If you have a passion for hair, you’ve probably considered a career in the beauty industry! Cosmetology and barbering are two careers that specialize in hair, but which one do you pick? While they do share their similarities and are often associated with each other, they do have their differences! We’re going over what sets them apart, so that you can make the best decision for yourself when picking a program!

What Is Cosmetology?

Cosmetology is the art and science of beautifying the hair, skin, and nails, which means that a cosmetologist can provide a wide range of services! The services can range from manicures to styling hair to facials!

About Our Cosmetology Program

In our cosmetology program, you can expect to learn everything you need to be successful in your career! We have a team of passionate instructors who can help our students master the skills and techniques needed in cosmetology. With full and part-time schedule options available, you can graduate in just under a year.

Our cosmetology program is 1500 hours consisted of:

• Theory (150 hours)
• Manicuring and pedicuring (90 hours)
• Facials (60 hours)
• Shampooing / conditioning / rinses / scalp treatments (90 hours)
• Hair styling (390)
• Hair color tints / bleaches / other color treatments (120 hours)
• Hair cutting with shears, razor, and clippers (180 hours)
• Fundamentals of business management, state board rules and regulations (180 hours)
• Hair restructuring, permanent waving, and chemical relaxing (240 hours)

What Is Barbering?

Barbering is the art and science of styling hair for men. From beard design to male haircuts, barbers can do it all. They use a variety of tools to achieve certain looks like scissors, clippers, razors, and trimmers. In addition to hair grooming, some barbers can offer services like facials and scalp treatments.

About Our Barbering Program

Our barbering program was designed to give our graduates the tools they need to work as a barber. We believe our graduates should know all the technical skills of the trade, as well as all the business skills needed to succeed.

This program is 1500 hours and our barbering graduates can expect to learn:

• Safe work practices (155 hours)
• Salesmanship / business practices (175 hours)
• Anatomy, hair and scalp treatments (200 hours)
• Facial massage and treatments (40 hours)
• Hair cutting and styling (580 hours)
• Chemical relaxing, soft-curl perms, permanent waving (95 hours)
• Hair coloring (150 hours)
• Male hair services, beard design, shaving (65 hours)
• Board rules and regulations and statutes (40 hours)

Similarities

Cosmetologists and barbering are both in the beauty industry and are often associated with each other. They both share the same end goal: make their clients leave feeling better about themselves! If you’re curious to know what else they have in common, here are some similarities between the two:

• Work with hair: Both cosmetology and barbering work with hair. Cutting, styling, and coloring hair are all services cosmetologists and barbers can do.
• Rewarding careers: Both cosmetologists and barbers have the opportunity to boost someone’s confidence with the services they provide. Changing someone’s outward appearance can be a very rewarding career!
• Hour requirements: This might differ depending on the state and program, but at Broken Arrow Beauty College both our cosmetology and barbering programs are 1500 hours.

Differences

Cosmetology and barbering are two distinct careers in the beauty industry, which requires different training, skills, and focuses. While there are many similarities between cosmetologists and barbers, they do share some key differences:

• Services offered: Cosmetologists and barbers offer different services. Barbers are skilled in facial grooming, shaving, and razor design while cosmetologists are skilled in hair design, color, and cuts.
• Careers: Cosmetologists typically work in a salon while barbers can be found in a barber shop.

Ready To Get Started?

Both cosmetology and barbering are both important professions in the beauty industry with their own unique skills, training, and services. Whether you choose cosmetology or barbering, you can have a bright future ahead! If you’re considering a career in the beauty industry, we encourage you to explore both our cosmetology and barbering programs and choose one that aligns with your goals.

If you’re ready to get started in one of our programs, don’t hesitate to contact us! We can help answer any questions regarding your education, *financial aid, enrollment, and more. We can’t wait to meet you!

*financial aid only available to those who qualify