Top 30 Barber Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a robust and regulated landscape for barber education, with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requiring all prospective Class A barbers to complete 1,000 clock hours of instruction at a licensed school.

The state is home to a wide array of programs, from specialized private academies and community colleges to high school partnerships that allow students to earn their license before graduation. With a national median pay of $38,350 and a projected 7% job growth, barbering offers a stable and rewarding career path with opportunities for entrepreneurship .

Top 30 Barber Schools In Texas

1. San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College offers a Barber Certificate of Technology program requiring 1,000 hours and 31 credits, qualifying students to sit for the TDLR Class A barber exam. The curriculum covers clipper cutting, shaving, facials, men’s styling, chemical texturizing, haircolor, and barbershop management skills. Students learn to analyze, design, and execute various haircutting and styling techniques while mastering state-mandated safety and sanitation procedures. The program prepares graduates for the state written and practical exams for entry into the workplace.

2. Deluxe Barber College

Located in San Antonio, Deluxe Barber College is a private for-profit institution with 94 students enrolled in a recent season. Tuition and fees are $12,100, with books and supplies costing approximately $1,900. The student body is 84% male and 16% female, with a demographic makeup of 51.1% Hispanic/Latino and 45.7% Black or African American students. The school offers certificates for less-than-one-year and one-but-less-than-two-year programs.

3. Premier Barber School

Located in Harris County, Premier Barber School awarded 34 barbering degrees a recent season, with 76.5% of degree recipients being male. The average net price after financial aid is $16,917, with 57% of undergraduate students receiving grants. The enrolled student population is 71.1% Black or African American and 28.9% Hispanic or Latino. The school is a private for-profit, less-than-two-year institution offering barbering certificates.

4. Tonsorial Arts Barber College

Located in Texarkana, this private for-profit college has 170 students enrolled in a recent season, with a student body that is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. Tuition and fees are $12,500, with books and supplies costing $1,300. The demographic makeup is 78.2% Black or African American, 11.2% White, and 5.9% Hispanic/Latino. The college offers one-but-less-than-two-year certificates.

5. Michael’s Barber & Hair Stylist Academy

Located in Irving, this private for-profit academy has 42 students enrolled in a recent season, with a student body that is 71.4% male and 28.6% female. Tuition and fees are $15,185, with books and supplies costing $1,902. The demographic breakdown is 64.3% Black or African American, 26.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.1% White students. The academy offers less-than-one-year and one-but-less-than-two-year certificate programs.

6. Kilgore College – Longview

Kilgore College offers a Barber Program at its Longview location, preparing students to take the TDLR examination for Class A barber licensure. The program covers men’s grooming, hair cutting, beard design, shaving services, and salon ownership. Graduates can pursue careers as licensed barbers, barbershop owners, salon managers, and grooming product consultants. The program offers services to the public provided by student practitioners.

7. Mystros Barber Academy

Mystros Barber Academy has partnered with Fort Bend ISD to allow high school students to complete their 1,000-hour barber course, enabling them to obtain their Class A Barber License before graduation. The program covers safety and hygiene precautions, cutting techniques, styling, and business operations. Founded in 2012, the academy has over 30 years of experience in barbering and education . The Fort Bend campus is located in Missouri City, and student fees are paid by the school district.

8. IMPACT Barber Academy

Located in Austin, IMPACT Barber Academy partners with Austin ISD to offer an afterschool barbering program that teaches both technical skills and entrepreneurship . Students learn haircutting, grooming basics, and how to manage a barbershop, build a brand, and provide professional client care. The program emphasizes discipline, professionalism, creativity, and business know-how . To become a licensed barber in Texas, students must be at least 17 and complete a 1,000-hour barber school program.

9. Texas Barber College

Texas Barber College offers the required 1,000-hour curriculum for Class A barber licensure, following TDLR standards that include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, bacteriology and sanitation, haircutting, hairstyling, chemical textures, shaving, mustache and beard care, and business skills. The program includes both theory and related practice, with 700 hours of core curriculum and 300 hours of specialty practice in shaving, advanced haircutting, and men’s styling. Students must complete all requirements to qualify for the state licensing exam.

10. Houston Barber School

Houston Barber School provides comprehensive barber training in the Houston area, preparing students for the TDLR Class A barber examination. The program covers all required subjects including haircutting, shaving, facials, chemical services, and barbershop management. Students gain hands-on experience in a supervised environment while meeting the state-mandated 1,000-hour requirement.

11. Dallas Barber College

Dallas Barber College offers a full barbering curriculum meeting TDLR requirements for Class A licensure. The program includes instruction in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, bacteriology and sanitation, haircutting, hairstyling, chemical textures, shaving, and facial hair removal . Students receive both theory and practical training to prepare for the state licensing examination.

12. Fort Worth Barber Academy

Fort Worth Barber Academy provides professional barber training in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, preparing students for careers in men’s grooming and salon ownership. The curriculum covers clipper cutting, shaving, facials, and barbershop management. Graduates are qualified to take the TDLR Class A barber exam and pursue careers as licensed barbers or barbershop owners.

13. San Antonio Barber College

San Antonio Barber College offers a comprehensive barber program at 12636 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas. The school follows TDLR curriculum standards including anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, haircutting, hairstyling, shaving, and business skills. Students complete 1,000 hours of training to qualify for the Class A barber licensing exam.

14. Austin Barber Academy

Austin Barber Academy provides professional barber training in the state capital, following the Texas curriculum standards for Class A barber licensure. The program includes instruction in haircutting, shaving, facials, chemical services, and barbershop management . Students gain practical experience through supervised clinic hours.

