The barbershop is an American tradition. You can become part of this long history with your own spin. At Raphael’s, we have been training new barbers for years who understand the fundamentals but can keep up with all the latest trends. By choosing barber school at Raphael’s, you can feel confident in your hands-on education, where our instructors go above and beyond for our students.

Our Barber program is currently offered at our Niles campus only.

Watch this video to see what it’s like to study barbering at Raphael’s!

Barber School Overview

The barber program at Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture covers all the basics you’ll need to embark on your new career. The program runs 1,800 hours and can be completed in as little as 13 months, depending on the class schedule you choose.

Wondering what exactly what you’ll be trained in during barber school? Our barber program includes the following skills:

  • Clipper cutting and designs
  • Tapering
  • Facial shaving
  • Shampoo and scalp treatments
  • Style and trend cuts
  • Hair styling
  • Chemistry, anatomy, and physiology
  • Bacteriology and sanitation
  • Shop duties & management

Barbershop Management Skills

Want to work for yourself? In addition to the art and science of barbering, you can learn all areas of being a shop manager such as hiring new employees, payroll, taxes, and more. As a graduate, you may have the opportunity to enter the professional world with confidence knowing you have both the technical training and practical business skills it takes to build a successful career.

State Licensing

We strive to help successful graduates of this program prepare to sit for the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board licensing exam to become a Licensed Barber.

Possible Careers in Barbering

There are different jobs where you can put your barber training to use, whether as a practicing barber or beyond. Some examples of job titles you can hold in the field of barbering include:

  • Hairstylist
  • Barber shop manager
  • Barber shop owner
  • Brand marketer
  • Style influencer
  • Barber instructor
  • & more!

Become Dual-Licensed in Barbering

Students who have already completed cosmetology training (from any approved program in Ohio) can get trained quickly to get their 1,000 additional hours for a barber license. Our cosmetology-to-barber dual license program allows you to become a barber in 44% less time than if you start from scratch.

Speak to a friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Advisor now! Call Now

Barber Program Schedule and Course Length

Our 1,800-hour barber program can be completed in as little as 13 months. We offer multiple schedules to accommodate the needs of our students. Talk to us about which of the following three schedules may be best for you!

  • Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, with 16 Saturday hours per month (complete in 13 months)
  • Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 4:30 pm, with 16 Saturday hours per month (complete in 14½ months)
  • Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm, with 16 Saturday hours per month (complete in 16½ months)

New barbering classes start on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Students in any of our programs must be able to commit to attending in-person classes. The barber program is offered at the Niles campus only.

Hands-on Training with
Real Clients in
our Student Salon

Barbering is a hands-on field. At Raphael’s Department of Barbering, we believe that’s how it should be taught. Hands-on learning and working with real guests is an essential part of beauty school training.

As a Barbering student, you can work with real clients in our professional, on-site student salon, providing a wide range of services under the guidance of a licensed professional.

With brand partnerships like Paul Mitchell and Big Sexy, students can gain experience with professional products and use this knowledge in their future careers.

Book a Tour

Tour our campus, meet with students & instructors and get a feel for what it’s like to be a part of our community. Friends and family are strongly encouraged to come along!

Book a Tour

Are You Career Training Ready?
Take the Quiz!

Take the Raphael’s Barbering Training Readiness Quiz! This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. 

Get your Barbering Training Readiness Score now.

Take the Quiz

Barber Student Kit

When you start the Barber program at Raphael’s, you’ll receive a student kit with your new tools of the trade. Unboxing your student kit is one of the highlights of starting your program—it’s the ultimate swag bag. Though your exact kit will vary based on availability, you can expect to receive multiple electric shavers, combs, shears, a hair dryer, mannequin heads, and products to use while you learn your new skills. All of it comes with a professional carrying case.

Picture of Our Barbering Kit

Testimonials

I get to make my clients feel amazing about themselves! I would like to thank all my awesome instructors who have given me a small piece of them to take with me to help me build a masterpiece of my own!

Natalie Ashley Nicholas PhotoNatalie Ashley Nicholas Cosmetology Graduate
Independent contractor Spalon of Sara Morris

My experience at Raphael's, Brunswick campus, was wonderful! The staff are absolutely wonderful, and always made me feel cared about. I feel like I was trained well and completely prepared for my state board exam. I passed my board exam with extremely high scores, and owe my thanks to this school! For anyone considering a career in the beauty industry, this is the place to be!

Ashleigh Kolasky

The instructors are very knowledgeable and understanding. My life is crazy. I have 2 kids and limited sitters so it really works around my schedule and accommodates me. Although I do miss a day here or there, they make it very easy for me to get back on track and keep learning. So far I have met many new friends and mentors. Thank you Raphael’s for this great opportunity!!! You really do change lives!!!

Ashley Fliger

I can say that this school has TRULY changed my life. The instructors are absolutely AMAZING and are so caring and understanding. I would recommended this school to anyone who has a passion to do hair.

Sarah Gwilt PhotoSarah Gwilt

I attended the Raphael’s in Brunswick and met some awesome instructors who taught me everything I know and I even passed state board with high scores!

Brittany Smith PhotoBrittany Smith

I absolutely love coming to school everyday. I have finally found something I love to do and our instructors are amazing. I have come so far because of them. Thanks Raphael's!

TerriLynn Green PhotoTerriLynn Green

If you do it right, keep up your education, especially with the school and finish your education, it’s a very lucrative business, you can make a lot of money and maybe someday own a salon of your own.

Larry Chapp Raphael’s Graduate

Raphael’s gives you the foundations of what you will need in a successful career.

Jim Migliozi 2002 graduate, Co-owner of Studio 11 Salon

The best teachers and the best friends made!!!

Heather Lyn

So thankful for the teachers. They really cared & I love them always. Plus my fellow students have become family. I’m ready to change some lives.

Jeff Lanning

Student Testimonial – Sergil Flores, Barbering Program

Map of Brunswick / Medina Location
Map of Canton / Alliance Area Location
Map of Youngstown / Boardman Area Location
Map of Niles / Warren Area Location
Map of Niles / Department of Barbering Location
Map of Cleveland West / North Olmsted Location
Map of Willoughby Location
Map of Boardman/ Massage Therapy School Location

Brunswick / Medina

Admissions & Student Salon:
330-574-9518

3307 Center Rd
Brunswick, OH 44212

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Canton / Alliance Area

Admissions & Student Salon:
330-574-4862

2445 W State St
Alliance, OH 44601

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Youngstown / Boardman Area

Admissions & Student Salon:
330-574-7181

615 Boardman-Canfield Rd
Boardman, OH 44512

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Niles / Warren Area

Admissions & Student Salon:
330-574-7893

815 Youngstown Warren Rd
Niles, OH 44446

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Niles / Department of Barbering

Admissions & Student Salon:
330-574-7893

815 Youngstown Warren Rd
Niles, OH 44446

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Cleveland West / North Olmsted

Admissions & Student Salon:
330-574-6605

27326 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070

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Boardman/ Massage Therapy School

Admissions & Student Salon:
330-574-7181

621 Boardman Canfield Rd, Suite 2
Boardman, Ohio 44512.

Visit Location Page

  • Brunswick / Medina

  • Canton / Alliance Area

  • Youngstown / Boardman Area

  • Niles / Warren Area

  • Niles / Department of Barbering

  • Cleveland West / North Olmsted

  • Willoughby

  • Boardman/ Massage Therapy School