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Knoxville Barbering
Are you ready to make a significant change in your life? The Knoxville Master Barbering Program at Douglas J Institute is designed for individuals looking to transform their careers and futures. Our program offers the perfect opportunity to start fresh and build a lasting career in the barbering industry.
Contact us or call us at (877) 311-8957 to schedule a tour!
Address
516 S Gay St
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
Admissions: 877.311.8957
Guest Services: 865.824.2990
Service Hours
Tuesday: 9am – 4:30pm
Wednesday: 9am – 4:30pm
Thursday: 9am – 4:30pm
Friday: 9am – 4:30pm
Programs Offered
Retail Hours
Monday: 10am -10pm
Tuesday: 9am -10pm
Wednesday: 9am – 10pm
Thursday: 9am – 10pm
Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Looking for Night Barber Classes?
Limited Knoxville Campus Scholarships Available
Douglas J Institute Knoxville is offering a limited number of scholarships for current high school students in 25 surrounding counties.
Beginning May 1, 2026, students can receive these scholarships on a first come, first served basis.
- $2,500 Cosmetology & Barber Scholarships
- $1,250 Esthetics Scholarships
Schedule Your Tour today to take advantage of these limited scholarships before they’re gone.
Eligible Knoxville Counties
Blount County
Bradley County
Campbell County
Cocke County
Fentress County
Grainger County
Greene County
Hamblen County
Hawkins County
Jefferson County
Knox County
Loudon County
Monroe County
Morgan County
Rhea County
Roane County
Sevier County
Sullivan County
Union County
Washington County
Knoxville’s only accredited Barber School
When you’re choosing a barber school, accreditation isn’t just a box to check — it’s a guarantee you’re investing in a program that meets the highest standards in the industry.
Douglas J Institute’s Barber program is fully accredited, meaning the curriculum, instruction, and student outcomes are reviewed regularly by an independent accrediting organization. That’s your assurance that you are receiving a respected, career-ready education.
You’re not just learning how to cut hair — you’re building a future.
Learn more about the Barber program by contacting our admissions team or scheduling a tour today!
The Real Benefits of an
Accredited Barber Program
Financial Aid Access
Accredited schools can participate in federal and state financial aid programs, helping make your education more affordable.
Licensure Confidence
Most state licensing boards require graduation from an accredited program — putting you on the right path from day one.
Career Credibility
Employers recognize accredited training as a mark of professionalism and quality.
Future Flexibility
Accreditation increases the likelihood that your credits may transfer if you continue your education or specialize further.
Requirements to Become a Licensed Barber in Tennessee
To become a licensed barber in Tennessee, you must complete the following 3-step process:
Education: Complete a 1,500-hour barbering program at an accredited institution, such as Douglas J Institute.
Examination: Pass the Tennessee Board of Barber Examiners’ practical and written exams.
Application: Submit your application for licensure to the Tennessee Board of Barber Examiners.
Our program is designed to prepare you thoroughly for these steps, ensuring you have the confidence and competence to pass your exams and start your career!
Barbering Curriculum
The barbering program in Knoxville covers the following:
- Business management
- Consultation skills
- Cutting and shaving
- Coloring
- Chemical treatments
- Skin care
- Marketing and social media
Student Disclosures
Douglas J Institute is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by Douglas J Institute, please visit THEC’s page on Authorized Institutions and Data.
Transferability of Credit Disclosure Statement
For tuition and fees, please refer to our catalog.
Train With Eco-Conscious, Industry-Leading Beauty Brands
At Douglas J, you’ll learn using the same high-performance, sustainable, and cruelty-free product lines favored by top salons and spas. From ingredient-transparent skin care to vegan, plastic-neutral, carbon-neutral hair systems, our brands let you build the skills and confidence you need—while making choices that honor the planet.
Why Choose Our
Barbering Program
Our barbering program is tailored to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the barbering industry. Here’s why Douglas J Institute is the ideal place for your training:
Experienced Educators: Learn from licensed barbers with extensive experience in the field.
Hands-On Training: Gain real-world experience in a traditional barbershop setting.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our barbering program covers all aspects of barbering, from technical skills to business education.
Student Tuition Options: We offer various student tuition options, including VA Benefits, Pell Grants, and scholarships.
Job Placement Assistance: Connect with the Douglas J network and explore real career opportunities.
Meet the Heart Behind Our Knoxville Campus
Meet Marleen Wens—an industry powerhouse leading the way at Douglas J Knoxville. Discover how her global experience and passion for beauty education are shaping the future of our students.
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“My time at (Douglas J) barber school allowed me to harness a lot of great business ideas to move forward.” – Jakari Richardson
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 location is best for you.
Tennessee Disclosures
Tennessee Higher Education Commission Authorization
Douglas J Institute is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Job Placement and Graduation Information
In order to view detailed job placement and graduation information on the programs offered by Douglas J Institute, please visit THEC Authorized Institutions and Data
Transferability of Clock Hours
Clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute may not transfer to another educational institution. Clock hours earned at another educational institution may not be accepted by Douglas J Institute.
You should obtain confirmation that Douglas J Institute will accept any clock hours you have earned at another educational institution before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement. You should also contact any educational institutions that you may want to transfer clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute to determine if such institutions will accept clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute prior to executing an enrollment contract or agreement.
The ability to transfer clock hours from Douglas J Institute to another educational institution may be very limited. Your clock hours may not transfer, and you may have to repeat courses previously taken at Douglas J Institute if you enroll in another educational institution. You should never assume that clock hours will transfer to or from any educational institution. It is highly recommended and you are advised to make certain that you know the transfer of clock hours policy of Douglas J Institute and of any other educational institutions you may in the future want to transfer the clock hours earned at Douglas J Institute before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement.






