Barber Programs in Arlington, Virginia

Becoming a Barber in Arlington, Virginia

Why Become a Barber in Arlington

Arlington, Virginia, is a vibrant and dynamic community located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Known for its bustling neighborhoods like Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn, Arlington offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. With a growing population and a thriving economy, Arlington is an excellent place to start your barbering career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for barbers in Virginia is competitive, and the job outlook is promising with projected growth in the coming years.

Barber Training Programs in Arlington, Virginia

If you’re looking to become a barber in Arlington, VA, several local schools offer comprehensive barber programs:

  1. American Beauty Academy
    • Location: Wheaton, MD (Approximately 25 miles from Arlington)
    • Program: The Barbering program at American Beauty Academy includes 1,500 hours of training in hair cutting, styling, shaving, and more. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology licensing exam.
    • Website: American Beauty Academy
  2. Bennett Career Institute
    • Location: Washington, D.C. (Approximately 7 miles from Arlington)
    • Program: Bennett Career Institute offers a comprehensive Barber-Styling program that covers all aspects of barbering, including hair cutting, coloring, and business management. The program meets the 1,500-hour requirement for Virginia licensure.
    • Website: Bennett Career Institute
  3. The Hair Academy
    • Location: New Carrollton, MD (Approximately 15 miles from Arlington)
    • Program: The Hair Academy provides a Barbering program that includes both theoretical and practical training. Students will complete 1,500 hours of coursework and hands-on practice to prepare for the state licensing exam.
    • Website: The Hair Academy

Typical Program Curriculum

Barber programs typically include a mix of theoretical and practical training. Courses often cover:

  • Hair Cutting and Styling: Techniques for cutting, trimming, and styling hair.
  • Shaving and Facial Hair Grooming: Methods for shaving and grooming beards and mustaches.
  • Sanitation and Safety: Proper sanitation practices to ensure a safe and clean working environment.
  • Business Management: Basics of running a barbershop, including customer service and financial management.
  • State Laws and Regulations: Understanding the legal requirements for barbers in Virginia.

Programs usually take about 12-18 months to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.

Barber Employment Opportunities in Arlington

Arlington is home to several well-known barbershops and hair salons where you can start your career:

  1. The Gents Place
    • Location: Ballston
    • Description: A luxury men’s grooming and lifestyle club offering haircuts, shaves, and spa services. They frequently have employment opportunities for skilled barbers.
    • Website: The Gents Place
  2. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
    • Location: Clarendon
    • Description: Known for its rock-and-roll vibe, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop offers a wide range of barbering services. They are always on the lookout for talented barbers to join their team.
    • Website: Floyd’s 99 Barbershop
  3. The Neighborhood Barbershop
    • Location: Rosslyn
    • Description: A community-focused barbershop offering traditional and modern barbering services. They provide a great environment for new barbers to gain experience.
    • Website: The Neighborhood Barbershop

Barber Licensure Requirements in Virginia

To become a barber in Arlington, VA, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

State Requirements
Age: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a barber license in Virginia. [1]
Education: You must complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved barber school. [1]
Exam: You must pass a written and practical exam administered by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. [1]
License: You must obtain a barber license from the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. [1]

County and City Requirements
Business License: You may need to obtain a business license from the Arlington County Government to operate a barbershop. [2]
Zoning Permits: You may need to obtain zoning permits from the Arlington County Government to operate a barbershop in a specific location. [2]

Federal Requirements
Tax Identification Number: You’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to report taxes and hire employees. [3]
OSHA Compliance: You’ll need to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to ensure a safe working environment. [4]

Certifications
Bloodborne Pathogen Certification: You may want to consider obtaining bloodborne pathogen certification, which is recommended by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. [1]
First Aid and CPR Certification: You may want to consider obtaining first aid and CPR certification, which is recommended by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. [1]

Licensure Reciprocity

Virginia offers licensure reciprocity with several states, allowing barbers licensed in other states to transfer their credentials. To do this, you must:

  1. Submit an Application: Complete an application for licensure by endorsement through the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology.
  2. Provide Proof of Licensure: Submit proof of your current, valid barber license from another state.
  3. Meet Additional Requirements: You may need to meet additional requirements, such as completing a certain number of training hours or passing an exam, depending on the state from which you are transferring.

Get Started Today

Becoming a barber in Arlington, Virginia, is a rewarding career choice with plenty of opportunities for growth. With a variety of local barber programs and a supportive community, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a barber school today to learn more about their programs and take the first step toward your new career. The world of barbering awaits you!