The Downtown American Barber College is a vocational beauty school that provides full- and part-time coursework for students interested in becoming a barber or hair stylist. American Barber College has been serving the Los Angeles area since the 1950s, with the new downtown facility opening in 1994. On-site, the college includes 30 barber workstations with large mirrors, separate water basins, shampoo chairs and a full supply of hair styling products and tools. Another branch of the college is located in Torrance.

Downtown American Barber College -- Accreditation


The beauty school is accredited by the Bureau for Private Post-secondary and Vocational Education and is approved by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Graduates of the Barbering program are prepared to take the State Board Examination, as administered by consumer affairs.

Basic Barbering at the Downtown American Barber College


The main course offered at the college is Basic Barbering. This program is for students who have no previous experience in the fields of barbering or cosmetology. Students learn the basics of barbering, including hair styling, perms, hair coloring and shop management. Enrollment into the program is continuous and based on availability. To complete the Basic Barbering program, students must attend 1500 hours of total class time, including time spent barbering on actual customers.

Advanced and Refresher Courses at Downtown American Barber College


A variety of barbering programs are available for those that have already received training in basic barbering. Barbering for Cosmetologists is for licensed cosmetologists who would like to obtain a barbering degree. For those needing refresher coursework prior to the state exam for licensure, the Barbering for Post-Graduate, Barbering Refresher and Barbering for Re-enrollment programs are available. The school also offers a Barber Instructor Training program for those interested in teaching the art of barbering. Course hours for advanced and refresher programs range from 250 to 600 required hours.

Benefits of the Downtown American Barber College


With a maximum student enrollment of 25 students, Downtown American Barber College provides focused, hands-on instruction. Instructors, officers and office personnel are all available when needed. Job opportunities for graduates include barber stylist, barbershop owner, barbershop manager and hair competition and platform specialist.