Program B — Most Popular

Master Hair Care Specialist License

Advanced hair care, chemical texturizing, color theory and high-end styling — layered onto a full barbering skill set. A 1,500-hour path to South Carolina's advanced, cosmetology-track license.

Go beyond the cut

The Master Hair Care Specialist program is for stylists who want the full toolkit — cutting, color, and chemical work. At Bareknuckle Hair Institute in Spartanburg, you'll build a complete barbering foundation and then layer on the advanced services that let you charge more and serve more clients.

It's the advanced, cosmetology-track license, covering South Carolina's 1,500-hour minimum at a Board-approved school, taught one-on-one by working professionals.

A focused alternative to traditional cosmetology school

If you've been searching for a cosmetology school or a hair school in Spartanburg, the Master Hair Care Specialist track is worth a close look. It delivers the color, chemical-texture and advanced styling skills people usually associate with cosmetology school, built on a hands-on barbering foundation and a single flat tuition. For many Upstate students, it's a more focused, more affordable route into professional hair care than a traditional cosmetology or hair school program. (Bareknuckle Hair Institute is accredited by the South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners; verify current licensing routes with SC LLR.)

What you'll master

A complete advanced skill set on top of core barbering.

Color Theory & Correction

Formulate, apply and correct color with confidence across hair types.

Chemical Texturizing

Perms, relaxers and texture services done safely and to specification.

Advanced Styling

High-end finishing and styling techniques that build a loyal, paying clientele.

Treatments & Hair Care

Conditioning, scalp and care services that round out your menu.

Core Barbering Skills

Clipper and shear cutting, fades and the straight-razor shave — the full foundation.

Business & Marketing

Pricing, clientele-building and brand growth so your skills actually pay.

Who it's for

Stylists and aspiring pros who want to offer more than a cut — color, texture and advanced styling — and career changers looking for a versatile, high-earning credential. If you're torn between barbering and cosmetology, this track gives you both.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the Registered Barber program?+

The Master Hair Care Specialist track layers advanced hair care, chemical texturizing, color theory and high-end styling on top of a full barbering skill set. If you want to offer color and chemical services alongside cutting, this is your path.

How long is the program?+

It covers South Carolina's 1,500-hour minimum at a Board-approved school. Ask admissions for a current timeline based on your schedule, and verify the latest requirements with SC LLR.

What does it cost?+

A flat $10,000 with no hidden fees, plus monthly payment-plan options. See our tuition page for details.

Do I need experience to start?+

No prior experience is required. You'll learn the full barbering foundation first, then build advanced color and chemical skills on top.

Will this prepare me for the state exam?+

Yes — theory and practical drills are mapped to the SC LLR / NIC exam, with 100% board-exam prep built into the program.

Is this like cosmetology school or a hair school?+

It's a cosmetology-track program that teaches many of the color, chemical and styling skills associated with cosmetology and hair school, built on a barbering foundation. Bareknuckle Hair Institute is accredited by the South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners — confirm the licensing route that fits your goals with SC LLR.

Ready to claim your chair?

Request enrollment info and we'll send program details, tuition, payment-plan options, and open-house dates — no pressure.