American Barber Institute

Our Story

Three Decades of Craft

A.B.I. was established in 1996 at our first school on West 29th Street. Years later we moved about ten blocks to 48 West 39th Street, in the heart of Manhattan — minutes from Penn Station, Grand Central Station and Times Square. Our students enjoy the restaurants, theaters and sights that make Midtown exciting.

Our two-floor facility dedicates one floor to theory and the other to hands-on practical training. At 3,000 square feet, we're one of the largest schools of our type in the New York City area — and fully handicap accessible.

A.B.I. is licensed by the New York State Department of Education. Our curriculum, programs and classes have all been professionally evaluated and approved by the State, and our teachers' credentials are reviewed and licensed by the NYS Department of Education.

School Mission Statement

The mission of the American Barber Institute Inc. is to provide an up-to-date course of instruction that prepares students to meet the necessary requirements to become thoroughly qualified barbers, ready for lifetime careers in barbering.

When given the opportunity by our students, we assist in finding employment within their field and help them develop the mindset and qualifications needed to gain and retain that employment. We maintain an exemplary reputation with salon employers as an outstanding resource for staffing their enterprises with quality professionals.

At A.B.I., we believe our graduates should be prepared to embark on a lifetime career — and be able to open their own barbershop or salon if they aspire to.

Skills & Techniques

What You'll Master Here

Throughout our comprehensive four-month program, students delve into the intricacies of barbering through barber theory — impeccable sanitation and sterilization standards, the rich history of the profession, relevant barbering laws, and the nuances of a successful barber career.

Students gain practical experience with a diverse clientele and acquire expertise in the full range of essential techniques: the art of shaving, therapeutic facial massage, and diverse hair styling — from the timeless elegance of classic tapers and pompadours to the bold statements of fohawks and baldies, including scissor cuts, clipper cuts, caesars, low/mid/high fades, high-top fades, afro cuts, flat tops, razor lineups, shampoos and blowouts.

The program thoroughly prepares students for the New York State Barber Board Exam — and upon completion, each student explores job placement opportunities with personalized guidance from our dedicated team.