How To Become A Crossover Barber

Are you a licensed cosmetologist looking to broaden your skill set and offer even more services to your clients? The Crossover Barber Program at Premier Barber Institute could be the perfect opportunity for you to take your career to the next level. This program is specifically designed for professionals like you who want to learn advanced barbering techniques such as men’s barbering, men’s styling, shaving, and other trending techniques. With the ability to complete the program in as little as six months, you could be on your way to expanding your expertise and pursuing new opportunities in no time. Keep reading to find out how you can start your journey to becoming a crossover barber and what makes this program a game-changer for licensed cosmetologists.

What is a Crossover Barber?  

A crossover barber is a licensed cosmetologist who has expanded their skills to include specialized barbering techniques. This allows professionals who are already familiar with hair styling to broaden their expertise and offer additional services to clients, such as men’s barbering, men’s styling, and facial shaving. The Crossover Barber Program at Premier Barber Institute is designed to help cosmetologists enhance their skillset with barbering techniques that focus on shorter hairstyles, fading, and facial hair grooming. With their existing knowledge of hair techniques, students in this program can complete their training in just 695 hours—fewer hours than the standard barber program—making it a fast and efficient way to grow your career in the barbering industry.  

In just six months, you could learn everything you need to sit for the Pennsylvania State Barbering Exam and be well on your way to offering even more services to your clientele. Ready to take your skills to the next level? Let’s dive into how you can start your journey to becoming a crossover barber.  

How to Become a Crossover Barber  

Becoming a crossover barber is a straightforward process, especially if you’re already a licensed cosmetologist. Premier Barber Institute’s Crossover Barber Program offers a streamlined path for you to gain the skills necessary to excel in barbering. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Obtain Your Cosmetology License: To enroll in the Crossover Barber Program, you’ll first need to hold a valid cosmetology license. This program is specifically designed for those who have already mastered the fundamentals of hair styling and want to add barbering techniques to their skill set.
2. Apply for the Crossover Barber Program: Once you’re licensed, you can apply for the Crossover Barber Program at Premier Barber Institute. This program will teach you barbering-specific skills such as men’s barbering, fading, shaving, and more, allowing you to expand the services you can offer to clients.
3. Complete the Program in 695 Hours: The Crossover Barber Program is a condensed version of the traditional barber program, requiring only 695 hours to complete. Licensed cosmetologists can finish the program in as little as six months, saving both time and money while gaining valuable new skills. During your time in the program, you’ll engage in both theoretical and hands-on learning experiences to ensure you’re fully prepared for the next step.
4. Prepare for and Take the Pennsylvania State Barbering Exam: After completing the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania State Barbering Exam. Successfully passing this exam will certify you as a licensed barber, allowing you to expand your services and work in a variety of barbering roles.

With these steps, you can quickly and efficiently become a crossover barber, adding new techniques to your repertoire and opening up more opportunities in the barbering industry. 

What You Can Learn in the Program  

Premier Barber Institute’s Crossover Barber Program offers licensed cosmetologists the opportunity to build on their existing knowledge and master the art of barbering. The program is designed to focus on the techniques most relevant to men’s grooming and shorter hairstyles. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

• Men’s Barbering & Styling: Dive deep into the techniques of men’s haircuts and styling, from classic fades to modern, trending styles. You’ll learn the intricacies of cutting shorter hairstyles, which are in high demand for men’s grooming.  
• Shaving & Facial Hair Grooming: Get hands-on experience with traditional barbering tools, including straight razors. You’ll master the art of professional shaving, beard grooming, and shaping, which are essential skills for offering a complete barbering service.
• Advanced Fading Techniques: Fading is one of the most popular and intricate aspects of men’s barbering. In this program, you’ll focus on learning different fading techniques, ensuring that your skills match the needs of your future clientele.
• Theoretical & Practical Lessons: The Crossover Barber Program balances theory with hands-on practice. You’ll learn barbering techniques in the classroom and then apply them in real-world situations by working on clients in Premier Barber Institute’s student barbershop. Every service will be supervised by licensed professionals to give you confidence and support as you hone your skills.

By the end of the program, you’ll not only have mastered essential barbering techniques but also have the necessary hours and experience to sit for the Pennsylvania State Barbering Exam. This program is your gateway to offering more comprehensive services in the ever-evolving beauty industry.  

Financial Aid Options for Crossover Barbers  

If you’re passionate about the barbering industry but worry about the cost, there are a variety of ways to pay for school at Premier Barber Institute! As an accredited school in Norristown, Pennsylvania, we offer federal financial aid to those who qualify for our Barber Program, Barber Crossover Program, and Barber Teacher Program. But financial aid isn’t your only option—there are other ways to finance your education as well.

• Federal Aid – Title IV funding provides multiple financial aid options, including both grants and loans. The most common federal aid options include:
• Pell Grants – Grants that don’t need to be repaid.
• Direct Subsidized Loans – Loans that don’t require interest payments if you meet certain criteria.
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans – Loans that all students qualify for, regardless of financial need, though they do require repayment with interest.

After submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you may also want to consider applying for a loan through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), which offers flexible loans that can cover additional costs not covered by other aid.

Scholarships

Scholarships are another way to fund your education. Look for scholarships for barber schools in your area, and apply for as many as you qualify for. Many scholarships, such as those offered by Beauty Changes Lives, can help you pay for school. Some scholarships are available before you start school, while others are for current students—so start building your portfolio!

Payment Plans

For any remaining balance, Premier Barber Institute offers flexible payment plans to help you cover your tuition by the time you graduate. During the application process, we’ll work with you to develop a plan that fits your needs.

How to Apply for Federal Aid  

To get started, fill out the FAFSA® to see what financial aid options may be available to you. It’s completely free and required for both federal aid and other financial assistance.

1. Fill out the FAFSA®: Determine whether you’re considered a dependent or independent student based on factors such as your age, marital status, and whether you have dependents. You can complete the FAFSA® online or via their free app.
2. Use Premier Barber Institute’s School Code: 042523: Be sure to use our school code so your information is sent directly to us. This will allow us to reach out and help you with the next steps, such as scheduling a tour and answering questions about financial aid.

Don’t let the cost of barber school hold you back—our team is here to help guide you through the process and explore all available options.

For more information on financial aid, visit our Financial Aid page.

Why Choose Premier Barber Institute?  

Premier Barber Institute is committed to providing licensed cosmetologists with a comprehensive education in barbering, blending hands-on training with expert guidance. Our Crossover Barber Program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel in men’s barbering, shaving, and styling while preparing you to sit for the Pennsylvania State Barbering Exam.

What sets us apart is the practical experience you gain in our student barbershop, where you work on real clients under the supervision of licensed professionals. You’ll not only build technical skills but also develop the confidence and experience to thrive in a barbering environment. 

With dedicated instructors and a well-rounded curriculum, Premier Barber Institute is your partner in taking your expertise to the next level. Ready to get started? Learn more about the Barber Crossover Program here.

Take the Next Step in Your Barbering Journey 

If you’re a licensed cosmetologist looking to expand your skills and grow your services, the Crossover Barber Program at Premier Barber Institute could be your next big step. In as little as six months, you could master essential barbering techniques like men’s styling, shaving, and advanced fading, all while gaining the hands-on experience needed to confidently enter the barbering industry.

Take control of your future and start your journey today! Whether you’re ready to enroll or just want to learn more about what this program can offer, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. Learn more about how to become a crossover barber and explore your financial aid options to see how you can begin this exciting path.