Launch Your
Barbering Careerin Bolingbrook, IL
Structured, state-approved barber training. Real hours, real clients, real careers.
Training Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs!
At Midwest Barber Academy we offer a structured, state-approved barber program designed to equip students and instructors with the technical proficiency, practical experience, and professional development necessary for a successful career in the barbering industry.
Our Programs
At Midwest Barber Academy we prepare future barbers for long-term success through a comprehensive and structured 1500-hour program that combines hands-on practical experience on our busy shop floor and impactful theory instruction in the classroom. Our students receive training in modern and traditional barbering techniques with an emphasis on professionalism, business development, and real-world shop experience to help students build the confidence and skills needed to thrive as licensed barbers and entrepreneurs. Our graduates are well prepared for the Illinois State Barbering Exam and beyond.
Inquire NowOur Barber Bridge Program is a 600-hour course for Illinois licensed cosmetologists seeking barbering licensure. Students receive hands-on training in essential barbering techniques, including clipper cutting, fading, beard grooming, and straight razor shaving. Most training takes place on our busy clinic floor under the supervision of licensed instructors, giving students real-world experience in a fast-paced barbershop environment. With flexible scheduling and a supportive learning atmosphere, our Bridge Program is an ideal path for cosmetologists looking to expand their skills and career opportunities.
Inquire NowOur Barber Instructor Program is designed for barbers with less than three years of licensed experience and provides the 1,000 hours of training required by the State of Illinois to qualify for the Instructor Licensing Exam. In addition to the required curriculum, students gain valuable real-world teaching experience through classroom presentations and hands-on instruction on the clinic floor, helping prepare them for successful careers as barber educators.
Inquire NowThis Barber Instructor Program is exclusively for Barbers who have been licensed in Illinois for at least three full years. During the 600-hour program, students will prepare to excel on the Illinois Instructor Licensing Exam with a comprehensive curriculum that includes classroom presentations and hands-on instruction on the clinic floor. This real-world experience will prepare students for dynamic careers in barber education.
Inquire NowA 250-hour program required by the IDFPR for barbers transferring their license to Illinois from another state or country, or barber school graduates who did not pass the Illinois State Barbering Exam in their first three attempts. Training includes state required classroom theory and training on our clinic floor under the supervision of licensed instructors.
Inquire Now
Students train together on a working shop floor under licensed instructors.
Walk-in Services
All services are performed by Barber Students under the supervision of a Licensed Instructor.
Haircut
The most popular service our Barber Students provide
Eyebrows
Precision Eyebrow Shaping
Beard Trim
A well-trimmed beard is a must-have element of every man's image
Facials
Deep-cleansing facial treatments, available during walk-in service hours
Other services available — just ask during walk-in service hours.
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate and prepare dedicated individuals to become the best Barbers they can be in all related fields of barbering. We strive to enhance the barbering industry for today's needs and hold all students to the highest standards. We commit to delivering comprehensive training programs designed to ensure student success in graduation, licensure, and career placement. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in the competitive beauty and barber industry.
Five Steps To Licensed
Coming in to talk with us and tour the school is free and with no obligation. Enrollment carries a $100 enrollment fee, and program pricing is inclusive of that fee, your kit, and tuition.
Inquire
Send us your details and book a tour of the academy.
Enroll
Choose your program and set up your payment plan or benefits.
Train
Log your hours on real clients under licensed instructors.
Graduate
Complete your hours and receive your certificate, which lets you start working.
Get Licensed
Sit the Illinois State Board exam, fully prepared.
Steps four and five can happen in either order — graduates can start working on their certificate while they sit the state exam.
Now Accepting The GI Bill®
If you or your parents/spouse served, your benefits may cover your training here. We will walk you through your eligibility when you send an enrollment inquiry.
The Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs State Approving Agency has approved this facility to offer federally funded programs of education and training for veterans and their eligible beneficiaries.
- Open to veterans and their eligible beneficiaries
- Approved by the Illinois State Approving Agency
- Send an inquiry and we will walk you through your eligibility
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Skills You Can See
Fades, tapers, and finishes straight from our students' chairs on the clinic floor.
Paying For Your Program
Cost should not be the reason you never start. Every price below is the full cost of the program — there is nothing added later.
Every program can be taken full time or part time. The monthly figure depends on which you choose, and each total includes tuition, your kit, and the $100 enrollment fee.
