The Barbering Program
Barber School - San Francisco, CA
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 on the clinic floor, 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.
Digital Support
When you have the latest technology and resources at your fingertips, you’ll be more successful in school and in your career. Future Professionals have on-the-go access to schoolwork, advice from industry leaders, Paul Mitchell cutting and coloring apps, our exclusive Business Fundamentals: Connecting to My Future curriculum and much more.
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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.
Barbering Program
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs
TUITION — Barbering
Tuition $17,000.00
Registration Fee 150.00
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) (nonrefundable) 0.00
Student Kit fee (nonrefundable) 3,850.00
TOTAL COSTS $21,000.00
TUITION — Barbering (Effective August 1, 2024)
Tuition $17,000.00
Registration Fee 150.00
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) (nonrefundable) 0.00
Student Kit fee (nonrefundable) 4,375.00
TOTAL COSTS $21,525.00
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:
- Barbering: January 21, 2025
- Barbering Evening: February 25, 2025
- Barbering: March 25, 2025
- Barbering: May 20, 2025
- Barbering: August 26, 2025
- Barbering Evening: September 30, 2025
- Barbering: November 5, 2025
Student educational materials
-
- 1 Cutting System DVD Box Set, ISBN 978-0-9743205-2-6, $300
- 1 The Cutting Book, ISBN 978-0-9743205-4-0, $32.00
- 1 Men’s Cutting System DVD, ISBN N/A, $162.50
- 1 Color System DVD Box Set, ISBN 978-0-9743205-1-9, $300.00
- 1 The Coloring Book, ISBN 975-0-9743205-3-3, $26.00
- 1 The Skill Cards, ISBN N/A, $26.25
- 1 Paul Mitchell Product Guide Workbook, ISBN N/A, $2.50
- 1 Connecting to My Future Book, ISBN 0-9743205-0-1, $19.95
- 1 Be Nice (Or Else!) Book, ISBN-13: 0-9749939-9-9, $23.95
- 1 Multiple Intelligence (MI) Letter, ISBN N/A, ISBN N/A
- 1 State Board Review Book*
- 1 Marker and Binder*
- 1 Plugged In Apron and Membership (while enrolled)
- 1 Master Audio Club Subscription (while enrolled)
- 1 The color Paper Swatch Chart, ISBN N/A, $N/A
- 1 PM SHINES® Paper Swatch Chart, ISBN N/A, $N/A
- 1 Blonding Brochure, ISBN N/A, $N/A
- 1 SHINES XG® Paper Swatch Chart
- 1 Black Messenger Bag
- 1 Apple Ipad, ISBN: N/A; $400.00
*These kit items are exclusive to San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology kit
Required textbooks
- 1 Milady’s Standard Professional Barbering, 5th Edition CourseMate, ISBN-13: 9781285175188, $177.95
- 1 Milady’s Standard Professional Barbering, 5th Edition Textbook, ISBN-13: 9781435497153 (Hardcover), $132.95
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Funding Your Education
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 San Franciso Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology Financial Aid Leader.
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