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Barbering

Barber School in San Francisco, California

Urban barbershops have experienced a nationwide resurgence, with more people looking for hip, edgy hairstyles only artistic barbers can deliver. This revival explains why contemporary barbershops, such as Fellow Barber in San Francisco, continue to thrive. At Cinta Aveda Institute, we help people pursue a career in hairstyling with our 1,000-hour Barbering Program, which prepares you for the California barber license exam. Students receive a top-notch education at our state-of-the-art facilities in San Francisco, CA, to become leaders in the beauty industry.

Barbering at a glance

OCTOBER 2026 BARBERING

Take Your Interest in Barbering Further

Aveda Institute San Francisco is proudly offering a $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP to EVERY student who enrolls in our October 2026 classes!

Put your interest in cutting hair into practice. Explore barber training at Cinta Aveda in San Francisco and ask admissions about the right training route for your experience and goals.

Enroll for October 2026 and receive $1,000 toward your education.

Ask About October Barbering

How long does barber school take?

The program is 1,000 hours, the minimum California requires before you can take the barber license exam. One day a week of theory is online.

ScheduleDays and hoursLength
Schedule AMonday–Wednesday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm on campus; Thursday, 6 hours online36 weeks
Schedule CTuesday–Thursday on campus; Monday, 4.5 hours online35 weeks

Schedules include a one-hour lunch break each day.

Life at Cinta Aveda

A closer look at the creativity, community, and hands-on learning at Cinta Aveda.

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What you will Learn

In the Barbering Program, students learn about hair and its various forms and structures. Our hands-on training approach helps people understand the differences between hair and facial hair based on curliness, ethnicity, thickness, and manageability. Specific skills you will obtain include:

  • Precision haircutting and coloring techniques
  • Beard and mustache trims
  • Modern razor styling
  • Hot towel shaves
  • Facial massages
  • Clipper cutting
  • Head shaving
  • Steam facials

How the 1,000 hours are divided:

Subject Hours
Hairstyling services: cutting, arranging, blow drying 300
Chemical hair services: coloring, straightening 200
Shaving and beard trimming 200
Health and safety 100
Disinfection and sanitation 100
California barbering laws and regulations 50
Business development and job training 50
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Why Attend Barber School?

Going to school for barbering can open you to numerous enjoyable and fulfilling careers that pay well. You also will experience the following unique benefits if you obtain an education in barbering:

Self Management

Jobs that involve constant micromanagement can be stressful and burdensome. While barbers can work for existing salons, they also have the opportunity to set up their own shops. As a shop owner, you will have more freedom to operate and manage your business according to your mission and values.

Schedule Flexibility

Many barbershops have odd hours like small businesses or retail stores, giving people flexibility when making schedules. If you do not want to work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday, a job as a barber may be an ideal option. You may work exclusively in the morning, afternoon, or evening, or work Saturdays and Sundays if you want days off during the week.

Creative Opportunities

Some people have to forsake creative freedom for job security or vice versa. Barbering is one of the few careers that allow you to have both. The skills you learn at the Barbering Program at Cinta Aveda Institute provide a basis for you to think creatively about cutting and styling hair. Once you prove your talent to clients at your shop, they will trust your instinct when you offer hairstyling suggestions. You can garner an impressive reputation for one-of-a-kind styles by infusing your creative spirit into your work.

Increased Socialization

The idea that barbershops are hubs for socializing is not just a stereotype perpetuated in movies and TV shows. This sentiment rings true in reality. Barbers often have rich conversations with clients who come from multiple different backgrounds. You seldom have to worry about working in silence or isolation as a barber, as there are always people to talk to, whether other employees or customers.

More Rewarding

In some careers, people do not interact with the people they serve. This situation can make it challenging to find purpose in their work. Barbers rarely struggle with this issue because they help customers directly. You can see how your efforts bring a sense of renewal and happiness to clients, enhancing the personal fulfillment your job brings. Few other occupations can offer the rewarding feeling of being a barber.

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Graduate results

From our 2023–24 School Performance Fact Sheet for the San Francisco campus (2024 graduates):

  • 100% finished on time (11 of 11 students).
  • 100% passed the state licensing exam on their first try (9 of 9).
  • 78% of graduates available for work were employed in the field (7 of 9).
  • Most barbers work freelance or rent a chair.
  • Graduates who borrowed left with about $6,571 in federal student loans on average.

See the full School Performance Fact Sheet.

Financial Aid For Barber Students

If money keeps you from pursuing barber school, we offer several financial aid options to help you pay for an education. We participate in the Title IV Federal Student Aid Program to lead eligible students to financial support from Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, and Federal Direct Plus Loans. Our FAFSA school code is 041800. Qualifying students also may gain funding from the Sallie Mae Smart Options Loan, veteran’s assistance grants, or our interest-free payment plan.

Besides financial aid, students also have access to scholarships. Numerous public and private scholarship opportunities are available to people pursuing higher education, but several options are reserved for those attending barber school.

 

Why Choose Cinta Aveda Institute?

Barber students who attend Cinta Aveda Institute gain theoretical and practical experience behind the hairdressing chair and sales desk in salon-ready environments. This hands-on education prepares them for long-term success in the ever-changing beauty industry. Additionally, we offer custom day and night class schedules for full and part-time students, giving people the flexibility to pursue a career in barbering at their own pace.

Barbering FAQ

How long is barber school at Cinta Aveda?

1,000 hours, which takes about 36 weeks at 28.5 hours a week.

How much does barber school cost at Cinta Aveda?

$18,775 in total: $15,900 tuition, $600 for eBooks and an iPad, and $2,275 for supplies and tools. There is no separate kit fee. You also pay a $75 application fee and, after you finish, a $125 state exam fee.

Do I need a cosmetology license first?

No. This is the full 1,000-hour barbering program for beginners. You need to be at least 17 and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Does Cinta Aveda accept FAFSA?

Yes. Eligible students can use Pell Grants and federal Direct Loans; our FAFSA school code is 041800. We also offer an interest-free payment plan. Most students use federal aid: in 2023–24, 61% of new full-time students received a federal Pell Grant, averaging $4,671, which doesn’t have to be repaid.

Do barbering graduates pass the exam and find work?

For 2024 San Francisco barbering graduates, 100% passed the state exam on their first try (9 of 9), and 78% of graduates available for work were employed in the field (7 of 9). Most barbers work freelance or rent a chair.

When does the next barbering class start?

New classes start throughout the year. Contact admissions for the next start date. Students who enroll for October 2026 classes receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Apply to Barber School Today

If you want an outstanding barbering education, turn to Cinta Aveda Institute. We encourage students to continually grow in their knowledge of hairstyling, enabling them to be artistic and inspired beauty professionals. Complete our online information form today to learn more about barber schools in San Francisco, California.

Request Info

extra gallery Barbering extra gallery Barbering

Offered at our San Francisco Campus

Cinta Aveda San Francisco Campus
San Francisco

testimonial

David Adams
Global Technical Director, Aveda
Aveda Education is all about you, your passion, creativity, and business excellence. We believe in inspiring you to integrate fashion, beauty, and wellness into your life.
Charlene Stratton
Owner, Artbeat Salon & Gallery
In my experience, the Aveda Institute graduates are far better prepared for the salon environment. They come to the salon with a high level of confidence, outstanding customer service skills and extensive product knowledge already in place.
Marjorie Livingstone
Owner, Aveda Bethesda Salon and Spa
Hiring students from the Aveda Institute makes it easier on me as an owner because I don’t have to spend as much time, energy and money retraining them on the Aveda methodology. They come prepared already knowing product knowledge and the Aveda signature spa services.
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