Michigan Licensing Overview for a Barber
Licensing for a barber in Michigan is controlled by the Michigan Board of Registration of Barbers.
General Guidelines for a Barber in Michigan
Specific requirements to perform barber services can generally be used as a guideline, but make sure to check with your local governing rules and regulations.
Who’s allowed to perform these services?
Anyone holding a barber license
General requirements for a barber license?
Barber License – 2,000 Hours
Barber Instructor – Barber License + 2 Years Work Experience + 1 Year Instructor Training or 60 semester hours or 90 term hours of education.
What’s the state licensing site for a barber?
Michigan Board of Registration of Barbers
What are some training programs available for a barber?
How long is a license good for and when do I need to renew?
Renews every 2 years
What are fees associated with licensing?
$60
Barber Licensing
A barber is a professional who specializes in the cutting, styling, and grooming of men and boy’s hair and beards. This profession has a long-standing history filled with tradition and is an important subsection of the beauty industry. Many of the techniques and tools of barbering are as old as the profession itself. This includes the tools, techniques and overall aesthetic of the barbershop itself. Barbers are experts in their field. A barber’s job is primarily in customer satisfaction, which revolves around the customer service, friendliness, and communication of the barber.
To become a barber, there are requirements individual to each state.
To become a licensed barber in the state of Michigan there are several steps that must be taken.
- The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
- Apply for registration with the Michigan Board of Registration of Barbers
- Undertake state licensing exams
- Ensure your license remains up to date
The completion of a formal barber program or apprenticeship
In Michigan, the only one method to gain the necessary qualifications to become a licensed barber is through a formal barbering program. Students are required to complete a minimum of 1,800 hours of registered coursework.
There is currently no option for a barber apprenticeship in Michigan.
Apply for registration in the state of Michigan
Following the completion of formal education, either via an institution, barbers are required to apply for registration with Michigan Board of Registration of Barbers. In order to have this application processed, applicants are required to submit:
- The initial application registration form
- An application fee of $50
- Education transcripts
Undertake state licensing exams
In the state of Michigan, there are two licensing exams that must be completed: the theoretical exam and the practical exam. Barber examinations in Michigan are conducted by PSI Candidate Examination Bulletin. There is a $161 fee for these examinations.
The main concepts that will be covered in the theory exam may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Scientific concepts
- Hair services
- Facial hair services
- Skin care and facial services
The main concepts that are covered in the practical examination may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Set up and client protection
- Haircutting
- Shaving with a straight razor
- Chemical Waving
- Virgin hair lightening
- Chemical Relaxing
Barbers will be sent an official notice from the Board detailing their results from both examinations. If successful, barbers will be eligible to for a barbers license in the state of Michigan.
Ensure your license remains up to date
Licensed barbers are required to update their license on September 30th every two years. There is a $60 fee for this renewal. This can be done easily online through Michigan’ State Board website.
There is currently no ongoing education needs for barbers during their licensing period in the state of Michigan. However, many barbers may choose to undertake ongoing education to further their career opportunities and stay up to date in current fashions and trends.