How to Become a Barber in Oregon

Are you passionate about hairstyling, grooming, and making people look their best? If so, becoming a barber in Oregon could be the perfect career path for you. Barbers play a crucial role in the grooming industry, offering a range of services from haircuts to beard trims and shaves. To embark on this journey, it’s essential to understand the education, licensing requirements, and career opportunities available in Oregon. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed barber in the state, highlighting the benefits of choosing Phagans School of Hair Design for your education.

Understanding the Barbering Profession

Before diving into the specifics of becoming a barber in Oregon, let’s explore what this profession entails. Barbers specialize in cutting, styling, and grooming hair for men and sometimes women. They also provide facial hair maintenance, such as beard trims and shaves. Beyond technical skills, successful barbers possess strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. This profession offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities to interact closely with clients and showcase your artistic flair.

Now, let’s get into the steps it takes to become a barber in Oregon:

1. Graduate from an Accredited Oregon School

The first step toward becoming a barber is getting your education from an accredited school. The state of Oregon requires this education to be a minimum of 786 hours with the following breakdown:

• 746 hours of barbering education, with 465 of those coming from practical operations (hands-on training)
• 20 hours of education related to Oregon state laws and rules
• 20 hours of career development training

At Phagans School of Hair Design, our barbering program meets these state requirements, and can be completed in as little as 8 months! This means you can be on your way to a new career in less time.

What Will You Learn?

Our curriculum is designed to prepare you to sit for the Oregon state certification exams. We also want to help our students become ready to work in a salon or barbershop environment after receiving the necessary certification. You will learn:

• Hair sculpting or cutting
• Sanitation best practices
• Styling (wet and thermal)
• Shaving
• And much more!

If the idea of working in a career that allows you to work with your hands and be creative sounds appealing to you, barbering could be a great choice! Avoid the typical office life and trade it in for the social, hip environment barbershops are known for.

Why Choose Phagans School of Hair Design?

Choosing the right barber school is crucial to your success in the industry. Here are some reasons why you should choose us:

• Accredited Programs: Phagans School of Hair Design offers accredited barbering programs that meet state licensing requirements and industry standards.
• Experienced Faculty: Learn from experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to your success as a barber.
• Hands-on Training: Gain practical experience in a salon-like setting equipped with industry-standard tools and equipment. Phagans’ hands-on training approach prepares you for real-world scenarios and client interactions.
• Career Support: Benefit from career placement assistance, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout the licensure and job search process.
• Community Engagement: Join a supportive community of students, alumni, and industry professionals who share your passion for barbering and grooming.

TIP: TAKE A TOUR!

When choosing what beauty school you will go to, it is always a good idea to take a tour before enrolling. Taking a tour can help you get a feel for the school’s environment and culture, as well as allow you the time to ask any questions you may need to be answered. To book a tour of Phagans School of Hair Design, click the button below!

Book a Tour

2. Pass the Oregon State Exams

The next step to receive your barbering certification is to pass the necessary exams. In Oregon, there are three examinations you will need to complete:

• Barbering Practical Examination: Your school will administer this exam, and you will need to submit proof of receiving a passing score to be eligible to take the Oregon written exam.
• Barbering Written Examination: After passing your practical exam, contact the Oregon Health Licensing Office to get information about taking your written exam.
• Oregon Laws and Rules Written Examination: Questions for this exam are taken from Oregon’s health and safety codes, which you can find here.

On the day you take your examinations, you will need to bring two forms of acceptable federal, state, or local ID, one of which must have your photo. You can also expect to pay several fees related to certification on this day:

• Verification of Licensure Fee (if using reciprocity)
• Application Fee
• Oregon Laws and Rules Examination Fee
• Barbering Written Examination Fee
• Certification Fee

Once you have passed your exams and paid the necessary fees, you can walk out the door with your barbering certification that day!

Already Licensed in Another State?

Are you already a licensed barber in another state? Under Oregon’s rule of reciprocity, you can transfer your license from your state. You will just need to provide proof of licensure and pass both of the Oregon written examinations.

3. Begin Your Barbering Career

Congratulations! You have successfully graduated from an accredited school and passed your exams. You are officially ready to begin your barbering career! Explore different career options and pursue ones that seem interesting to you. You can be a

• Barbershop Owner
• Self-Employed Barber
• Educator
• Brand Ambassador
• Platform Artist
• And more!

In the beauty industry, the options are nearly endless. Whether you are a parent looking for a part-time schedule, an artist looking for a full-time career, or anywhere in between, you really can create a career that works for you and your life.

Building Your Barbering Career

Once licensed, barbers in Oregon have various career pathways to explore. Whether you dream of owning your barber shop, working in a high-end salon, or specializing in specific grooming services, the opportunities are plentiful. Here are some tips for building a successful career as a barber in Oregon:

• Networking: Build relationships with industry professionals, potential clients, and local businesses. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable connections within the community.
• Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and products in the barber industry. Continuing education courses, workshops, and seminars can enhance your skills and expand your service offerings.
• Professional Development: Seek opportunities for professional growth, such as advanced training in specialized haircutting styles or certifications in barbering techniques. Continuous improvement is key to staying competitive in the evolving beauty and grooming industry.

4. Renew Your Certification Biannually

The last thing to remember about being a barber in Oregon is that you will need to renew your certification biannually. Check the date on your barbering certificate to see what month it was issued. Renewal is due on the last day of that month two years after the issue. So, if you received your certificate on July 15th, 2022, you will need to renew your certification no later than July 31, 2024, and every two years after that.

Get Started at Phagans School of Hair Design

Are you ready to begin your journey into barbering? Get started at Phagans School of Hair Design! Not only can we provide you with all the necessary training you will need to sit for your Oregon state exams, but we also strive to help you know your worth and become a true professional. Fill out our form online today to learn more about our barbering program, or take a tour to see if our school may be right for you!