The Barbering Program
Barber School - Austin, TX
The modern-day barbershop trend is evolving. More and more consumers want a comfortable space where they can get the full, traditional barber experience by a professional, state-licensed barber. Students (or as we call them, Future Professionals) are guided by our Learning Leaders through the barbering program’s three levels—Core, Adaptive and Creative—taking on more advanced techniques and building real-world skills and confidence as they move through each stage.
Our Program Levels
LEVEL 1: CORE
LEVEL 2: ADAPTIVE
LEVEL 3: CREATIVE
LEVEL 1: CORE
A foundation course focusing on the fundamentals of both the theory and technical foundations of hair, skin, men’s grooming, facial shaves and an introduction to our Paul Mitchell Schools culture. Future Professionals learn the fundamentals in theory, then practice them hands-on in the safe environment of the classroom. You’ll work on mannequin heads and receive close, personal attention from a Learning Leader guiding you every step of the way.
Technical Areas Covered Include:
- Haircutting
- Chemical work (including coloring and perms)
- Men’s shaving and grooming
- Basic skin and grooming
- Basic skin care
- Hairpiece design, fitting, and maintenance
- And much more
LEVEL 2: ADAPTIVE
The learning continues in the classroom and in the clinic classroom, where Future Professionals practice and perfect the fundamental skills learned in Core. Adaptive-level students work on live models in a barbershop-like environment with the oversight and support of their Learning Leaders. You will work with professional products and learn how to conduct client consultations and create extraordinary guest-service experiences.
Areas Covered Include:
- Practice on real people in a barbershop-like environment
- Perfect your skills with help from Learning Leaders
LEVEL 3: CREATIVE
The Creative phase is where Future Professionals begin to expand their skills and learn more advanced and creative techniques. At the Creative level, students prepare to become barbershop-ready by working more independently. The pace and conditions are similar to those in a barbershop. You will develop your speed, build a résumé and portfolio and prepare to pass the state board test.
Areas Covered Include:
- Work independently (under the supervision of a Learning Leader)
- Prepare a career portfolio
- Prepare to pass the State Board test
- Develop speed and prepare to start your career
Student Kit
We want you to be prepared. That’s why our Future Professionals receive their own professional kit packed with all the essentials—mannequin heads, shears, clippers and trimmers, a straight-edge razor, combs, clips, and much more—so you’re ready to succeed in school and launch your dream career.
Consumer Information
Learn more about our graduation, placement, and licensure rates, and much more.
Our Barbering Programs
We offer varying barbering program options. See below for more details on each of them.
Class A Barbering Program 1000 Hr.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs
| TUITION – Class A Barber | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $13,500.00 |
| Application Fee (nonrefundable) | 25.00 |
| Registration Fee | 75.00 |
| TDLR Fee (nonrefundable) | 35.00 |
| Technical Kit * | 1,750.09 |
| Textbooks (nonrefundable) | 312.40 |
| Digital Kit (nonrefundable) | 397.13 |
| Sales Tax | 202.91 |
| TOTAL COSTS | $16,297.53 |
| Program | Per Clock Hour Rate (Transfer and Re-Entry Students Only) |
|---|---|
| Class A Barber | $13.50 |
How long will it take?
School Required Hours
Commitment to Complete Program: 1000 hours
When can I get started?
Ready to get started? Here are our upcoming start dates for this program:
- 07-21-2025 Barber
- 08-25-25 Barber
- 09-29-25 Cosmo PT
- 09-29-25 Barber
- 11-03-25 Barber
- 12-08-2025 Barber
Student educational materials
- The Cutting System App
- The Color System App
- The Style and Texture System App
- The Barber and Short Hair System App
- The Skill Cards App
- Plugged In App
- Connecting to My Future App
- Be Nice or Else iBook ISBN-13: 978-0-974-993-99-7
- The Mini-Color Swatch Book
- CourseKey Skills Tracker
Transfer students are responsible to purchase the education kit at an additional cost from the tuition. The cost of the education kit is $498.00.
Required textbooks
1 Pivot Point Fundamentals: Barbering Digital Only ISBN 978-1-948482-68-4
Bundle Total $304.80
COSMETOLOGY OPERATOR TO CLASS A BARBER
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
| TUITION – Cosmetology Operator to Class A Barber | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $3,800.00 |
| Application Fee (nonrefundable) | 25.00 |
| Registration Fee | 75.00 |
| TDLR Fee (nonrefundable) | 25.00 |
| Kit, Equipment, Textbook, Supplies (nonrefundable) | 755.59 |
| Sales Tax | 62.34 |
| TOTAL COSTS | $4,742.93 |
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Commitment to Complete Program: 300 Hours
WHEN CAN I GET STARTED?
- 07-21-2025 Barber
- 08-25-25 Barber
- 09-29-25 Cosmo PT
- 09-29-25 Barber
- 11-03-25 Barber
- 12-08-2025 Barber
DISTANCE EDUCATION
Distance Education
Paul Mitchell The School Austin offers two options for its Class A Barber program, one which provides 19.5% of the course via distance learning, and the second option requires all of the training to take place within our campus.
*The Distance Education program is not currently offered.
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Funding Your Education
Curious about your future as a barber? There are a wide variety of financial aid options out there—and we’re here to help you find them. Get information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships, and more from our helpful Austin Financial Aid Leader.
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