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Barber Program

Wondering if a career in barbering could be right for you? If you want a job where you can use your creativity and be your own boss, our barbering program could be your next step. Set yourself up for an exciting and creatively fulfilling future with Pivot Point Academy’s industry-leading education. 

Our 1500-clock hour barber program was designed to create well-rounded barbers in every aspect and to prepare students to compete in the men’s market of grooming. Learn hair cutting, men’s shaving, grooming, and basic skincare, along with all of the skills that give barbers a robust repertoire that is current with the industry trends. Refine your technical skills with earlier hands-on practice, learn business strategy, and become industry-ready through our three-phase program. 

  • Phase 1: Craftsmanship of Barbering (256 Hours)
    Gain a solid foundation in cuts, shaves, trims, facial hair, and color. We have workshops already in Phase 1 so you can put your hands on hair earlier!
  • Phase 2: Enhance Craftsmanship of Barbering (640 Hours)
    Add styling to your foundational skills by working with models. Choose to extend your hours or keep them the same to create a schedule that works for you!
  • Phase 3: Getting Ready for the Shop Life (604 Hours)
    Serve guests on the clinic floor and prepare for your state test. Learn the final skills you need to become industry-ready.

The Pivot Point Academy Difference

At Pivot Point Academy, we blur the line between learning and fun. Keep up with today’s latest trends on our industry-leading digital platform, LAB. LAB is an interactive and collaborative online classroom where you can study with industry pros. With engaging activities, a library of skills lessons, practice tests, and more, LAB makes learning current, effective, and fun.

Our school also provides several opportunities for students to hone their skills through participating in real-world community events and outreach activities:

  • America’s Beauty Show
  • MLB The Original Midwest Tradeshow
  • Guest Speakers
  • Barber Show Cases
  • Barbershop Visits
  • Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day

Go Beyond: Business Training

Did you know that over one-third of barbers are self-employed? That’s why at Pivot Point Academy, you will receive training not only in technical skills but also in business and marketing. Become industry-ready with our business training courses: Beauty As A Business (BAAB) & Prosper U.

Teacher Training Barber

New! Teacher Training Barber available. Enrolling now!

Barber Master

Phase 1: Craftsmanship of Barbering (256 Hours)

Learn foundational skills, such as:

  • Foundational Haircutting Theory and The Five Basic Haircuts
  • Hair Theory
  • Hair Care
  • Shampooing and Conditioning
  • Draping
  • Conditioning and Scalp Treatments
  • Texturizing Techniques
  • Styling Theory and Blow-drying
  • Prosper U
  • Perms
  • Relaxers
  • Wet Hair Styling
  • Natural Texture Hair Styling
  • Skin Theory and Basic Facial
  • Infection Control
  • Taper Cut and Fade Theory
  • Pompadour Haircut
  • Medium Taper Cut
  • High Taper Cut
  • Shaving and Beard Design
  • Hair Color Theory
  • Basic Color Applications
  • And More!
Phase 2: Enhance Craftsmanship of Barbering (640 Hours)

Work on models and enhance your skills. You will learn:

  • Theory on the Barbershop Experience
  • Theory on Retail Products
  • Razor Hair Cut
  • High Bald Fade Cut
  • Barbering History
  • Healthy Mind and Body Theory
  • Ergonomics
  • Human Relations Theory
  • Build Your Clientele Theory
  • Partial Highlights
  • Free-form Cutting
  • Communication with Confidence Theory
  • Goatee Workshop
  • Mustaches with Sole Patch Workshop
  • Coiled Twists Workshop
  • Locks Theory
  • Square Beard Workshop
  • Shadow Beard Workshop
  • Full Head Shave
  • Wig Theory
  • Hair Replacement Theory
  • Hair Removal Theory
  • Beauty As A Business
  • And More!
Phase 3: Getting Ready for the Shop Life (604 Hours)

Master your skills on clinic floor guests, prepare for your state exam, and become industry-ready. You will learn:

  • Goal Setting
  • Job Search
  • Prosper U
  • Finding a Barbershop That Fits
  • Professional Relationships
  • Know Your Client Market
  • Build Your Clientele
  • State Board Prep
  • Final Written Exams
  • Final Practicals

Barbering Student Kit

Welcome to the beginning of your career in barbering. At the start of each barber program, you will get:

  • Industry-relevant education that not only prepares you to pass your licensure exam but to have a successful career.
  • Access to LAB, an online learning environment that keeps you connected both in and out of the classroom.
  • Male mannequins from Pivot Point International, designed specifically for barbering education to create crisp, clean lines.
  • High-quality tools from industry-recognized brands you can use well into your career. Your student kit includes tools like Wahl clipper, trimmer & shaver, 1600-watt Tourmaline Ionic blow dryer, SRC Parker Razor with 100 blades, Styling Razor with 10 blades, professional shears, professional texturizing shears, clips, hand mirror, combs, brushes, apron, cape, neck brush, aluminum spray bottle, color bowl, tint brushes, and more.
  • For more hands-on hair,  3 mannequin heads (1 with a beard), 1 slip-on universal head, and 3 hair slip-on (1 female, 1 curly, 1 male) are included in the kit.