15. El Paso Barber College

El Paso Barber College offers barber training in West Texas, preparing students for the TDLR licensing examination. The 1,000-hour program covers all required subjects including anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, haircutting, hairstyling, shaving, and business skills . Graduates are eligible to apply for their Class A barber license.

16. Lubbock Barber Academy

Lubbock Barber Academy provides professional barber education in the South Plains region, following state curriculum standards. The program includes theory and practical instruction in haircutting, shaving, facial treatments, chemical services, and shop management . Students complete 1,000 hours to qualify for the TDLR exam.

17. Corpus Christi Barber School

Corpus Christi Barber School offers barber training on the Texas Coast, preparing students for Class A licensure. The curriculum follows TDLR standards including 700 hours of core theory and 300 hours of specialty practice in shaving and advanced men’s haircutting. Graduates are eligible to take the state licensing exam.

18. Waco Barber Academy

Waco Barber Academy provides professional barber education in Central Texas, following state-mandated curriculum requirements. The program covers all necessary subjects for Class A licensure, including anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, haircutting, and barbershop management. Students complete 1,000 hours of training before taking the licensing exam.

19. Amarillo Barber College

Amarillo Barber College offers barber training in the Texas Panhandle, preparing students for the TDLR Class A barber examination. The 1,000-hour program includes instruction in haircutting, shaving, facials, chemical services, and business operations. Graduates are qualified for careers in men’s grooming and salon ownership.

20. McAllen Barber Academy

McAllen Barber Academy provides professional barber education in the Rio Grande Valley, following state curriculum standards. The program covers anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, haircutting, hairstyling, shaving, and barbershop management . Students complete 1,000 hours of theory and practical training to qualify for licensure.

21. Beaumont Barber School

Beaumont Barber School offers barber training in Southeast Texas, preparing students for the TDLR Class A barber exam. The curriculum includes 700 hours of core theory and 300 hours of specialty practice in shaving and advanced men’s haircutting . Graduates are eligible to apply for their Class A barber license.

22. Denton Barber Academy

Denton Barber Academy provides professional barber education in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, following state-mandated curriculum requirements. The program covers haircutting, shaving, facials, chemical services, and business operations. Students complete 1,000 hours to qualify for the TDLR licensing examination.

23. Tyler Barber College

Tyler Barber College offers barber training in East Texas, preparing students for Class A licensure. The program follows TDLR standards with instruction in anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, haircutting, and shaving techniques . Graduates are qualified to sit for the state licensing exam.

24. Midland Barber Academy

Midland Barber Academy provides professional barber education in West Texas, following state curriculum standards for Class A barber licensure. The program includes theory and practical instruction in all required subjects . Students complete 1,000 hours of training before taking the licensing exam.

25. Longview Barber School

Longview Barber School offers barber training at 315 S Center St, Longview, Texas, preparing students for the TDLR examination. The program covers men’s grooming, hair cutting, beard design, and shaving services. Graduates can pursue careers as licensed barbers, salon owners, and grooming specialists.

26. Abilene Barber Academy

Abilene Barber Academy provides professional barber education in West Central Texas, following state-mandated curriculum standards. The program covers all necessary subjects for Class A licensure, including anatomy, chemistry, and sanitation. Students complete 1,000 hours of training to qualify for the TDLR exam.

27. Round Rock Barber College

Round Rock Barber College offers barber training in the Greater Austin area, preparing students for Class A licensure. The curriculum follows TDLR standards with instruction in haircutting, shaving, and barbershop management . Graduates are eligible to sit for the state licensing examination.

28. Brownsville Barber Academy

Brownsville Barber Academy provides professional barber education in the Rio Grande Valley, following state curriculum requirements. The program includes 700 hours of core theory and 300 hours of specialty practice in shaving and advanced haircutting. Students complete 1,000 hours of training before taking the licensing exam.

29. Killeen Barber School

Killeen Barber School offers barber training in Central Texas, preparing students for the TDLR Class A barber examination. The program covers anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, haircutting, and barbershop management . Graduates are qualified to apply for their Class A barber license.

30. Mystros Barber Academy – Fort Bend Campus

Located at 2420 Cartwright Road in Missouri City, Mystros Barber Academy’s Fort Bend campus offers a 1,000-hour barber course in partnership with Fort Bend ISD. The program covers safety and hygiene, cutting techniques, styling, and business operations, with student fees paid by the school district . Classes are held after school, on weekends, and during the summer, allowing students to obtain their Class A Barber License before high school graduation.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a Barber School

Start by verifying that the school is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), as this is a non-negotiable requirement for your 1,000 hours to count toward licensure.

Look for a school that offers a structured curriculum covering all TDLR-mandated subjects, including 700 hours of core theory and 300 hours of specialty practice in shaving, advanced haircutting, and men’s styling.

Consider the school’s location and schedule flexibility, as programs like Mystros Barber Academy offer after-school and weekend classes for students balancing other commitments.

Research the school’s facilities and equipment; state law requires a minimum of 10 student workstations with reclining chairs, sinks, and mirrors.

For high school students, inquire about district partnerships that may cover tuition costs, such as the Fort Bend ISD program that provides free tuition.

Finally, consider your career goals; if you aspire to own a barbershop, look for programs that emphasize business skills, marketing, and professional ethics as part of their curriculum .

Closing

Texas offers a strong and diverse network of barber schools, from community college programs at San Jacinto to specialized private academies and innovative high school partnerships like Mystros Barber Academy and IMPACT Barber Academy. All programs are regulated by the TDLR, ensuring a standardized 1,000-hour curriculum that prepares students for the Class A barber licensing exam . With a growing demand for barbers across the state, graduates can pursue careers in men’s grooming, salon ownership, and specialized shaving services.

Whether you are a high school student seeking an early start or a career changer entering the profession, Texas barber schools provide the training, facilities, and industry connections needed for success. Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.