The Path to Your Barber License

The Sharp Top Academy 1,100-hour barbering program meets and exceeds Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology requirements. This hybrid program blends technical mastery, business education, and real shop experience to prepare you for both the state board exam and a thriving career.

Program Overview

• Duration: ~10 Months (Full-Time)

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (1 hr lunch)

• Hours/Week: 35

• Instructor-to-Student Ratio: 1:20 (max)

• Format: 80% in-person, 20% online

In-Person Training Includes:

• Haircutting, shaving, fading techniques

• Beard & moustache design

• Sanitation & safety protocols

• State board mock exams

• Product use and tool control

Online Training Includes:

• State laws & licensing rules

• Barbering history & ethics

• Anatomy, skin disorders, hair theory

• Client consultation theory

• Business practices & marketing

Curriculum Breakdown

I. Orientation, Laws & Ethics – 100 Hours
History of barbering, school policies, VA laws, professionalism, client communication.

II. Haircutting & Styling – 400 Hours
Clipper, shear, razor work, blending, fades, tapers, textured cuts, shampoo/blowdry, product usage.
Performance: 320 hair services, 10 hair/scalp treatments.

III. Shaving & Facial Hair Design – 120 Hours
Razor safety, beard/mustache design, shave prep and execution.

IV. Hair Color & Scalp – 200 Hours
Color theory, semi/permanent application, scalp treatments, hair analysis.
Performance: 35 hair color services, 5 basic facials.

V. Skin & Facials – 80 Hours
Skin analysis, cleansing, facial massage, basic machine use.

VI. Safety & Sanitation – 100 Hours
Infection control, tool disinfection, safe workspace setup.

VII. State Board Prep – 100 Hours
Kit prep, mock exams, licensing application process.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete 1,100 documented hours

• Pass all curriculum modules

• Maintain 85% GPA

• Satisfy attendance & performance requirements

• Pass final theory and practical exams