Barber Hairstyling vs Crossover Barber: What’s the Difference?

If you’re considering a career in barbering, you’ve likely come across terms like Barber Hairstyling and Crossover Barber. At Ea La Mar’s College, we offer both programs, but each one serves a unique purpose and prepares you for different opportunities in the grooming and beauty industry.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what sets these two programs apart, explore their curriculum highlights, career paths, and help you decide which route fits your goals best.

What is Barber Hairstyling at Ea La Mar’s?

The Barber Hairstyling program at Ea La Mar’s is designed for those who want to become licensed barbers with a strong focus on men’s grooming. This program is the classic path for students who dream of mastering the art of cutting, shaping, and styling men’s hair.

Program Highlights:

• Barber Training: Learn the foundational barber skills, including clipper cutting, scissor cutting, razor shaving, beard trimming, and design.
• Shaving Techniques: Gain expertise in straight razor shaves and facial hair design, a traditional barber specialty.
• Scalp Care & Hygiene: Understand scalp treatments, sanitation standards, and hygiene, ensuring client safety and health.
• Industry-Standard Tools: Hands-on practice with clippers, razors, scissors, and grooming tools used in barbershops every day.
• Customer Service & Business Skills: Develop professional communication and customer relations skills critical for building a loyal clientele.
• State Licensing Preparation: Complete the required hours and training to sit for your state barber licensing exam.

Program Length:

The Barber Hairstyling program at Ea La Mar’s requires 1500 clock hours. This includes both theory and practical application to prepare you fully for licensing and employment.

What is the Crossover Barber Program?

The Crossover Barber program is tailored for licensed cosmetologists who want to expand their skill set by adding barbering services to their repertoire. If you already have a cosmetology license, this program allows you to crossover into barbering legally and professionally.

Why Consider Crossover Barber Training?

• Expand Your Services: Adding barbering techniques means you can offer men’s haircutting, fading, and shaving services alongside traditional cosmetology offerings like hair coloring and styling for women.
• Increase Earning Potential: Being qualified in both cosmetology and barbering opens doors to a larger client base and more diverse job opportunities.
• Meet Industry Demand: Many salons and barbershops are seeking versatile professionals who can work with all clients.
• Stay Competitive: In today’s fast-changing beauty industry, versatility is key to standing out and succeeding.

Program Highlights:

• Barbering Techniques: Learn clipper cuts, fades, tapers, and razor shaving.
• Men’s Grooming Focus: Master beard trims, facial hair design, and scalp care for male clients.
• Barber Tools & Sanitation: Practice with professional barber tools while learning the strict hygiene standards required.
• Licensing Exam Prep: Prepare for the state crossover barber exam or fulfill additional licensing requirements to practice legally.

Program Length:

Ea La Mar’s Crossover Barber program requires 600 clock hours. It is designed to efficiently train licensed cosmetologists in the skills needed to become licensed barbers as well.

Who Should Choose Barber Hairstyling?

If you’re passionate about the traditional craft of barbering and want to start your career focused solely on men’s grooming, the Barber Hairstyling program can be a perfect fit. This path is ideal for students who:

• Are new to the beauty industry and want to get licensed as barbers.
• Wish to develop classic barbering skills such as fades, straight razor shaves, and beard grooming.
• Prefer to work in barbershops or men’s grooming salons.
• Want a program that meets state licensing requirements in a single course

Ea La Mar’s Barber Hairstyling program provides the hands-on training and industry knowledge to build confidence and expertise in men’s hair care.

Who Should Choose the Crossover Barber Program?

The Crossover Barber program is specially designed for licensed cosmetologists who want to:

• Add barbering to their skill set and expand service offerings.
• Serve both men and women in a wider variety of haircare needs.
• Increase their marketability and earning potential.
• Adapt to the industry demand for versatile beauty professionals.

If you already hold a cosmetology license but want to become legally certified to perform barbering services such as clipper cuts and shaves, the crossover program is your fastest, most efficient path.

Benefits of Each Program

Benefits of Barber Hairstyling:

• Learn a respected trade with deep roots in tradition.
• Complete one focused program with a clear career outcome.
• Develop strong practical skills in men’s grooming.
• Build a loyal client base in barbershops or grooming salons.
• Gain preparation for state barber licensing exams.

Benefits of Crossover Barber:

• Broaden your career options beyond cosmetology.
• Increase your service menu and client reach.
• Stay competitive in a market that values multi-skilled professionals.
• Receive targeted barber training without repeating cosmetology basics.
• Prepare for crossover barber licensing requirements quickly.

How Ea La Mar’s Supports Your Success

At Ea La Mar’s, we pride ourselves on not only delivering quality education but also fostering a supportive environment where students thrive. Here’s how we can make a difference:

• Experienced Instructors: Learn from skilled barber professionals with years of industry experience.
• Hands-On Training: Practice in fully equipped labs with real clients to build confidence.
• Licensing Preparation: Our curriculum is designed to meet state requirements and prepare you for exam success.
• Career Services: Get help with resume writing, interview skills, and job placement after graduation.
• Flexible Scheduling: Full-time and part-time options to fit your lifestyle.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

Both Barber Hairstyling and Crossover Barber graduates enjoy a variety of career paths in the thriving grooming and beauty industries:

• Traditional Barbershop Barber: Master the art of men’s haircuts, shaves, and beard grooming.
• Men’s Grooming Specialist: Work in upscale salons, spas, or men’s grooming lounges.
• Full-Service Salon Stylist: For crossover barbers, offer haircuts, color, chemical treatments, and styling for all clients.
• Mobile Barber: Bring barbering services directly to clients in their homes or workplaces.
• Salon Owner or Manager: Use your diverse skills to open or manage a successful salon or barbershop.

The demand for well-trained barbers and crossover professionals continues to grow, especially as grooming becomes an essential part of personal care for many.

How to Get Started at Ea La Mar’s

Ready to kickstart your barbering career? Ea La Mar’s makes it simple:

1. Explore Our Programs: Review the Barber Hairstyling and Crossover Barber program details on our website.
2. Speak with an Admissions Advisor: Get personalized advice based on your background and goals.
3. Apply and Enroll: We offer easy application processes.
4. Begin Your Training: Join a community of learners and start your journey toward licensure and career success.

FAQs

Q: Can I switch from Barber Hairstyling to Crossover Barber later?
A: Yes! Many students start with barbering and add crossover training once they’re licensed cosmetologists or barbers.

Q: Do I need a cosmetology license before enrolling in the Crossover Barber program?
A: Yes, the crossover program is designed for licensed cosmetologists looking to become licensed barbers.

Q: How long does it take to complete each program?
A: Barber Hairstyling is 1500 clock hours, typically taking about 9-12 months. The Crossover Barber program is 600 clock hours and can be completed in less time.

Q: What career support does Ea La Mar’s offer?
A: We provide career counseling, job placement assistance, and workshops to help you succeed after graduation.

Ready to Get Started?

Choosing between Barber Hairstyling and Crossover Barber depends on where you are in your beauty career and what goals you want to achieve. Ea La Mar’s is here to guide you every step of the way, offering tailored programs that prepare you for licensure and success in the industry.

• For a focused men’s grooming career, the Barber Hairstyling program can be your pathway.
• For versatility and expanded skills, the Crossover Barber program can open doors to a wider range of opportunities.

Explore our programs today and take the first step toward a career in barbering and hairstyling! Contact us today to get started.