View your Barber Student Kit

If desired, you also will receive an optional iPad needed to access our interactive learning platform Learn About Beauty (LAB). Students will also get Pivot Point Academy’s Fundamentals: printed study guide, downloadable eBooks, integrated lesson webbooks, learning connections, interactive video lectures, design decision charts, exam ace, and more.

Already a Licensed Cosmetologist? Check Out Our Crossover Program

If you already have an active Illinois cosmetology license, our crossover program is your fast track for growth. Pivot Point Academy can accept up to 1000 hours toward the state-required 1500 hours. Our barber crossover program offers a multi-level barber education that provides hands-on training in: precision haircutting, color and texture, basic skincare, shaving, and grooming. Graduates will walk away with the skills necessary to successfully build/extend their careers.

You’re In Demand

With more and more men looking to get a relaxing cut and shave, professional barbers are in demand. Career opportunities are as limitless as your imagination. Our program prepares you for several career paths you may find exciting:

  • Barbershop Stylist
  • Shop Manager/ Owner
  • Self-Employed Barber
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Social Media Influencer
  • Traveling Barber
  • Educator

If having a job where you can use your creativity, choose your schedule, and follow your entrepreneurial spirit sounds great to you, barbering could be your perfect fit. Prepare for success in whatever endeavor you choose with our fully accredited, hands-on barbering program.

Learn More

Pivot Point Academy barbering students posing for a photo.

Haircutting

In our barber school, master prominent haircutting techniques such as the scissors over fingers technique, scissors over comb technique, clipper over comb technique, and blade on skin technique.

Shaving

All students will learn facial hair techniques using a straight razor before becoming a barber. Once you are done with our barber program, students will be able to do beard sculpting, neck and beard trims, straight razor shaving, wet shaves, and more.

Styling

Master the hairstyling principles that will allow you to perform tapered cuts, hair replacement, foundational cuts, and the trendiest hairstyles of the time.

Draping

Acquire the sanitary knowledge and requirements needed to protect clients from infectious and contagious diseases.

Texturizing

Learn fundamental texturizing techniques that create directional texture and softness while maintaining a masculine shape. Texturizing allows you to design styles suitable to your client’s hair.

Hair Coloring

Our barber program teaches students to effectively change the color of a client’s hair through techniques such as highlighting, bleaching, corrective coloring, and more.

Facial Hair

Acquire basic facial hair techniques that will allow you to replicate popular beard styles such as the short-boxed beard, circle beard, goatee, anchor beard, mutton chops beard, chin strap style beard, and more.

Recommended Blogs

We have created several blogs for your reference. These blogs provide additional information during the phase of research and orientation. Barbering is a dynamic and exciting field.

Business Training – Increasing the Salon Readiness of our students.
How to Obtain a Barber License
For the Love of Barbering – A study from Pivot Point Academy Barber Students

Testimonials

  • I was recently at your Bloomingdale location this past Saturday.  Christopher cut my hair as well as did a color correction w/high lights.  Even though I was there for 5 hours he took his time to make sure that the job was being done right and asked instructors for feedback etc when needed.

    Well, the outcome came out FANTASTIC. I posted my picture on my Facebook as well as my personal weight watchers profile and I was bombarded with so many likes saying how cute the color/cut came out and how it complements my newly thinned out features.   I went drastic with a modified pixie cut and I went for it 🤣!!

    I’m hoping that Christopher is available the next time I go for a trim and touch up 😊😊

    Linda B.

    I chose pivot point intentionally because I’ve always loved makeup. Going through all the phases and learning all the curriculum I’ve never been so happy to become a well-rounded hairstylist knowing all techniques and learning all different hair types. I’ve never been so blessed to be working at Sharon Daniel Salon to further my career and make everyone feel beautiful!

    Alissa M.

  • I chose Pivot Point because of its professional but fun atmosphere. I feel that they took cosmetology as seriously as I did but everyone was still warm and welcoming! I am now working at a Redken elite salon in Chicago and I feel like I’ve found a home in my rising salon!

    Mikey D.

    Pivot Point Academy is not only a school, it is a home. This place helped me branch out into a whole different person. I tried things I never knew I would try and accomplished so much more than I would’ve ever thought. Pivot Point allowed me to find another home at Sorelle Salon in Bartlett. I am a full-time stylist now doing hair, makeup, spray tans, lash extensions, lash lifts, and nails! This industry offers so much and Pivot Point helped me realize beauty is unstoppable!

    Gabby B.

  • I chose Pivot Point Academy because I wanted a supportive, family-like school. I knew from the minute I toured the academy; I was home. The educators were amazing, my classmates were always cheering me on and the rest of the team always had my back. I knew going to Pivot Point I would have the best cosmetology education and opportunities following graduation. I was given all of that, plus so much more.

    Savannah F.

    I chose Pivot Point because it had always been highly recommended to me and frankly; no other school compared. I felt welcomed and at home right away, so I knew it was the right choice. After graduating from Pivot Point, I was able to come across an amazing job opportunity at The Mixx Hair Salon where I am now a full-time hairstylist and lead makeup artist.

    Nathaly L.