Barber Program

Get the Skills to Become a Licensed Barber in New Jersey

39 Week* Barbering Diploma Program in South Plainfield & Brick

39 Weeks*

To Complete

900 Hours

Program

2 Locations

in New Jersey

Built for a Career You Can Own

Some people see a haircut. You see a craft. If you're drawn to clean fades, sharp lines, and the confidence that comes from helping someone look their best, barbering can be more than a job—it can be a career built on skill, creativity, and connection.

At Innovate Salon Academy, our Barbering Program combines hands-on training with real-world business and client service skills.

You'll learn from experienced instructors in a professional environment designed to help prepare you for New Jersey licensure and opportunities in today's barbering industry.

About Our Barbering Program

Our 900-hour Barbering Program is built for hands-on, detail‑driven students ready to start a career in grooming. Whether you're exploring how to become a barber in NJ or preparing to enroll, we make your path clear.

What You'll Learn

Haircut Techniques

Classic Men’s Hairstyles

Beard Grooming & Shaping

Mustache & Facial Hair Styling

Straight Razor Shaving

Blending, Texturizing, & Tapering Techniques

Proper Disinfection & Cleaning Procedures

Marketing & Personal Brand

Program Options

Full-Time — 39 weeks*: The fastest track to your NJ Barber License, our immersive training is designed to get you career-ready in less than 9 months*.

Part-Time — 58 weeks*: If life requires flexibility, this track lets you build toward your future in less than 14 months* without putting everything else on hold.

Both tracks are available at both locations.

Program Highlights

  • Graduate prepared to sit for your NJ State Barber License exam
  • Refine your technique through hands-on barbering training
  • Build client service and business skills that support long-term success
  • Train alongside experienced instructors who are invested in your success

Is a Career in Barbering Right for You?

Take the Innovate Barber 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.

Launch Your Barbering Career

Barbering is a craft built on skill, creativity, and connection. Whether your goal is to work in a barbershop, build a loyal clientele, or eventually run your own business, every career starts with a strong foundation.

Careers to Explore

As a graduate you may be eligible for these careers:
  • Barber
  • Hairstylist
  • Barber Instructor
  • Barbershop Owner
  • Freelance Barber
  • Barber Educator

High Demand for Barbers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations**. Feel confident you're getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.

Is a Rewarding Career as a Barber Right for You?

If you're interested in learning more about our Barbering program, and exploring where Innovate Salon Academy is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information. Our friendly Admissions Team is happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you more information on the program.

For immediate questions, please call 800-209-9982.

Graduate Ready to Get Licensed and Stand Out

Our interactive learning platform, Learn About Beauty (LAB) from Pivot Point International, makes mastering barbering both engaging and enjoyable. It’s your path to perfecting precision cuts, classic techniques, and modern styles while building a successful career in the barbering industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Innovate Salon Academy's Barbering program provides comprehensive, hands-on training in everything you need to become a licensed barber in New Jersey:

  • Men's haircuts & styling — classic cuts, fades, tapers, and modern men's grooming trends
  • Beard & facial hair — beard shaping, mustache styling, and straight razor shaving techniques
  • Hair design — creative cutting and texturizing for a range of client looks
  • Business & branding — business fundamentals and social media marketing to launch your career

All training takes place in a supervised student barber shop, where you'll practice on real clients under instructor guidance.

Innovate Salon Academy offers Barbering training at both New Jersey campuses, each with professional-grade equipment, experienced instructors, and a guest services barbershop where students work on real clients:

  • South Plainfield — 4985 Stelton Road (Hadley Center)
  • Brick — 712 Route 70

Students can choose whichever location works best for their home or work schedule.

Getting started is simple. Here's how to apply:

  1. Take the Career Readiness Quiz on our website to confirm barbering is the right fit for you
  2. Complete your online application at innovatesalonacademy.com/apply-now
  3. Connect with admissions at your preferred campus — by phone, text, or in person:

An admissions advisor will walk you through requirements, program start dates, and next steps.

Barbering graduates from Innovate Salon Academy are prepared for a wide range of opportunities in the growing men's grooming industry, including:

  • Barber — in a traditional barbershop, salon, hotel, or resort
  • Men's Grooming Specialist — focused on high-end men's styling services
  • Beard Specialist — specializing in facial hair design and straight razor services
  • Shop Manager — overseeing daily operations of a barbershop
  • Barbershop Owner — building and running your own business

The men's grooming industry continues to grow, making it a strong time to enter the field.

Yes — prospective students are welcome to schedule a campus tour at both of our New Jersey locations. During your visit you can:

  • See the barbering training areas and student barbershop
  • Observe students providing services to real clients
  • Meet with instructors and admissions staff
  • Get answers to your questions about the program and career outcomes

Students can choose whichever location works best for their home or work schedule. Both campuses also offer guest services, where students practice their skills on real clients under instructor supervision.

*Program length when completed in normal time.
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm

SOUTH PLAINFIELD
4985 Stelton Road ( Hadley Ctr )
South Plainfield, NJ 07080

Call or Text Admissions
(908) 639-3429

BRICK
712 Route 70
Brick, NJ 08723

Call or Text Admissions
(732) 402-6744