Careers with Longevity

Barbering Program

Experience a barbering education that sets you up for success. Our instructors are here to help you every step of the way. And, we mean every step of the way. We don’t just teach to prepare you for the state board, we teach you for life! Become part of our barbering family made up of our instructors, alumni, and professional mentors you’ll meet along the way.

Not Sure Which Program Is Right for You? Take our quick beauty quiz.

Our Barbering Program

Our Barbering Program

Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you love the hustle that comes from finding the latest style trends and building a business? Do you want a career that allows you to be your own boss and impact the people in your community?

If any of these sound like you, learn how you can become your own boss by starting your barbering education at the Douglas J School of Barbering in East Lansing, Lincoln, NE or our newly offered barbering program at the Douglas J Institute Knoxville location.

Your Passion Can Become Your Profession

The demand for beauty professionals continues to rise nationwide. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to grow faster than average over the next decade, with more than 84,000 job openings projected each year.

If you’re ready to build a creative, people-focused career, now is a great time to get started.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

%

Projected Industry Growth From 2024–2034

Job Openings Projected Annually

Faster than average career growth nationwide.

Our Barbering Curriculum

It’s possible to become a barber in Michigan in a little over 12 months. Our full-time 1,800-hour program covers everything from short hairstyles to stellar customer service techniques. In Knoxville our barbering program requires only 1,500 hours, so you can start doing what you love sooner, while meeting Tennessee’s state requirements.

Our barbering program goes beyond traditional hair care to give our students a true edge in the industry. In addition to mastering cutting and styling, you’ll gain extensive training in skin and nail care — including manicuring and facials — with a strong emphasis on skin care and shaving. Plus, in Tennessee and Nebraska, students also receive specialized training in waxing, making our graduates even more versatile and in-demand.

It’s an amazing opportunity to gain new skills, no matter if you’re brand new to the barbering industry or are already a licensed cosmetologist.

What You Can Learn

The education at Douglas J School of Barbering and the barbering program in Knoxville is focused on providing everything a future barber needs to stay current with trends and create looks guests love. Our training emphasizes a well-rounded approach to grooming and wellness, using top-of-the-line barbering products like Reuzel to teach professional-level techniques.

No matter what your background is or where you come from, you can feel confident in the support and encouragement you’ll find from our awesome group at the Douglas J Barbering Programs.

See What Our Students Have To Say

Still have questions about our programs or next steps?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find quick answers to common questions about tuition, schedules, kits, placement & more.

"My favorite part of my program was learning color theory. We took a very comprehensive and in-depth look on how different colors react to each other and how that applies to hair color at different levels and basic tones. So I felt like that was very helpful, especially wanting to be a color specialist in the future." - Joey, DJ Cosmetology Student

What made you feel confident to enroll at Douglas J?
"Before attending Douglas J, I was looking into it, doing a lot of research, and I actually messaged other students who were attending Douglas J, and they had nothing but great things to say. Similar experiences to what I had, you know, going from no experience to cutting hair every single day, and that made me feel confident, and Douglas J was the right place for me."
- Mason, Barber Student

"Douglas J is the Harvard of beauty schools. They don’t just teach hair - they teach you professionalism, business etiquette, and how to carry yourself with confidence.”

 - Hayley Smith - East Lansing Graduate and Celebrity Hairstylist

"I feel that I have learned so much from attending Douglas J and that I can take my techniques and experiences I had there to my current job."

- Hilary Butler, Douglas J Institute Graduate

"Every day on the clinic floor it felt like you were working in a real salon because of how fast paced it was. I think that prepared me well for time management."

- Nadine Bos, Douglas J Institute Graduate

What is your most memorable moment?

"Choosing to train with Douglas J is not just attending cosmetology school, it's the first step in building a career."

- Virginia Meyer, Former VP of Education Aveda Corporate Co-Founders of Redchocolate:tm

Just some of the concepts and skills you can learn are:

  • Straight razor shaves
  • Dapper looks
  • Comb-overs
  • Cutting and shaving
  • Hygiene
  • Bacteriology
  • Histology of hair, skin and nails
  • Structure of the head, face and neck
  • Salon ecology
  • Diseases of the skin
  • Hair coloring
  • Curling
  • Permanent waving
  • Resume preparation
  • Interview skills
  • Business management
  • Chemical treatments
  • Marketing and social media
  • Product sales
  • Guest care
  • State laws and rules
  • And much, much more

Our barber program is organized in a number of phases. In the first 13 weeks of class, you will be provided an extensive education in the science and history of barbering. You can learn what a barber is, why they do what they do, and how the career has changed drastically over the years.

Once you finish those first 13 weeks, your education will shift to a more hands-on approach, where you can start working with actual guests under the supervision of licensed barbers. Feel prepared and ready, as our instructors walk you through every step of the process, from the consultation to creating the perfect cut.

How to Become a Barber

How to Become a Barber

Barbering is an exciting career path that can cater to both your creative side and your entrepreneurial spirit. Unlike...

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INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE

Education That Makes Sense

Skip the debt and get started on your career faster. With hands-on training and a curriculum built for real-world success, our programs cost 74% less than average college tuition—so you can invest in yourself without the heavy financial load.

Learn How To Apply

Ready to pursue your passion for beauty? Contact us to see if Douglas J Institute is the right fit! Fill out the form or call (877) 311-8957 to start your application. We’ll schedule a tour, answer your questions, and guide you through enrollment. Let’s get started!

WE SET THE BAR

You have a lot of choices out there, but the experience you’ll gain from a Douglas J education is like no other. Contact us today to find out which program is best for you.

GET STARTED TODAY!