Barber School Curriculum
540-Hour Barber Curriculum
Empire Barber & Beauty Training Center's 540-hour barber curriculum is designed to combine sanitation, safety, haircutting, shaving, beard work, client service, business readiness, and state board preparation in a hands-on training environment.
Program Snapshot
Total Program Hours
540 clock hours
Schedule
Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Lunch
1 hour daily
Instructional Time
8 hours per day / 32 hours per week
Estimated Length
Approximately 17 weeks
Location
40 Steuben St, Albany, NY 12207
Format
In-person, hands-on barber training
Licensing Status
NYSED BPSS school licensing process in progress
Curriculum details are subject to final school approval, official enrollment documents, and applicable New York State requirements.
Curriculum Units
Unit 1: Orientation, Professional Development, History & Career Readiness
20 Hours
- School orientation and student expectations
- Professional image and conduct
- Barbering history and industry evolution
- Career pathways in barbering
- Communication, punctuality, attendance, and accountability
- Introduction to client service standards
- Student success habits and professional goal setting
Unit 2: Sanitation, Safety, Infection Control & Workplace Protection
24 Hours
- Infection control principles
- Sanitation and disinfection procedures
- Blood exposure and incident response
- Personal protective equipment
- Safe use of disinfectants
- Station setup and breakdown
- Workplace safety and professional hygiene
- Client protection and public health responsibilities
Unit 3: Tools, Equipment, Implements & Maintenance
8 Hours
- Clippers, trimmers, razors, shears, combs, brushes, capes, and towels
- Tool identification and safe handling
- Blade care and clipper maintenance
- Storage and sanitation of implements
- Electrical safety
- Workstation organization
- Professional tool responsibility
Unit 4: Haircutting Fundamentals, Service Preparation & Basic Styling
120 Hours
- Client consultation
- Draping and service setup
- Head shape, face shape, and hair growth patterns
- Sectioning and parting
- Clipper cutting fundamentals
- Shear cutting fundamentals
- Comb control and body positioning
- Basic men's haircut structures
- Basic styling and finishing
- Service timing and professional workflow
Unit 5: Fades, Tapers & Advanced Cutting
120 Hours
- Taper fundamentals
- Low, mid, and high fades
- Skin fades and bald fades
- Blending and guideline control
- Clipper-over-comb
- Shear-over-comb
- Textured haircutting
- Straight hair and curly hair cutting approaches
- Detail work and finishing
- Corrective cutting and problem solving
- Photo-ready presentation
Unit 6: Shaving, Beard Design & Facial Hair Services
80 Hours
- Straight razor safety
- Shaving preparation
- Hot towel procedures
- 14-step shave sequence
- Beard consultation
- Beard shaping and sculpting
- Mustache design
- Neck shaves and lineups
- Razor sanitation and blade disposal
- Skin protection during shaving services
- Facial hair detailing and finishing
Unit 7: Skin, Scalp, Facial Basics & Treatments
24 Hours
- Basic skin and scalp analysis
- Common scalp conditions
- Common skin conditions relevant to barbering
- Contraindications and referral awareness
- Basic facial service preparation
- Client comfort and safety
- Scalp treatments and service support
- Product awareness and professional boundaries
Unit 8: Shampoo, Treatments & Blow-Drying
24 Hours
- Shampoo procedures
- Scalp massage basics
- Hair and scalp product selection
- Conditioning treatments
- Towel and bowl sanitation
- Blow-drying fundamentals
- Hair preparation before cutting
- Client comfort and service flow
Unit 9: Chemical Basics — Perm, Relaxer, Color Safety Theory
24 Hours
- Chemical service theory
- Hair structure and chemical effects
- Permanent waving basics
- Relaxer theory and safety
- Hair color theory basics
- Patch testing and consultation awareness
- Chemical safety and contraindications
- When to refer to a licensed specialist
- Product labeling and professional responsibility
Unit 10: Business, Shop Management & Professional Readiness
24 Hours
- Shop professionalism
- Client retention and rebooking
- Personal branding
- Social media presentation
- Pricing awareness
- Booth rental vs. commission basics
- Customer service
- Resume and interview readiness
- Shop operations and inventory basics
- Ethics, accountability, and professional growth
Unit 11: State Board Review, Mock Exams & Clinic Integration
52 Hours
- Written exam review
- Practical skill review
- Mock written exams
- Mock practical assessments
- Sanitation review
- Shaving review
- Haircutting review
- Client service review
- Clinic floor integration
- Clock hour review
- Final skills evaluation
- Graduation readiness
Total: 540 Hours
How the Curriculum Builds
Weeks 1–2: Foundation Boot Camp
Students focus heavily on orientation, professionalism, sanitation, tool safety, service setup, and beginner haircutting foundations.
Middle Program: Skill Development & Clinic Readiness
Students build core haircutting, fading, tapering, shaving, beard design, shampooing, scalp care, and client service skills.
Final Program: Clinic Integration & State Board Preparation
Students refine services, complete mock exams, strengthen sanitation habits, practice professional timing, and prepare for the New York State barber licensing pathway.
Completing the program does not guarantee licensure, employment, income, or approval by any licensing agency. The program is designed to support preparation for the New York State barber licensing pathway.
Want to Understand the Full Curriculum?
Call or email admissions to join the interest list, ask questions, or discuss next steps.
Licensing Disclosure: Empire Barber & Beauty Training Center is currently completing the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) licensing process. Enrollment is not open until all required state approvals are obtained. All tuition, schedule, and program details are subject to change pending final BPSS approval. Required disclosures, enrollment documents, and refund policies will be provided in writing before any enrollment agreement is signed.