How to Become a Barber in Texas Without a Barber Apprenticeship
You’ve been searching for a barber apprenticeship in Texas. You’ve Googled “how long is a barber apprenticeship” and “how to get an apprenticeship as a barber,” only to find confusing or outdated information.
Here’s why: There are no barber apprenticeships in Texas.
All aspiring Texas barbers need to complete a 1,000-hour program at a licensed barber school, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). There’s no way around this requirement.
But there’s good news.At Brighton Barber Institute (BBI), our barbering program can get you licensed and earning in as little as seven months without the drawbacks of an apprenticeship.
We’re proud of our 100% licensure rate, 92% graduation rate, and 95% job placement rate — statistics even the best apprenticeships can’t match.
Why Barber Apprenticeships Don’t Exist in Texas (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
The traditional apprenticeship model often falls short.
Because they only learn one shop’s limited cutting styles, apprentices often miss out on important education and struggle to pass licensing exams because of knowledge gaps.
Plus, the quality of the education the apprentice receives depends on the mentor: some mentors may be excited to share their knowledge; others may phone it in.
At BBI, you’ll master:
- Classic cuts and modern styling techniques
- Precision fades, tapers, and clipper work
- Traditional straight razor shaving
- Beard and mustache design
- Men’s skincare
- Chemical services (coloring, perms, relaxers)
- Business skills (important for building your clientele)
With this comprehensive training, you’ll thrive in any barbering environment.
How Long Is a Barber Apprenticeship vs. BBI’s Program?
Unlike some states where barber apprenticeships last up to three years, Texas keeps it simple: Get comprehensive training at a licensed barber school and start making money quickly.
Brighton Barber Institute’s students can complete their high-quality education in a few months. Our full-time Class A Barber program (35 hours/week) gets you cutting hair and making money in less than a year (seven months).
Even our part-time program (17.5 hours/week) is faster than any apprenticeship. It can be completed in 14 months.
Licensed cosmetologists can take an even faster route through our 300-hour Operator to Class A Barber program, learning just barber-specific skills without repeating training they’ve already received.
The Barber Apprenticeship Environment vs. BBI’s Facility
Barber apprenticeships vary in quality depending on the shop where they’re completed. For example, apprentices who learn in messy barbershops with outdated equipment struggle to adapt to modern, upscale work environments.
At Brighton Barber Institute, you’ll learn in our 3,400-square-foot state-of-the-art facility with:
- 24 professional stations equipped with industry-standard tools
- Modern classroom with the latest technology
- Professional products and equipment
- A real client base that prepares you for your career
This professional setting helps you develop habits high-end employers look for.
Better Instruction Than a Barber Apprenticeship
With a barber apprenticeship, your training is only as good as your mentor. At BBI, you learn from a team of licensed instructors who:
- Have real-world barbering experience
- Are specifically trained to teach
- Stay current with the latest techniques and trends
- Prepare you to pass the exam and thrive in the real world
Better Than a Barber Apprenticeship: Financial Aid Options
One major advantage of BBI’s barbering program over a barber apprenticeship is our financial aid options.
As one of the few barber schools in the DFW area that accepts federal financial aid (Title IV) for our Class A Barber program, BBI makes education available to everyone.
Financial aid options include:
- Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year) you never have to repay
- Federal Direct Loans with flexible repayment options
- GI Bill® benefits for veterans
- Texas Workforce Solutions support
About 80% of our students receive some form of financial assistance, and for eligible students, the out-of-pocket cost of barber school could be $0.
“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information about education benefits offered by the VA, visit benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Career Options Without a Barber Apprenticeship
After completing your barber education at BBI, your career opportunities are endless:
- Barber positions starting at $30,000–$45,000 annually, plus tips. Top earners make upward of $70,000 a year.
- Barbershop management positions at ~$70,000 on average.
- Entrepreneurial opportunities through booth rental or shop ownership.
Our career services team maintains relationships with employers throughout the DFW area who specifically seek out BBI graduates, giving you a head start on your career.
How to Get a Barber License Without an Apprenticeship
Since there’s no barber apprenticeship option in Texas, here’s how to get licensed through Brighton Barber Institute:
- Enroll in our Class A Barber program (you must be at least 16 years old with a high school diploma or GED).
- Complete 1,000 hours of training with our expert instructors (time flies when you’re learning something you’re passionate about!).
- Pass the Texas licensing exams (don’t worry; 100% of our students pass).
- Begin your career as a licensed barber.
Start Your Career Without a Barber Apprenticeship
While Texas doesn’t offer barber apprenticeships, training at Brighton Barber Institute is a faster alternative that may not require any out-of-pocket expenses if you qualify for financial aid.
In as little as seven months, you could be a licensed barber, building your clientele and making your own schedule. Our flexible full- and part-time schedules help you balance your current responsibilities with your education.
Don’t let another day pass without taking action toward a better future. Contact Brighton Barber Institute today:
- Phone: (817) 785-7051
- Email: info@brightonbarber.com
- Visit: 133 W. Harwood Rd., Hurst, TX 76054
Your future is Bright!