AMERICAN BARBER INSTITUTE

American Barber Institute runs two New York City campuses, one in Manhattan on West 39th Street and one in the Bronx at Westchester Square, and describes itself as the city’s only school dedicated solely to barbering. Its main offering is a 500-hour Master Barber program, completed in about four months at 30 hours a week, with state board exam preparation included. A 50-hour refresher course for barbers returning to the trade is offered at the Manhattan campus only, along with a three-hour contagious diseases course by home study.

The institute is licensed by the New York State Department of Education, which has evaluated and approved its programs. Classes run on morning, afternoon and weekend schedules, with new classes starting the first Monday of each month. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, or may take an entrance exam. Low-cost haircuts are offered to the public.