Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hairstyling, and Manicuring.
Given its comprehensive curriculum and focus on licensure, Trinidad State College ensures you have all the tools needed to succeed as a professional barber in Colorado.
How to Choose the Best Barber School in Colorado
Selecting the best barber school involves considering several critical factors to ensure you receive a quality education that aligns with your career goals.
- Accreditation: Always check if the program is accredited. Accreditation ensures the school meets educational standards, and the credentials are recognized by employers and licensing boards.
- Curriculum: A strong curriculum should cover a broad spectrum of barbering techniques, business skills, and state licensure preparation. Make sure the program includes practical training to complement theoretical learning.
- Faculty Expertise: Research the qualifications and experience of the instructors. Educators with extensive industry experience provide invaluable insights and mentorship.
- Cost: Evaluate the total cost of the program, including tuition, supplies, and potential financial aid. Understand the financial commitment and explore available funding options.
- Location: Consider the school’s location for convenience and commute feasibility. This also impacts your day-to-day schedule and access to potential job opportunities.
- Job Placement Rates: Look at the school’s job placement rates post-graduation. High placement rates are indicative of the school’s reputation and effectiveness in preparing students for the job market.
- Campus Visits: If possible, visit the campuses to assess the facilities and culture. A tour can provide a better sense of the learning environment and resources available to students.
- Alumni Success and Industry Connections: Ask about the success stories of former students and the school’s industry connections. Alumni networks and partnerships with local businesses can enhance your career opportunities.
By considering these factors, you can choose a barber school that best suits your educational needs and career aspirations.
Barber Schools By State
Conclusion: Find Your Ideal Barber School in Colorado
Choosing the right barber school is a significant step toward a rewarding career in barbering. Whether you prioritize flexible scheduling, experienced faculty, or comprehensive training, Colorado offers excellent programs to fit diverse needs. Explore the options listed here, and take your first step toward a fulfilling career in barbering.
By investing in a quality education, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in the dynamic and growing field of professional barbering in Colorado.