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500 HourBarber OperatorStart Today.

Become a licensed Barber in as little as 4 months. Comprehensive hands-on training and full NY State Board Exam prep at our Bronx campus.

Licensed by NYSED (BPSS)
Day, evening, weekend schedules
Hands-on training in our professional Barber clinic
Financial Assistance — ACCES-VR, VAFlexible payment plans options
Career support · Job placement assistance
Modern campus in the heart of New York City and Bronx
Next Starting Date: New classes begin the first Monday of each month.
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Student Voices

Real voices, real cuts.

Tap a player to hear an ABI student share their experience — direct, unscripted, unfiltered.

30+
Years in business
10,000+
Graduates
100+
Google reviews
4 mo
To get licensed
Overview

About the Program

Welcome to the Bronx campus of the American Barber Institute, where we offer a comprehensive Master Barber Program that prepares students for success in the thriving barbering industry. Our 4-month full-time program covers everything you need to excel in this dynamic field, including safety regulations, infection control, anatomy, chemistry, and hair care techniques.

Students learn and master the art of haircutting, shaving, facial massage and hairstyling. We also offer training in artificial hair and hair coloring procedures, including semi-permanent and temporary color, as well as techniques for working with wigs and hairpieces. Additionally, students gain proficiency in hair replacement methods.

Hands-on experience is central to our program — students work with a diverse clientele to refine their skills in real-world conditions. Graduates leave with a versatile skill set, ready to work in any barbershop, mastering techniques like fades, tapers, clipper over comb and scissor over comb.

We prepare students for the New York State Board Exam, ensuring they're fully equipped to earn their Master Barber license and launch their careers — whether the goal is a traditional shop, freelance work, or opening their own business.

3 Easy Steps

Become a Professional Barber in 3 Easy Steps

01

Get Started

Submit your information to start your barbering journey.

02

Speak With an Advisor

An ABI Admissions Advisor will answer your questions, explain the program, and review flexible payment plan options that fit your budget.

03

Start Training

Complete your enrollment and begin building your professional barbering career.

Career Earnings

Barber Career Earnings

YEAR 1 · Entry-Level
$35,000–$45,000

Starting out in a shop, building your clientele and refining your technique.

YEARS 2–3 · Established
$50,000–$70,000

Loyal clientele, faster service and higher earnings as your reputation grows.

YEAR 3+ · Booth Renter / Shop Owner
$75,000–$100,000+

Full control of your schedule and earnings — the path to true entrepreneurship.

Earnings figures are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Actual income will vary based on individual effort, hours worked, location and market conditions.

Techniques

Skills & Techniques You'll Master

Classic TapersLow FadesMid FadesHigh FadesHigh-Top FadesPompadoursFohawksCaesarsBald HeadsAfrosFlat TopsRazor LineupsClassical HaircutsBeard TrimsShape UpsBlowoutsMohawksShampoosShaving TechniquesFacial MassageClipper Over CombScissor Over Comb
Tuition

Flexible Payment Plans

Plan A — Morning
Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
30 hrs/week · 17 weeks (~4 months)
$5,600
$500 down (incl. $100 registration) + 17 weekly payments of $300
Let's Do It
Most Popular
Plan B — Afternoon
Mon–Fri · 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
30 hrs/week · 17 weeks (~4 months)
$4,600
$500 down (incl. $100 registration) + 16 weekly payments of $250 + final $100
Let's Do It
Plan C — Weekend
Sat & Sun · 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
18 hrs/week · 27 weeks (~6–7 months)
$4,600
$550 down (incl. $100 registration) + 27 weekly payments of $150
Let's Do It

Every plan includes NY State Board Exam prep, hands-on training and job-placement support. Additional fees: books, tools and supplies can be purchased from ABI or other suppliers. ACCES-VR financial assistance available. Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VA benefits accepted.

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

  • Social Security Card
  • High School Diploma (HSD) or GED — or pass the ATB entrance exam at ABI
  • Must be at least 17 years of age
  • Proof of residential address
  • Valid photo ID or Driver's License
  • $500 down payment
Inside ABI

See real life at ABI

Real clips from our classrooms and barber clinic — hands-on training, every single day.

Inside our NYC clinic floor
Clipper work, up close
Learning with our instructors
Straight-razor technique
The ABI community
Hands-on from day one
Gallery

Life At ABI

Student Stories

What Our Students Say

Real reviews from students at the American Barber Institute.

★★★★★

“The level of knowledge and training is superb! One of the best teachers around, King David, will show you everything there is to know about barbering — 100% commitment from this school.”

JM
Jerrick Matthews
Current student — Bronx
★★★★★

“I'm a student here and King David has been awesome!! He has 30 years of experience, gives us great techniques and keeps polishing our basic skills.”

CP
Carlos Perez
Student — Bronx
★★★★★

“I'm currently enrolled here and I'm happy with the progress from learning from the teachers and classmates. Nothing but positivity and eager to learn more in this field.”

ZF
Zyee Fin
Current student — Bronx
★★★★★

“Real hands-on training from day one and the instructors genuinely care. The job placement support after graduation actually helped me get started in a shop. Highly recommend ABI to anyone serious about barbering.”

AT
Andre Thompson
Graduate — Bronx
Contact

Visit Our Campus

Bronx Campus

Address121 Westchester Square, Bronx, NY 10461 · Get directions →

Phone

Emailadmission@abi.edu

HoursMonday–Friday · 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday · 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

FAQs

Barber School Questions, Answered

How much does barber school cost in New York?
At ABI, the 500-hour Master Barber program starts at $4,600 (afternoon or weekend plans) or $5,600 (morning plan) — $500–$550 down and weekly payments of $150–$300 while you study. Books and tools are extra. ACCES-VR funding, Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VA benefits are accepted.
How long is barber school in New York?
New York State requires 500 hours of training. Full-time at ABI takes about 4 months (17 weeks at 30 hours per week); the weekend schedule takes about 6–7 months (27 weeks).
How many hours per week will I be in school?
Full-time students train 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, in morning (8:00 AM–2:00 PM) or afternoon (2:00 PM–8:00 PM) sessions. Weekend students train 18 hours per week on Saturdays and Sundays.
Do I need a high school diploma to enroll?
A high school diploma or GED is required — or you can pass the Ability-To-Benefit (ATB) entrance exam at ABI instead. You must be at least 17 years old.
Can I take barber school online?
No. New York State requires in-person, hands-on training hours. At ABI you practice on real clients in our supervised barber clinic from your first weeks — not on mannequins.
What license will I get after the program?
The program prepares you for the New York State Master Barber license, including full NY State Board Exam preparation. Our job placement office helps you find work after you pass.
Is financial aid available?
Yes — ACCES-VR can cover tuition, tools and books for qualified New Yorkers with disabilities; Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VA benefits are accepted; NYS Department of Labor grants may apply; and every plan includes weekly payments.
When do classes start?
New classes begin the first Monday of every month at our Bronx Campus. Call (718) 676-0640 to reserve your seat — classes fill fast.