About ABI
American Barber Institute
New York's only dedicated barber school — changing lives for over 30 years in Manhattan.
Our Story
Our Mission
At American Barber Institute, we're dedicated to grooming education and professional development. Licensed by the New York State Department of Education, we have been in business for over 30 years serving the New York community.
Our Master Barber Program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for success in the thriving barbering industry. Over four months, students immerse themselves in theory and practical skills, covering sanitation, sterilization, barber history, laws, and shop management.
Graduates leave with a versatile skill set ready for employment in any barber shop — or to open their own business.
Why Choose ABI?
- Licensed by the New York State Department of Education
- In business for 30+ years serving the NYC community
- State-of-the-art 3,000 sq ft two-floor facility in Midtown Manhattan
- Expert instructors — King David has 30+ years of experience
- Hands-on training with real clients within the first few weeks
- Full-time job placement office for graduates
- Financial assistance: ACCES-VR, Post-9/11 GI Bill®, VA benefits accepted
- Morning, Afternoon, and Weekend class schedules
Entrance Requirements
Social Security Card·High School Diploma (HSD) or GED — or pass the ATB entrance exam at ABI·Must be at least 17 years of age·Proof of residential address·Valid photo ID or Driver's License·$500 Down Payment
Two Locations
Meet the Team
Our Instructors
Learn from master barbers who bring decades of real-world experience into every session.
David Ayeoribe
Lead Senior Instructor & Director
Affectionately known to generations of barbers as “King David,” David Ayeoribe is a living cornerstone of American Barber Institute and one of the most respected names in New York barbering education. With over 50 years behind the chair and more than 30 years teaching, David is widely recognized as the longest-serving barber instructor in New York City.
Harold "Barkim" Brown
Lead Instructor
Harold “Barkim” Brown is a Queens native, a master barber, and the kind of teacher students remember for the rest of their careers. Known around the shop as the best one-armed barber in the world, Harold has turned every doubt ever thrown at him into fuel — and now pours that same energy into the next generation of barbers.
Barry Brown
Instructor
Barry Brown’s story with barbering started long before he ever walked into a classroom. He began cutting hair as a young man and quickly proved what was already obvious to anyone who saw him work: barbering was in his blood.
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