Become a licensed Barber in as little as 4 months. Comprehensive hands-on training and full NY State Board Exam prep at our Manhattan campus.
Student Voices
Hover the player to hear an ABI student share their experience — direct, unscripted, unfiltered.
Licensed in as little as 17 weeks
Morning, afternoon & weekend tracks
Dept. of Education (BPSS)
ACCES-VR, VA & more
Job placement assistance
Financial assistance available
30 years of exceptional barber education
Learn directly from experienced celebrity and master barbers
Submit your info to start your barbering journey.
An ABI admissions advisor will answer your questions and review payment plan options that fit your budget.
Complete your enrollment and start building your barbering career.
From the first few weeks, you'll be on the floor learning real barbering skills — not just theory. Our instructors bring decades of professional experience into every session.
Every ABI program comes with everything you need to get licensed and start working.
Whether you're starting from zero, switching careers, or have some background — we train you from beginner to licensed professional. All you need is the drive to succeed.
Never picked up clippers? Perfect — we start at the fundamentals and build real skill from day one.
Switching paths? Barbering is a stable, creative, in-demand trade you can own.
Already cutting? We sharpen your technique and get you fully licensed and working.
Starting out in a shop, building your clientele and refining your technique.
Loyal clientele, faster service and higher earnings as your reputation grows.
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.
Every plan includes NY State Board Exam prep, hands-on training and job placement support. Pay weekly while you attend.
Additional fees: books, tools and supplies can be purchased from ABI or other suppliers. ACCES-VR financial assistance available. Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VA benefits accepted.
Inside ABI
Real clips from our classrooms and barber clinic — hands-on training, every single day.
Real reviews from our Google profile.
"The level of knowledge and training is superb! One of the best teachers around, King David, will show you everything there is to know about barbering — 100% commitment from this school."
"I'm a student here and King David has been awesome!! He has 30 years of experience, gives us great techniques and keeps polishing our basic skills."
"I'm currently enrolled here and I'm happy with the progress from learning from the teachers and classmates. Nothing but positivity and eager to learn more in this field."
Every great barber started exactly where you are now.
Hi, I'm Alex — thank you for taking the first step toward your barbering career. Every great barber I've known started exactly where you are now: curious, a little nervous, and ready to work.
At ABI we don't just teach technique. We build the confidence, the discipline, and the community that carry you from your first fade to your own chair. Whether this is a new chapter or the dream you've been chasing for years, you're welcome here. Fill out the form, upload your documents in minutes, and I look forward to meeting you.
At ABI, the 500-hour Master Barber program starts at $4,600 (afternoon or weekend plans) or $5,600 (morning plan) — $500–$550 down and weekly payments of $150–$300 while you study. Books and tools are extra. ACCES-VR funding, Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VA benefits are accepted.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes — ACCES-VR can cover tuition, tools and books for qualified New Yorkers with disabilities; Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VA benefits are accepted; NYS Department of Labor grants may apply; and every plan includes weekly payments.
New classes begin the first Monday of every month at both the Manhattan and Bronx campuses. Call (212) 290-2289 to reserve your seat — classes fill fast.
Classes start the first Monday of every month and seats are limited. Leave your info and an admissions advisor will call you within 24 hours.
