Local barber reacts to Iowa licensing bill

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - A new bill moving through the Iowa House could make it easier to become a licensed barber by allowing on-the-job training instead of requiring barber school.

Currently, Iowa requires aspiring barbers to complete hundreds of hours of training at an accredited school or through an apprenticeship. Some argue these requirements create barriers for those interested in the profession.

The bill creates an on-the-job training program, allowing barbershops to hire unlicensed individuals who would train under experienced professionals while working. Frederick Hall, owner of Davenport Barber Styling, supports the bill and believes it will lower entry barriers to the industry.

“Everything that we did in school, we can do in a shop under a licensed barber,” Hall said. “I think it’s the best move ever. One reason is because. With the cost of things today, kids don’t have to pay 12 grand to go to school. When you can OJT or do to own the job training and get the same results for less money.”

The bill comes as Iowa faces a barber shortage, with only about 1,000 licensed barbers compared to 10,000 cosmetologists.

Hall said the bill could benefit individuals who struggle with traditional schooling.

“For some people, going to school may be a challenge,” he said. “Some may understand better with hands-on training. I think you understand it better when you can put your hands on it instead.”

Despite concerns from some in the industry, Hall said he doesn’t see the bill as a threat to the industry, as becoming an established barber takes more than just a license.

“I don’t think it would impact our business here because people are going to go where they know they’ll get what they want,” Hall said. “Just because you put up a barber sign doesn’t mean they’re coming in. My business grew because of families telling families.”

The bill still requires approval from the Senate and the governor before becoming law.