- More hours a week, so you finish sooner
- Covers tuition, kit and the $100 fee
- 0% interest — same total either way
- Fewer hours a week, over a longer schedule
- Built for students working a job
- 0% interest — same total either way
Straight Answers
Do I need any experience to enroll?
How long does 1500 hours actually take?
What does it cost, and can I pay monthly?
Is there a fee to enroll?
Is instruction available in Spanish?
La instrucción se imparte en inglés y en español, tanto en el salón de clases como en el piso de la barbería.
I'm already a licensed cosmetologist. Do I start over?
Can the public book haircuts at the school?
Find Us In Bolingbrook
689 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. Stop by during walk-in service hours for a tour, or book one when you send your enrollment inquiry.
Student Clinic & Tours
Clinic and tour hours. Student class schedules are separate.
Book A TourGet In Touch
The enrollment inquiry form is the fastest way to reach us — it puts your details straight in front of the team, and we come back to you with programs, schedules, and next steps. Email and phone are below if you prefer them.
Send An Enrollment Inquiry
Tell us which program you are interested in, and we will get back to you with details, schedules, and next steps.
Student Reviews
I went to school here a year ago went for six months to get my barber license since I already had my cosmetology license I highly recommend this school for barber school. I wish I would of found this school sooner 3 years ago instead of going to cosmo school. Mr. J is a very excellent instructor he puts all his focus on his students and helps them step by step to complete the haircut. Very good price for haircuts. Very clean school well mannered school. Mr. J always makes sure the client leave out of the chair looking nice and clean with there cuts. Thanks to him I pass and now I'm a licensed barber and cosmetologist. I will definitely be going back to this school for my instructors license.
Graduated Nov 2021, best barber school in the area. I drove all the way from the south side of Chicago. Mr. J teaches you everything you need to succeed, and theory instructor Sara makes sure you pass the IL Barber Exam.
The best barber school in the Midwest. Big on structure, sanitation, accountability, and teaching each person the proper way to cut hair. If you're looking to start your barber career, this is the place.
One of the best decisions I've made. The teachers are super skilled and genuinely care about helping you grow. Great feedback, and they always push you to do your best. I left confident and ready for the real world.
The staff are extremely skilled and make sure you leave confident and prepared for the barbering world. The instructor program is great for taking your career to the next level. All around a great school, 10/10.
Going to Midwest Barber Academy was one of the best choices I've ever made. The instructors are very talented and truly care about helping students improve and succeed. They take their time showing you proper techniques, give helpful feedback, and always encourage you to keep getting better. I learned so much — from beginner skills to more advanced cuts and fades — and finished feeling confident and prepared to start working. I definitely recommend this school to anyone who's serious about becoming a barber.
If you're thinking about cutting hair, this is definitely the place to be. I recommend 10/10
Customer Reviews
From clients who visit the student clinic.
My first time here and I'll definitely be back. Xavier gave me the best haircut I've had in years, and on my second visit Maggie was just as great. Highly recommend the barber school here in Bolingbrook.
Great place to get a haircut! clean and friendly. FAMILY friendly!!! only open until 4pm until the night people are more trained. go check em out!!!
Best hair cut I ever get especially the employees are very friendly and nice especially Mr J is awesome I definitely recommend people go there and get a stylish hair cut
This was the first time I went to a Barber Academy. I was apprehensive at first, but I must say I've gotten one of the best haircuts I've ever had. The instructors schooled the students on what to do, and they took their time and made sure it was done right. Overall, it was a very positive experience.
Good experience to have gave me the lift I needed definitely recommend for the price!
My husband and son got their haircuts at the Academy today. The wait was okay when we got in. The student barbers really wanted to learn. Just a word of warning, though. The haircuts took a long time, because the student barbers were careful and wanted to do a good job.
School Catalog
Our complete school catalog is published in full, in English and Spanish. It is available to read in its entirety — programs, hours, tuition, and every academy policy — and is kept current as those change.
Programs & Tuition
The complete Midwest Barber Academy school catalog is published in full in both English and Spanish and is available to read in its entirety. Program pricing is inclusive of the $100 enrollment fee, kit fee, and tuition. The catalog is the property of Midwest Barber Academy and is published for on-screen reading only.
Interested In School?
Submit your enrollment inquiry today. Visiting and touring the school is free and with no obligation, and you get a real conversation about the fastest route to your license.