A clean shave and a smooth taper are the kinds of services that make clients feel their best when they look in the mirror. You could be the barber delivering those results. At Alva Beauty Collective, barbering students learn in a technique-first environment. When you are a student here, you might watch a demonstration up close, then practice it yourself while getting feedback from experienced professionals who help you turn your “almost” into barbershop-ready confidence.
Our Barber Program balances flexibility with real hands-on growth. With consistent practice and expert coaching, you can prepare to sit for the California state board exam and work toward starting the next chapter in your story.
My experience at this beauty school has been a dream come true! I am excited to be a part of the Cosmetology program offered here with amazing educators like Amber and Daisy and the front desk staff is always so friendly and welcoming. I’m new at this program and already learned so much!
Thoroughly enjoyed my time at ALVA, loved building connections with my instructors/classmates while learning up to date techniques in the manicurist business world. Really appreciated getting real-world beauty service experiences. Also had so much fun while there!💕
After being in the dental field for 23 years I decided to go back to school To follow a passion of cutting hair. ALVA was a perfect opportunity to get the schooling I needed to be able to qualify for state board exam and not break the bank. The speedy curriculum and flexible hours made this possible for me. As a Mom and full time employee I needed that flexibility. They were very accommodating when my work schedules changed. The teachers are very knowledgeable on current protocols and techniques. The atmosphere is relaxed but offers the competitiveness that is sometimes helpful in that drive to be better. As one of the older students, I felt right at home and enjoyed the young energy that filled the air. My only regret… Is that I did not do this 23 years ago! The beauty industry is always growing and very competitive when it comes to what you can make financially. I should have done this so long ago!
Our training splits your time between learning theory at home and hands-on training at our Chula Vista campus. You complete theory coursework online, on your own schedule, and however works best for you. Then you come in three times a week for four hours, where your in-person class time is focused on building practical skills you can put to work on a barbershop floor. Moving from live demonstrations to guided practice to hands-on execution helps you build skills that stick, and feedback from instructors means you are never guessing about what to fix or how to improve.
As you build your consistency, you can work with real clients in our student barber shop. All services are provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals. The goal is to get you barbershop-ready and prepare you to sit for the California State Board exam.
A California Barber License can support a range of paths, depending on your goals, experience, and the opportunities you pursue. Career directions may include:
If you want to talk through what path fits your goals, schedule a tour and meet the team.
Cost matters. That’s why we offer in-house payment plans that can make your education more affordable. There are weekly and monthly payment options that help you spread the cost of your tuition over time. Make an appointment with our team to talk about our available 0% interest payment plans and what those payments might look like based on your program choice and start date. Call us today to start that discussion.
Our Barbering Program is designed to be completed in 9–10 months. Students receive hands-on training and online theory instruction to prepare for licensure and a career in the beauty industry.
Yes! We offer TFC financing, MYCAA funding, and in-house payment plans to help make your education more accessible. Our admissions team can help guide you through the available options and find a plan that works best for you.
Client-facing work happens as you build up your barbering skills and your instructors feel you are ready to provide services on the shop floor. All services are provided by students under the supervision of licensed professionals. Often, this happens early in the training process, but it’s different for everyone. You can also benefit from hands-on training in our classrooms and on mannequin heads with instructor feedback that will help you get ready to work on real clients.
Getting started is easy, and the first step is to come see our school in person. We’ll take you on a tour of the campus so you can see our classrooms and barber shop floor in action. Then you can complete the admissions forms and submit your paperwork. Once admitted, you can pick your start date. Classes start every Monday! To start enrollment, you’ll need:
Ready to see what barber training looks like? Schedule a tour to learn more.
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