What is a Crossover Barber

If you’re interested in a career in the hair industry in Pennsylvania, you may have spent some time exploring the role of a barber and the requirements for becoming one. Yet, if you’re a licensed cosmetologist, you may be wondering if you already have the skills you need to become a barber. This is where the term crossover barber enters the picture. 

A barber is traditionally a licensed hair care professional with a focus on short haircuts, men’s haircuts, and other barber techniques, including beard care, hair replacement, facial care, and more. A crossover barber is a dual-licensed hair care professional who has a cosmetology license and a barber license. These professionals typically begin a career as licensed cosmetologists and then expand their education into barbering by taking a specialized program. 

Understanding Barber Crossover Programs

A barber crossover program is a training program designed to enable a licensed cosmetologist to build on their existing education to obtain a barber’s license. Since some of the training required for a barber and a cosmetologist overlap, these programs are shorter and have fewer requirements than a full barber training program. 

Becoming a barber in Pennsylvania requires you to complete at least 1,250 hours of barber school to sit for the state boards and take your exam. Licensed cosmetologists are also required to complete 1,250 hours of instruction before taking an exam to get a cosmetology license. The main difference between a barber and a cosmetologist is specialization. Cosmetologists typically specialize in beauty services including hair services (like cutting, coloring, and styling) skincare (like makeup and facials), and nail services. Barbers are specifically trained in the art of shortcuts and men’s hair cutting and styling along with beard services and skincare targeted for men. These services require advanced knowledge of the uses of a straight razor and other tools often not used in cosmetology. 

If you’re a licensed cosmetologist seeking a way to expand your services into barbering, a barber crossover program will allow you to complete the additional requirements for a barber’s license in less time than a full Barber Program. For example, the Barber Crossover Program at Premier Barber Institute can be completed in as little as six months. During the program, you can learn how to perform services, career options available in the barbering industry, and other requirements related to a career as a barber. 

The curriculum is designed to build upon a cosmetology education and includes:

• Stropping and honing a conventional razor
• Uses of the straight razor
• Hairstyling, cutting and hairpieces
• Barbershop management 
• Pennsylvania state barber law, rules, and regulations

While classroom training is part of the learning process, students will also get an opportunity to apply practical lessons by performing services on clients in our student barbershop. These services will be performed under the direct supervision of licensed professionals to provide you with support and advice during the learning process. 

After completion of the program, students will have the necessary training to sit for the Pennsylvania State Barbering Exam. 

Reasons to Become a Crossover Barber in Pennsylvania

As a cosmetologist, you likely provide haircuts and services for men. Yet, without the in-depth knowledge provided by barber’s training, you haven’t learned the skills to offer the best services possible for your entire (and potential) client base. As a professional in the business of providing the optimal services to help your clients look their best, you understand how the nuances of professional services can make a significant difference in the outcome for each client. Adding a barber license to your cosmetology knowledge can provide you with several attractive advantages. 

Improved Customer Service

Like cosmetology training, barber programs cover more than the functional process you’ll perform. A trip to any hair industry professional comes with certain expectations that trained professionals love meeting (and even exceeding). After all, your job is to make sure your clients leave your chair looking and feeling their best. Practical learning in barber training helps you learn how to better understand your customers and create a comfortable environment to build long-term relationships with loyal customers

Increased Income

While the knowledge and experience to expertly serve male clients can naturally boost your client base, the current evolution in men’s grooming practices could offer even more opportunities for crossover barbers to increase their income. Within the past three years, there has been a 14.7% increase in men’s skincare product launches and a 12.3% increase in hair treatments and colorants for men. This growth is an indicator of a changing attitude towards men’s self-care and grooming practices. Serving a wider client base and increasing your service offerings to include shaving, beard trimming, and haircuts typically performed at barbershops offer many ways to increase your earnings. 

New Opportunities

There are many reasons you may want to expand your horizons as a cosmetology professional. It’s common to rent booths in salons that have demanding work hours, clients, and other requirements. Performing the same tasks year after year or working in a stressful environment can lead to burnout. Getting a dual license can put you in a unique position to have more control over the clients you serve in your current location or seek a new location. For instance, you may choose to move from a salon environment to a barbershop or start your own business, using both licenses. 

Learn More About Becoming a Crossover Barber with the Barber Crossover Program from Premier Barber Institute

Barbers and cosmetologists are both professionals who provide services to help clients love the way they look. Cosmetologists seeking a way to expand their education and provide services to a more diverse range of clients are in an excellent position to become crossover barbers. With dual licenses, you’ll have more opportunities for employment at barbershops and salons or the knowledge to open a full-service organization that meets the needs of a wider client base. If you’re ready to expand your cosmetology education to include barbering, the barber crossover program is an excellent way to become a dual-licensed hair care professional. Contact us today to learn more about the crossover program and eligibility requirements.