Barbering Foundation

The Barbering Foundation program is a 1000-hour course of instruction designed to prepare students for initial licensure and entry-level employment in the field of barbering. This program meets the requirements established by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for licensure and provides the foundational technical training and theory necessary to begin a career in the industry. The program length for the Day Schedule is 29 weeks, and the Evening Schedule is 40 weeks. Students are trained using the Bellus Academy Cut and Color system, which incorporates verbal, written, visual and hands-on instruction in both classroom and clinic floor settings. Instruction includes the development of core technical skills in haircutting, hairstyling, and chemical services, as well as foundational knowledge in health and safety, sanitation, and client care. In addition to technical training, students are introduced to essential professional skills including client consultation, basic business practices, and introductory marketing concepts to support early career success. This program is intended for individuals seeking to enter the barbering profession and establish a foundation for future growth and advancement within the industry.

Course objectives. The program is structured to ensure students gain the following competencies:

• Successfully complete the California State Board licensing requirements.
• Perform barbering services at an entry-level standard.
• Demonstrate foundational client service and consultation skills.
• Begin employment in a barber shop, salon or related barbering environment.

Available at our Poway and Chula Vista, CA, locations, the Barbering Foundation program provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge of barbering techniques. The program also covers the business aspects of barbering, as well as health and safety procedures for compliance. Students learn from experienced and dedicated licensed instructors and access industry equipment for hands-on training.

The Barbering Foundation program covers hair analysis, styling, cutting, permanent waving, chemical straightening, hair coloring, barbering cut, mastering shear and clipper cutting techniques, men’s facials, beard design, and shave services.

Students also learn essential health and safety concepts, including California laws and regulations, sanitation and disinfection, and anatomy and physiology. The program covers fundamental business knowledge, such as online marketing, brand development, client retention strategies, and tax information, to support your professional development. Eligible students may also participate in externships with local barbershops, community service, and off-site learning.

The program includes a tablet, where much of the curriculum is taught with a social learning experience.

Aside from our outstanding licensed instructors and thoroughly crafted programs, Bellus Academy offers other advantages that help students on the path toward career success. First, you’ll receive a student equipment kit containing plenty of important materials you’ll need to excel in barbering school and the working world. This kit includes tools like professional Mizutani shears, model heads and hair for practice, brushes, hair dryers and straighteners, and reading materials. You’ll also receive a tablet to access the digital learning platform.

Bellus Academy also provides a supervised student salon and spa that helps you get hands-on training with real clients. While classroom learning can give you plenty of important information, the mix of classroom and interactive training helps students gain the confidence they need. We also offer externships and off-site learning possibilities, providing you with even more real-world experience.

Program highlights.

• Receive comprehensive barbering training for both the artistry and business of this timeless profession
• Discover the latest trends and fashion in men’s grooming
• Learn the business side of the industry, including retailing, sales techniques, and financial management
• Refine your hands-on skills by working with clients in our busy student barbering clinic floor
• Develop your portfolio and resume
• Receive assistance with job placement, interviews, and state board prep

TikTok Shop training. Health and beauty made up 79% of all U.S. TikTok Shop sales in 2024, totaling $1.34 billion according to Capital One Shopping research. At Bellus Academy, every student learns how to build a personal brand, create content, and sell beauty retail products online, taught through a licensed course from Jenn Lyles, a Top 1% TikTok Shop creator, and included in your total program cost.

Students desiring to enroll in Bellus Academy must have reached the age of majority (i.e., 18 in California), and must provide a high school diploma, or its equivalent (i.e., a GED or a certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state-authorized examination that the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma), a transcript showing high school completion, a transcript showing proof of attainment of an Associate’s degree or higher, or evidence of completion of home schooling that state law treats as a home or private school. Bellus Academy does not enroll students under training agreements.

The academy will verify the authenticity of the high school diploma prior to enrollment. All prospective students are encouraged to participate in a shadow day to gain more insight into the program they are considering.

Classes are conducted, in residency, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm for day students (35-hour week) and Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for night students (25-hour week).

The program length for the Day Schedule is 29 weeks and the Evening Schedule is 40 weeks.

Remaining 2026 class start dates: day classes start November 17, 2026; evening classes start October 27 and December 15, 2026. Residential and Hybrid programs have the same class start dates. All students are required to attend a mandatory Orientation session before their class start date. Management reserves the right to modify class start dates when necessary.

Cost of attendance. Tuition $15,300; kit (includes books, supplies and equipment) $1,467.23; program fees $2,012.17; STRF $0.00; total charges for the program $18,779.40. Tuition, kits and fees are charged on the first day of class. Overall kit costs and program fees may change depending on whether or not the student opts out of specific items, and prices are subject to change without notice.

Overtime. Students can attend beyond their scheduled completion date, at no additional charge, up to 7.5% of their total program hours; after that, additional tuition accrues at the hourly rate of $15.30.

Student kit. Barbering Foundation Kit (CA) (included in the total program cost; kit items vary and are not guaranteed):

• Hair art mannequins
• Shavers, combs and guide combs, etc.
• Mizutani shears, shears sleeve, mannequin shears, and shear oil
• Pivot Point Barbering kits, which include items like brushes, combs, clips, spray bottles, color bowls, hair swatches, and more

Payment. Payments are accepted by cash, check (there is a $25 fee for returned checks) or credit card; for students using financial aid, payments are due when the aid is received. In addition to Financial Aid Assistance for qualifying students, individual financing and payment programs are available, including payment plans that spread payments over a pre-set period.

Financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans and alternative (private) loans. Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C can be used at Bellus Academy by eligible California students. Bellus Academy is not eligible to receive funding under the California Dream Act (AB 540). The first step is to complete the FAFSA; the FAFSA school code for the Poway campus is 016644.

Military and veterans. Programs are approved for Veterans Educational Benefits (GI Bill® Chapters 30, 33 and 35). Military spouses may qualify for MyCAA, and active-duty service members may use Military Tuition Assistance.

Scholarships. Institutional scholarships are offered periodically, including the High School, Military and Alumni scholarships; amounts vary by program.

Net price calculator. A net price calculator for the Poway campus is available at https://www.bellusacademy.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/index-2.html.

Occupational titles. Employment opportunities for Barbers include Barber, Stylist, Master Barber and Barber Shop Operator.

Completion, placement and licensure rates. As reported to NACCAS for 2024 (students who completed within 150% of the published program length), Barbering Foundation at the Poway campus: 3 of 4 students scheduled to graduate completed (75%); 1 of 2 graduates eligible for work obtained training-related work (50% placement); 2 of 2 graduates who took the state exam passed (100% licensure). The school notes that Poway and its Manhattan, KS branch report combined data to NACCAS and the campus figures were extracted from it.

Graduation rate. Federal Student Right to Know: the overall graduation rate for full-time, first-time students at the Poway campus was 70% (cohort year September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025, graduating within 150% of normal time).

Career services. Throughout your training, job search training is incorporated in your classes, and the Career Services Department offers resume preparation, mock interviews, referrals and graduate follow-up; the academies cannot guarantee employment.

Externships. Externship Programs (as available) provide students with real-life, hands-on experience at highly successful, dynamic and inspiring salons and spas. Students who have completed 60% of their program of study, and are current with their clinic operations, may participate; externships are not a requirement for graduation.

Community service and off-site learning. The academy frequently participates in community events, salon visitations, extended training sessions in product knowledge and technical instruction, and various other extra-curricular activities, and students are expected to represent the academy at these events when requested.

Student app. All students have access to the Bellus Academy Student App for progress reports, academics, attendance and job postings.