If you’ve researched getting a cosmetology license for cutting, coloring, and styling hair, you may have seen some beauty schools offer dual programs, that teach both barbering and cosmetology. Are there advantages to earning both licenses?
In California, there are several reasons why you might want to consider earning both of these certificates, which are both controlled by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Let’s look at the difference between a barber and cosmetologist and why you might go for both certifications.
What Is a Cosmetologist?
Cosmetology is the study, art, and science of beautification of the hair, skin, and nails. A cosmetologist is licensed to cut, color, and style hair, as well as do skin care and nail care. Some cosmetologists also do advanced makeup. A licensed cosmetologist may cut hair and do beauty treatments for both women and men. Most often, cosmetology is associated with hairstyling.
What is a Barber?
Barbers generally specialize in cutting men’s hair, and they can cut, wash, style, or color any hair on the head, or on the face. They cut, trim, and shave facial hair like beards and mustaches, and are allowed to use a straight razor, as well as scissors, shears, and clippers.
Earning a Cosmetologist License
To get a cosmetology license, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a state approved cosmetology program, and pass the certification exam. Cosmetology training programs take between 7 to 12 months to complete. In California, students must complete a training program of at least 1000 clock hours. Students learn techniques of hair cutting and hair styling, hair coloring, skin care, nail care, and safety and sanitation regulations. Some programs may teach salon management and marketing as well. The state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology gives the licensing exam.
Earning a Barbers License
The training programs to obtain a barber’s license can take between 7 and 12 months to complete. To get a barber license in California, students must complete a training program of at least 1000 hours before taking the licensing exam. You will learn how to cut and style hair; cut, trim, and style facial hair like mustaches and beards, as well as sanitation and safety regulations, and in some programs barbershop management and marketing.
Should I Go for Both Licenses?
Whether you choose to get both licenses depends on the type of clients you want to serve. Getting both a barber and cosmetology license will let you serve all types of clients, and there is some crossover, but they are different skills. Each profession requires practicing different techniques, which might take time to master, however you can serve a wide range of customers and potentially work in more places with dual licenses.
There are some advantages to dual licensing. You can work in both a beauty salon and a barbershop, making you a more versatile candidate. Both cosmetologists and barbers are in demand. You’ll always be able to find a job, in any city, both cosmetologists and barbers are needed. There is the potential to earn more by keeping your client schedule solidly booked.
If you plan on opening your own shop, in California, you cannot open a salon without either a cosmetologist license or a barber license. If you have a cosmetology license you can cut, color, and style hair, and provide skin care and nail care. With a barber’s license, you can cut, color, and style men’s hair, cut and shape facial hair, and do skin care on the face, scalp, and neck. With both licenses, there is no limitation on the haircutting and hair styling services you can provide
Methodology for Getting Both Licenses
You could go through a cosmetology and barbering program separately, but some professional cosmetology schools offer a combined program that helps prepare students for both certification exams. In California, you only need a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll.
Can You Earn More Money with Dual Licensing?
There is a possibility you can earn more, but it requires some strategy. For example, if you are working as a cosmetologist giving men’s haircuts, you can also offer a straight razor shave or other barbering service and earn more on those client appointments.
Earn Your Cosmetology and Barbering Licenses in One Program
We know that some students want the flexibility to serve any type of client, both men and woman, and for that reason we offer a combined Cosmetology and Barbering program that empowers you to earn both certifications in about 36 weeks. At Paul Mitchell the School at Campus Sacramento, students will learn all the skills they need to be a fully licensed cosmetologist and a fully licensed barber. You’ll learn from some of the best instructors in the industry how to style hair, cut facial hair, skin care, and business acumen for salon professionals. For more information, contact our friendly Admissions team or call 888-675-2460.