There are some key differences between cosmetology and barbering licenses. Cosmetologists and barbers both work with hair but have different educational requirements and perform different tasks. Specifically, cosmetologists cannot use razors to shave but can only trim facial hair with scissors, while barbers are authorized to use razors to trim hairlines and remove facial hair. The document also dispels the misconception that barbers only serve men, noting that some women prefer barbers and about half of all U.S. barbers are women.

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Not Equal: The Differences Between a Cosmetology and
There are a fair few similarities between a
cosmetology license and a barbering
license. For example, both licenses
the licensed party to work closely with hair,
both must be approved by the state the
licensed party lives in, and both allow the
licensed party to work as self
employed.This, however, does not make
these licenses equal—there are a number
of differences between a cosmetology
license and a barbering license, such as:
Educational Requirements: While both
cosmetology and barbering licenses must
be earned from a formal training program
at a state-approved cosmetology or barbering school
community colleges, technical colleges, and beauty schools
students must pass a board examination, there can be some disparity in the
level of education a potential student must complete
they live in. At Academy of Hair Design, reg
must have completed high school or obtained a GED to be eligible for
training.
Tasks Performed: There is a misconception that barbering and cosmetology
are synonymous, but there are some differences in the services provided
Cosmetologists, for example, cannot use razors to shave customers
are only permitted to trim facial hair with scissors. Barbers, on the other
hand, are authorized for the use of razors to trim hairlines or remove facial
hair.
The Academy of Hair Design | Admissions 417-881-3900 | Salon Services 417
0707http://www.aohd.com
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Not Equal: The Differences Between a Cosmetology and
Barbering License
There are a fair few similarities between a
cosmetology license and a barbering
license. For example, both licenses allow
the licensed party to work closely with hair,
both must be approved by the state the
licensed party lives in, and both allow the
licensed party to work as self-
employed.This, however, does not make
there are a number
es between a cosmetology
license and a barbering license, such as:
Educational Requirements: While both
cosmetology and barbering licenses must
be earned from a formal training program
approved cosmetology or barbering school—available at
ity colleges, technical colleges, and beauty schools—and the
students must pass a board examination, there can be some disparity in the
potential student must complete depending on the state
At Academy of Hair Design, regardless of program, all students
must have completed high school or obtained a GED to be eligible for
Tasks Performed: There is a misconception that barbering and cosmetology
are synonymous, but there are some differences in the services provided
Cosmetologists, for example, cannot use razors to shave customers
are only permitted to trim facial hair with scissors. Barbers, on the other
hand, are authorized for the use of razors to trim hairlines or remove facial
3900 | Salon Services 417-881-
Not Equal: The Differences Between a Cosmetology and
available at
and the
students must pass a board examination, there can be some disparity in the
depending on the state
ardless of program, all students
must have completed high school or obtained a GED to be eligible for
Tasks Performed: There is a misconception that barbering and cosmetology
are synonymous, but there are some differences in the services provided.
Cosmetologists, for example, cannot use razors to shave customers—they
are only permitted to trim facial hair with scissors. Barbers, on the other
hand, are authorized for the use of razors to trim hairlines or remove facial

2. The Academy of Hair Design | Admissions 417-881-3900 | Salon Services 417-881-
0707http://www.aohd.com
Discover more great content here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AOHDSpringfield
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https://www.facebook.com/theaohd
http://www.pinterest.com/aohd
Task summaries of each profession:
• A typical cosmetologist will offer arranging, dressing, curling, waving,
cleansing, cutting, bleaching, coloring, or similar work on the hair. He
or she may care for wigs or hair pieces; manicure; massage, clean,
stimulate, manipulate, exercise, beautify, or perform similar work
upon the hands, arms, face, neck, or feet with hands or by use of
cosmetic preparations, tonics, lotions or creams; place or apply
artificial eyelashes, give facials, apply make-up, give skin care, and
remove superfluous hair by tweezing, depilatories, or waxing.
• A typical barber performs tasks such as shaving or trimming beards,
cutting, or styling the hair, giving facial and scalp massages or
treatments with oils, creams, lotions or other preparations; curling,
shampooing, coloring, bleaching or straightening the hair, or applying
hair tonics; cutting fitting; applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics,
powders, oils, clays or lotions to scalp, face, and neck or other parts of
the body.
Lastly, itis a commonly held misconception that barbers perform their
services for men only and that barbers are exclusively men. This is quite
untrue; some women prefer barbers for their beauty upkeep, and many
women are barbers—in fact, almost half of all U.S. barbers are women.
For information on graduation requirements at the Academy of Hair Design,
give us a call at 417-881-3900 or visit our website at www.aohd.com.