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American Barber Institute

500 Hours.Barber Program.Start Today.

Become a licensed Master Barber in New York in as little as 4 months. Train hands-on with real clients, get full State Board Exam prep, and land your first chair with our job-placement help.

Next Starting Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 New classes begin the first Monday of each month — the Tuesday after when that Monday is a federal holiday.
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Reserve Your Spot Today
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Fits your life — day, evening & weekend tracks
Hands-on training on real clients from your first weeks
Funding that fits — ACCES-VR, weekly plans Figure out what works for your budget
Career support & job-placement help when you graduate
Bronx Campus — 121 Westchester Square, Bronx, NY 10461
Student Voices

Real voices, real cuts.

Tap a player to hear an ABI student share their experience — direct, unscripted, unfiltered.

30+
Years in business
10,000+
Graduates
4.9★
253 Google Reviews
4 mo
To get licensed
Overview

About the Program

Welcome to the Bronx campus of the American Barber Institute, where we offer a comprehensive Master Barber Program that prepares students for success in the thriving barbering industry. Our 4-month full-time program covers everything you need to excel in this dynamic field, including safety regulations, infection control, anatomy, chemistry, and hair care techniques.

Students learn and master the art of haircutting, shaving, facial massage and hairstyling. We also offer training in artificial hair and hair coloring procedures, including semi-permanent and temporary color, as well as techniques for working with wigs and hairpieces. Additionally, students gain proficiency in hair replacement methods.

Hands-on experience is central to our program — students work with a diverse clientele to refine their skills in real-world conditions. Graduates leave with a versatile skill set, ready to work in any barbershop, mastering techniques like fades, tapers, clipper over comb and scissor over comb.

We prepare students for the New York State Board Exam, ensuring they're fully equipped to earn their Master Barber license and launch their careers — whether the goal is a traditional shop, freelance work, or opening their own business.

3 Easy Steps

Become a Professional Barber in 3 Easy Steps

01

Get Started

Submit your information to start your barbering journey.

02

Speak With an Advisor

An ABI Admissions Advisor will answer your questions, explain the program, and review flexible payment plan options that fit your budget.

03

Start Training

Complete your enrollment and begin building your professional barbering career.

Career Earnings

Barber Career Earnings

YEAR 1 · Entry-Level
$35,000–$45,000

Starting out in a shop, building your clientele and refining your technique.

YEARS 2–3 · Established
$50,000–$70,000

Loyal clientele, faster service and higher earnings as your reputation grows.

YEAR 3+ · Booth Renter / Shop Owner
$75,000–$100,000+

Full control of your schedule and earnings — the path to true entrepreneurship.

Earnings figures are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Actual income will vary based on individual effort, hours worked, location and market conditions.

Techniques

Skills & Techniques You'll Master

Classic TapersLow FadesMid FadesHigh FadesHigh-Top FadesPompadoursFohawksCaesarsBald HeadsAfrosFlat TopsRazor LineupsClassical HaircutsBeard TrimsShape UpsBlowoutsMohawksShampoosShaving TechniquesFacial MassageClipper Over CombScissor Over Comb
Tuition

Flexible Payment Plans

Plan A — Morning
Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
30 hrs/week · 17 weeks (~4 months)
$500 down payment
Weekly payments17 × $300
Total cost$5,600
Professional tool kit includedLet's Do It
Most Popular
Plan B — Afternoon
Mon–Fri · 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
30 hrs/week · 17 weeks (~4 months)
$200 down payment
Weekly payments17 × $200
Total cost$3,600
Let's Do It
Plan C — Weekend
Sat & Sun · Flexible hours
18 hrs/week · 27 weeks (~6–7 months)
$200 down payment
Weekly payments27 × $160
Total cost$4,600
Let's Do It

Every plan includes NY State Board Exam prep, hands-on training and job-placement support. Additional fees: books, tools and supplies can be purchased from ABI or other suppliers. ACCES-VR financial assistance available. VA benefits and the Post-9/11 GI Bill® are not accepted at the Bronx campus — they are accepted at our Manhattan campus.

Admissions

Entrance Requirements

  • Social Security Card
  • High School Diploma (HSD) or GED — or pass the ATB entrance exam at ABI
  • Must be at least 17 years of age
  • Proof of residential address
  • Valid photo ID or Driver's License
  • $200–$500 down payment (by plan)
Inside ABI

See real life at ABI

Real clips from our classrooms and barber clinic — hands-on training, every single day.

Inside our NYC clinic floor
Clipper work, up close
Learning with our instructors
Straight-razor technique
The ABI community
Hands-on from day one
Student Stories

What Our Students Say

4.9★★★★★
Based on 253 Google reviews
Read them all on Google →
★★★★★

“Great location near public transportation. The instructors are very helpful and knowledgeable, which allows for a good learning process. I've frequented the school about once a week and have had excellent experiences.”

WP
William P.
Google review — Bronx
★★★★★

“Great place for an affordable haircut. A student cuts your hair and they're given guidance by teachers when they're unsure. Just good to know it may take a little longer since they're learning.”

VE
Victor E.
Google review — Bronx
★★★★★

“I had an excellent experience at this barbershop and couldn't be happier with my cut. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming and professional.”

AM
Areeba M.
Google review — Bronx
Contact

Visit Our Campus

Bronx Campus

Address121 Westchester Square, Bronx, NY 10461 · Get directions →

Phone

Emailadmissions@americanbarberinstitute.com

HoursMonday–Friday · 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday · 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

FAQs

Barber School Questions, Answered

How much does barber school cost in New York?
At ABI, the 500-hour Master Barber program starts at $3,600 (afternoon plan), $4,600 (weekend) or $5,600 (morning, professional tool kit included) — $200–$500 down and weekly payments of $160–$300 while you study. Books and tools are extra on Plans B and C. ACCES-VR funding is accepted.
How long is barber school in New York?
New York State requires 500 hours of training. Full-time at ABI takes about 4 months (17 weeks at 30 hours per week); the weekend schedule takes about 6–7 months (27 weeks).
How many hours per week will I be in school?
Full-time students train 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, in morning (8:00 AM–2:00 PM) or afternoon (2:00 PM–8:00 PM) sessions. Weekend students train 18 hours per week on Saturdays and Sundays.
Do I need a high school diploma to enroll?
A high school diploma or GED is required — or you can pass the Ability-To-Benefit (ATB) entrance exam at ABI instead. You must be at least 17 years old.
Can I take barber school online?
No. New York State requires in-person, hands-on training hours. At ABI you practice on real clients in our supervised barber clinic from your first weeks — not on mannequins.
What license will I get after the program?
The program prepares you for the New York State Master Barber license, including full NY State Board Exam preparation. Our job placement office helps you find work after you pass.
Is financial aid available?
Yes — ACCES-VR can cover tuition, tools and books for qualified New Yorkers with disabilities; NYS Department of Labor grants may apply; and every plan includes weekly payments. VA benefits and the Post-9/11 GI Bill® are not accepted at the Bronx campus — they are accepted at our Manhattan campus.
When do classes start?
New classes begin the first Monday of every month at our Bronx Campus. Call (718) 676-0640 to reserve your seat — classes fill fast.