How Long is Barber School? The Timeline to Get a Barber License in Michigan

Becoming a licensed barber in Michigan is one of the fastest paths to a stable, six-figure-capable career — but the timeline isn't always obvious. Here's exactly how long barber school takes, what the state requires, and how to get licensed faster.

How Long is School to Be a Barber in Michigan?

Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) requires every aspiring barber to complete 1,800 hours of accredited barbering instruction before sitting for the state board exam. That number is set by state law and is identical at every approved school in Michigan, including Sean's Barber School in West Bloomfield.

Those 1,800 hours cover everything from haircutting and fading to straight razor shaves, chemistry, sanitation, Michigan barber law, and client business skills. At Sean's Barber School, the bulk of those hours happen on real, paying clients inside our working West Bloomfield campus.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Barber in Michigan?

The calendar time to finish those 1,800 hours depends entirely on your weekly commitment.

Full-time students (12–14 months)

Full-time students typically attend 35–40 hours per week, finishing the 1,800-hour program in roughly 12 to 14 months. This is the right path if you're focused on switching careers fast or coming straight out of high school.

Part-time students (15–18 months)

Part-time students attend 20–25 hours per week, finishing in roughly 15 to 18 months. This schedule is built for adults working day jobs or raising families — common across the Detroit Metro. You'll graduate with the exact same license; you just take a little longer to get there.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Barber License in Michigan?

Graduating barber school isn't the final step. Here's what happens after your last day of class:

1. Submit your application to LARA. Your school provides proof that you completed the 1,800 hours.
2. Register for the state exam through PSI, Michigan's licensing exam provider.
3. Pass the written test covering Michigan barber law, sanitation, and theory.
4. Pass the practical exam, where you demonstrate cutting, shaving, and sanitation in front of a state proctor.
5. Wait for LARA approval. Most students receive their official Michigan barber license 2 to 6 weeks after passing both exams.

From day one of school to license in hand, most full-time Sean's Barber School students are working professionally in 13–15 months.

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Next steps: Curious what your investment looks like? Read our complete guide to barber school costs in Michigan. Already thinking long-term? See exactly how Michigan barbers can earn $100,000+ per year.

About Sean's Barber School — 7408 Haggerty Rd, Ste 100, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. Training Michigan barbers across the Detroit Metro. Call (248) 747-0330 to tour the school.