Barber School in Escondido & San Diego County
Clean fades, sharp lineups, hot towel shaves and the business of owning your chair. Train hands-on with real clients and instructors who have spent decades behind the chair.
- 1,000hours required
- 6 moas little as
- 44 schedule options
- 2017Founded, family-owned
- 5–10 PMEvening classes, Monday to Friday
- 4.6From 100+ Google reviews
- 40+ yrsCombined instructor experience
How long does barber school take?
California requires 1,000 hours of training before you can take the state board exam. Pick a schedule and a start month to see roughly when you could be exam-ready.
Estimate based on the published schedule. Exact start dates and calendars are confirmed with admissions.
What you will learn
A balanced mix of theory, live demos and hands-on practice, first on mannequins and then on real clients in our student salon.
CA barber license
Clipper cutting & fades
Tapers, skin fades, blends and lineups, from fundamentals to signature looks.
The art of shaving
Straight-razor and hot towel shaves with precision, comfort and proper post-care.
Cutting & chemical services
Shear work, styling, permanent waving, chemical straightening, color and bleaching.
Skin, scalp & beard care
Facials, scalp treatments and beard care that keep clients coming back.
Health, safety & state law
Sanitation, disinfection and the California rules you need to pass state board.
The business of barbering
Client service, building your book and running your own chair.
From mannequin to a full book.
- 100% hands-on training with real clients
- Instructors with 40+ years of combined experience
- Day, part-time and night schedules
- Written state board exam prep built in
- Job placement help through our salon & shop network
- Family-owned, with financial aid for those who qualify
Where this license can take you
- $47,720mean yearly wage for barbers in California
- 7%projected job growth for barbers, hairstylists & cosmetologists, 2025 to 2035
- 1,000hours to qualify for the California barber exam
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Earnings vary with experience, location, tips and clientele.
- Barbershops
- Booth rental
- Your own shop
- Men's grooming lounges
- Cruise ships & resorts
- Platform & education
Enrollment requirements
Tap each one you already have. That is your checklist for enrollment day.
From day one to licensed
- Complete 1,000 hoursFinish your training hours at a state-approved school like SCCBB.
- Apply to the BoardSubmit your application to the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
- Pass the state board examExam prep is built into our program, so you walk in ready.
- Start your careerWork in a salon, rent a chair or suite, or build toward your own business.
What students & guests say
Best barber school in San Diego!... Organized school, instructors always professional, they teach you how to obtain your barber license without failure.Oliver W.Barbering graduate
As a student here I love SCCBB... The teachers are attentive, the work is good and everybody is working every day to be a better stylist.Javier M.Student
He fully explained the process and went over my needs in detail. Any questions he had were answered promptly by the instructors on the floor.Kenny H.Salon guest
Barber school questions, answered
Barber program FAQs
Have a question we did not cover? Call (442) 277-5847 or book a campus tour.
How long is barber school in California?
California requires 1,000 hours of training to qualify for the barber license exam. At SCCBB you can finish in as little as 6 months full time, or pick a part-time or night schedule.
What do I need to enroll?
You need to be at least 17, have a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED), and bring a photo ID and Social Security card.
Is there a practical exam?
California currently uses a written exam for barber licensing. Our training includes written state board exam prep plus hands-on work with real clients.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to those who qualify, and we work with military and VA benefits.
How much does barber school cost?
Tuition depends on your schedule and any financial aid you qualify for. Our admissions team will walk you through the numbers on a tour. For a full breakdown of typical costs in California, read our guide: How much does barber school cost in California?
Do you offer night barber classes?
Yes. Our night schedule runs Monday through Friday, 5 to 10 PM, so you can keep your day job while you train.
Can I tour the school before I enroll?
Yes. Stop by our Escondido campus, see the clinic floor, meet the instructors and ask anything. Call or book a tour online.
Is SCCBB a good option if I live in San Diego?
Many of our students commute from San Diego and North County along the I-15. See drive times and routes on our Barber School Near San Diego page.
Start your barber career this season.
Tour the campus, meet the instructors and get your schedule and financial aid questions answered in one visit.