This weekend, thousands of barbers from across the country descended on the Westgate for the Las Vegas Barber Expo. Yet beneath the glittering lights of the Strip remains one uncomfortable reality: Every barber traveling from out of state for this weekend’s expo comes from a place where it is easier to become a barber than in Nevada. In 2022, the Institute for Justice ranked Nevada as the single most burdensome state for barbers.
Nevada’s aspiring barbers must first attend school for at least 1,500 hours, finish an 18-month apprenticeship after they complete school and successfully pass a total of four exams before being given a license. On top of this, applicants must subject themselves to invasive and unnecessary medical testing including a chest X-ray and a blood test, the results of which must be submitted to the state board. (Cosmetologists have no such requirement.
) They must also submit to fingerprinting and pass an FBI background check. By contrast, entry-level emergency medical technicians, people tasked with rendering medical aid in emergency situations, are required to undergo only 150 hours of training in Nevada. Neighboring California, which ranks 39th nationally (meaning 38 other states have more onerous licensing requirements for barbering), requires only 1,000 hours of education with no additional apprenticeship requirement.
Same with Utah, which ranks 47th. This isn’t limited to barbering. Nevada ranks highest for most burdensome licenses across the boa.