8 Hair and Barber Associations for Every Type of Business

Some even have yearly conferences full of speakers, panels, and classes, so you stay updated on all the latest trends in both style and business.

Here are the top professional hair salon associations and barber associations you should join to take your salon to the next level.

P.S. If you’re a beauty professional, spa owner, or cosmetologist, we also recently published a roundup of the best cosmetology associations!

The Best Hair Salon Associations and Barber Associations to Join in 2024

1. Best for Salon Managers: International SalonSpa Business Network (ISBN)

Do you own or manage more than one location of your spa or salon?

ISBN:

• Helps you network
• Shares industry news and information
• Offers hair and beauty industry discounts
• Acts as a powerful lobbyist representing you in Washington, D.C.

Finally, ISBN puts together an annual conference, billed as the only event for salon chain owners and salon managers.

2. Best for General Networking with Salon Industry Professionals: Professional Beauty Association (PBA)

If you’re looking for a more general networking organization for salon professionals and barbers, PBA is a non-profit membership organization.

Members include licensed service professionals, manufacturers, salons, schools, cosmetology students, and distributors.

Depending on your membership, you can access:

• Scholarship opportunities
• A liability insurance program
• A health, dental, and vision program
• Discounts on industry events and education
• Free membership for your team

3. Best for Hair Colorists:  The Board of Certified Haircolorists (BCH)

Next up is the best organization for anyone who’s looking to establish client trust in their salon services.

If you want to increase your credibility, getting board certified in hair color is a fantastic step.

Once you’re certified, you can roll that credential into your marketing efforts, making it clear that you’re a cut above the rest.

The BCH is a great replacement to the American Board of Certified Hairstylists (ABCH) — if you’re looking for a new alternative.

4. Best for Salon-Related Benefits: Associated Hair Professionals (AHP)

While an accident in your salon is unlikely, it’s critical that you’re insured just in case the worst happens. That’s where Associated Hair Professionals comes in.

Members get access to:

• Professional marketing tool kits
• A business website and domain name
• Video instruction on the latest hair trends
• A subscription to Modern Salon
• Partner discounts
• Liability insurance for your salon

5. Best Barber Organization: American Barber Association (ABA)

A membership in the American Barber Association is a surefire way to show off your professional bona fides to prospective customers.

6. Best for Diversity Support: Professional Black Barbers Association

The Professional Black Barbers Association offers seminars, workshops, discounts on events, and a monthly newsletter with industry trends. Members also get the opportunity to network with other Black barbers and participate in annual awards and events.

7. Best for Beauty Schools and Beauty School Grads: American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)

If you’re affiliated with a beauty school, chances are you can benefit from AACS, a national nonprofit open to all privately owned schools of cosmetology arts and sciences. Membership is open to the fields of:

• Cosmetology
• Skincare/esthetician
• Nails
• Barbering
• Massage therapy

Members get access to seminars, conferences, and conventions, where networking opportunities abound.

8. Best Local Salon Professional Organization: Cosmetologists Chicago (CC)

Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) monitors and lobbies for professional licenses. CC also provides advanced education and offers scholarships.

Membership gets you tons of perks, like:

• A free ticket to America’s Beauty Show
• Free admission to the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference
• Discounted rates on continuing education hours
• A subscription to Modern Salon
• An email newsletter with current trends and news
• Access to business advice for your salon