Barber Instructor

Douglas J Institutes & Salons; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Affordable health insurance

401(k) with company match

Product discounts

Job summary

Douglas J Institutes & Salons in Michigan seeks an experienced Barber Instructor to teach and mentor students while continuing to practice behind the chair if desired. The role supports earning required instructor hours and offers paid training to help you become licensed to teach.

You’ll lead hands-on sessions, maintain high standards of sanitation, and collaborate with fellow educators to deliver a top-tier barbering education and guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Active State of Michigan Barber License (or willingness to transfer)
• 2+ years of behind-the-chair barbering experience
• Strong leadership and mentorship mindset
• Able to hold students accountable and foster growth

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on training in classic and modern barbering techniques (fades, beard work, straight-razor shaves)
• Support student learning in classroom and clinic, ensuring readiness
• Demonstrate and uphold sanitation and safety standards
• Provide guidance, feedback, and coaching to build skills and confidence
• Foster a structured, encouraging learning environment
• Track attendance, grades, and student progress with attention to detail
• Collaborate with Educators to ensure consistent education and customer experience
• Be adaptable and ready to contribute wherever needed

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Teaching ability

Time management

Education

Active MI Barber License

Job description

Description

For over 55 years, Douglas J has been a family-owned leader in beauty and wellness education and services, with Institutes and high-end Salons/Spas across Michigan, Tennessee, and Nebraska.

We’re driven by purpose—nurturing talent, delivering outstanding guest experiences, and making a positive impact in our communities.

At Douglas J, you’ll find a culture built on creativity, education, care, and inclusion. Whether behind the chair, in the classroom, or supporting our teams, you’ll be part of something bigger—helping others grow while growing your own career in a vibrant, empowering environment.

The Role: Barber Instructor

Are you a licensed Barber who’s mastered your craft and ready to give back? Whether you're ready to teach full-time or looking for a second gig alongside your shop schedule, we’re here to make it work. We're flexible and committed to partnering with you—so you can keep doing what you love behind the chair while helping shape the future of Barbering, or step away to teach full-time. Already licensed to teach? Great. Just getting started? We’ve got you. We’ll provide paid training and support you in earning the hours needed to become a licensed Instructor.

Requirements

What You'll Do:

• Lead hands-on training in classic and modern Barbering—fades, beard work, straight-razor shaves, and more
• Support student learning in both the classroom and on the clinic floor, ensuring barbershop readiness
• Demonstrate and uphold professional sanitation and safety standards
• Provide guidance, feedback, and coaching that builds skill and confidence
• Foster a structured and encouraging learning environment
• Track attendance, grades, and student progress with attention to detail
• Collaborate with fellow Educators to create a consistent, high-quality education and customer experience
• Be adaptable and ready to jump in where needed—every day is different

What We're Looking For

• Active State of Michigan Barber License, or willingness to transfer your Barber license & relocate to Michigan
• At least 2 years of behind-the-chair experience in a professional Barber setting
• Natural leadership and a passion for mentorship
• Comfort with holding students accountable while supporting their growth
• Eager to work in a structured, high-energy learning environment
• No Instructor license yet? No problem—we’ll help you earn it

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Work with reputable product lines like Reuzel and Aveda, helping students build real-world experience
• It’s fun. It’s inspiring. And at the end of the day, you’ll leave feeling rewarded—as a role model, a mentor, and a contributor to the next generation of Barbers
• Paid Time Off to recharge
• Affordable health insurance options
• 401(k) with company match to help you retire
• Service and product discounts
• Opportunities to grow within a company that’s been elevating the beauty and grooming industry for over 55 years