Founding 25 priority listProjected opening January 4, 2027
EmpireBarber & Beauty Training CenterJoin the List

Black-owned · Veteran-owned · Master Barber-led

Build a career
that stays sharp.

A hands-on, 540-hour barber training experience created by working Master Barbers for the next generation of professionals.

Join the Founding 25Explore the program
Location
Albany, NY
Program
540 clock hours
Format
Hands-on training
CraftDisciplineOwnership
540Clock hours
10Course units
20:1Maximum student ratio
100%Career-minded

The standard behind the training

Real work. Real detail.

Precision across textures, styles, fades, tapers, designs, and beard work. This is the level of professional intention Empire is built to teach.

Precision high-top fade with a sharp temple lineup
Precision lineup
Cleanly tapered neckline viewed from the back
Neckline finish
Wave haircut with a smooth fade and crisp front lineup
Wave work
Low haircut with a clean fade, lineup, and shaped beard
Fade and beard
Copper-colored short cut with a carved geometric hair design
Creative design
Short natural haircut with a clean temple lineup
Natural texture
Straight-hair taper with a blended beard finish
Straight-hair taper
Close wave cut with a smooth skin fade
Skin fade
Full beard shaped into a clean, symmetrical outline
Beard sculpting
Short natural cut with an angular temple lineup
Crisp detail
Long curly top with a smooth side fade
Curly texture
Wave cut with a curved freestyle part and sharp front edge
Freestyle part
Textured natural haircut with a graduated temple fade
Texture control
Short cut paired with a precisely shaped full beard
Complete grooming

The Barbering Program

More than a haircut.
A professional foundation.

Empire is designed to connect technical training with the habits that build trust, repeat business, and a lasting career behind the chair.

01

Technique

Build a working foundation in cutting, fading, tapering, shear work, shaving, and grooming.

02

Professionalism

Practice sanitation, safety, client communication, station discipline, and service standards every day.

03

Business

Learn the habits behind pricing, retention, personal branding, shop operations, and long-term growth.

The 540-hour curriculum

Structured to move from foundation to precision.

Ten course units balance safety, technique, client readiness, business education, and preparation for the New York State licensing path.

540Total instructional
hours
  1. 01Orientation, Professional Development, History and Career Readiness20 hrs
  2. 02Sanitation, Safety, Infection Control and Workplace Protection32 hrs
  3. 03Tools, Equipment, Implements and Maintenance8 hrs
  4. 04Haircutting Fundamentals, Service Preparation and Basic Styling + Sanitation112 hrs
  5. 05Fades, Tapers, Advanced Cutting, Texture and Design Principles + Sanitation112 hrs
  6. 06Shaving, Beard, Facial Hair Design, Facial Treatment + Sanitation112 hrs
  7. 07Hair, Scalp, Skin, Anatomy, Disorders and Basic Science50 hrs
  8. 08Client Services, Consultation, Draping, Shampoo and Product Knowledge14 hrs
  9. 09Business, Barber Shop Operations, Career Planning and Branding40 hrs
  10. 10State Board Preparation, Mock Practical, Mock Written Final Remediation40 hrs

Built for real life

Two planned paths.
One professional standard.

Full-timeDay program

Monday—Thursday

8:00 AM—5:00 PM

Weekly pace
32 clock hours
Estimated length
Approximately 17 weeks
Daily lunch
One hour, non-instructional; excluded from clock hours
Request day-program updates

Planned schedules are subject to final BPSS approval, instructor availability, and cohort demand.

“The goal is not simply to teach people how to cut hair. It is to develop professionals who understand the craft, the client, and the business.”

Thomas GrisbyFounder · Master Barber · U.S. Army Combat Veteran

The admissions path

Get ready now.
Enroll when approvals are complete.

  1. 01

    Join the priority list

    Tell Admissions which schedule interests you and receive licensing and enrollment updates first.

  2. 02

    Review the official documents

    Once approved, review final tuition, fees, schedules, policies, disclosures, and admissions requirements in writing.

  3. 03

    Complete enrollment

    Choose an available cohort, complete the required agreement and payment arrangements, and prepare for orientation.

Founding 25 priority list

Your chair
starts here.

Request information about the planned day or evening program. This is a priority-list request—not an enrollment agreement.

Call Admissions(518) 836-1535Email Admissionsinfo@empirebarberbeautytraining.com
Visit Empire40 Steuben St, Albany, NY 12207

Your inquiry will be sent directly to Empire Admissions.

Straight answers

Questions before you commit?

Is enrollment open now?

Not yet. Empire is completing the NYSED BPSS licensing process. You can join the priority list now and receive notice when enrollment is legally permitted to open.

Do I need barbering experience?

No prior barbering experience is required. The program is structured to build foundational theory, safety habits, and technical skill before supervised practical work advances.

Will there be an evening option?

A Monday–Thursday, 5:00–10:00 PM evening format is planned based on demand. The final schedule remains subject to state approval and cohort readiness.

Can veterans use education benefits?

Empire is veteran-owned and intends to support military-connected students. VA education-benefit eligibility requires separate approvals and should not be assumed until officially confirmed.

How much will the program cost?

Final tuition, fees, kit costs, refund terms, and payment arrangements will be issued in writing after required approvals. Contact Admissions for the latest planning information and Founding 25 updates.

Licensing Disclosure: Empire Barber & Beauty Training Center is currently completing the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) licensing process. Enrollment is not open until all required state approvals are obtained. All tuition, schedule, and program details are subject to change pending final BPSS approval. Required disclosures, enrollment documents, and refund policies will be provided in writing before any enrollment agreement is signed.