The Street
The Door
The Floor
The Chair
Waukegan, Illinois · Est. 2024

Step Inside.
Master the Craft.

This is where serious barbers are made. You train on real clients with real tools, mentored every day by a Master Barber with 20+ years behind the chair, 11 years training barbers, and a Tricoci Educator of the Year. Get your Illinois barber license in as few as 20 weeks and walk out ready to own the room.

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Hands-On Training
Sammy and Eliezer Encarnacion, co-founders
Our Story

A Family-Built Academy, Rooted in Waukegan

Founded in March 2024 by Eliezer Encarnacion and his son Sammy. Sammy brings discipline and leadership from the Chicago Police Department. Eliezer brings over a decade of barbering expertise as Tricoci University's Educator of the Year.

Students travel from Gurnee, Zion, North Chicago, Beach Park, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Kenosha, and across Lake County to train here.

Mission

Train confident, licensed barbers ready for real careers on day one.

Approach

Small classes, hands-on repetition, and instructors who still work behind the chair.

Programs

Choose Your Path to Licensure

Every track is built around Illinois licensing requirements and real clock-hour instruction.

1,500 Clock Hours · ~40 Weeks

Barber Program

Cutting, styling, straight-razor shaving, sanitation, and business skills — everything required for full Illinois barber licensure.

40 wksFull-Time
State ExamPrep Included
Request Info
500 Clock Hours · Full or Part-Time

Cosmetologist Crossover

Already a licensed cosmetologist? Cross over into barbering with a condensed course built around your existing skill set.

20–40 wksFlexible
CrossoverTrack
Request Info
250 Clock Hours · 20–40 Weeks

Fast-Track Course

A focused, accelerated path for students ready to move quickly toward their state exam and job readiness.

20 wksFull-Time
AcceleratedTrack
Request Info
Why Premier

What Actually Separates This Academy

Educator of the Year

Led by a Tricoci University award winner with 25+ combined years in the industry.

Real-World Training

Work on real clients in a real salon from early on — not just mannequins.

Small Class Sizes

Direct instructor attention instead of getting lost in a crowded room.

Flexible Schedules

Full-time and part-time tracks built around work and family.

Payment Plans

Tuition options so cost isn't the reason you delay your career.

Career Preparation

Training covers the business of barbering, not just the technical skill.

Licensed CE Sponsor

Illinois BCENT-approved Continuing Education Sponsor, license #190.010984.

Competition Experience

Home of the Premier Barber Battle — sharpen your skill under real pressure.

Premier Barber Battle trophies Educator of the Year certificate
Recognition

Built on Real Accomplishment

2021

Educator of the Year, Barber/Nail

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

2017

Certified Haircolor Authority

Redken 5th Avenue NYC

Host

Premier Barber Battle

In-house student championship, first-place title belt

IL

Licensed BCENT CE Sponsor

State of Illinois, License #190.010984

Eliezer Encarnacion, Master Barber Instructor
Meet Your Instructor

Eliezer Encarnacion

Co-Founder & Master Barber Instructor

10+ years in barbering. 15 years as a licensed cosmetologist. In 2021, Tricoci University named him Educator of the Year for Barber/Nail.

His teaching style is direct and hands-on: high standards, real feedback, and mentorship that continues after graduation. He leads Premier as an Illinois BCENT-licensed Continuing Education Sponsor.

Tricoci Educator of the Year 2021 IL BCENT CE Sponsor Master Educator Redken Certified
The Campus

A Facility Built to Train Professionals

Picture yourself here — from your first day of class to your last hour before the state exam.

Premier Barber Academy salon floor
Premier Barber Academy classroom and boardroom
Professional starter kit
Student Experience

What You'll Actually Work With

Students who need a full kit train with professional-grade tools from day one. Experienced barbers and cosmetologists crossing over can use their own.

  • 01Wahl Professional A-Lign trimmer, Vanish shaver, and Magic Clip cordless clipper
  • 02Derby Premium razor blades, cutting cape, and barber vest
  • 03Black Ice grooming line: aftershave cologne, beard oil, and beard serum
  • 04Pinaud Clubman finishing powder, styling powder, combs, and clips
Don't Take Our Word For It

Real Reviews From Real Students

★★★★★
22 Google Reviews
★★★★★

"Choosing this barber school has honestly been one of the best experiences I've had. From day one, everyone made me feel welcome, and the energy here is so positive."

Patricia Alvarez
★★★★★

"Owners are seasoned veterans of cutting hair — very knowledgeable, very friendly, and willing to personally address anything the customer wants done."

Terrence Franck
★★★★★

"My kids and I regularly get our haircuts here, and we've always had a fantastic experience. The environment is welcoming, professional, and community-driven."

Ed, Local Guide
★★★★★

"Good vibes all around. Leadership is very friendly and students seem driven and passionate. Leo made me look like a million bucks. Well worth it."

Tone Arteaga
★★★★★

"I'm very happy I chose Premier. Mr. E and Sammy are knowledgeable, patient, understanding, and genuinely good people who truly care about their students' success."

Oscar Molina
★★★★★

"Feels blessed to grow in the best school in Waukegan — one that turned skill and craft into community and professionalism. 100% recommend."

Cesar Martinez
★★★★★

"Choosing this barber school has honestly been one of the best experiences I've had. From day one, everyone made me feel welcome, and the energy here is so positive."

Patricia Alvarez
★★★★★

"Owners are seasoned veterans of cutting hair — very knowledgeable, very friendly, and willing to personally address anything the customer wants done."

Terrence Franck
★★★★★

"My kids and I regularly get our haircuts here, and we've always had a fantastic experience. The environment is welcoming, professional, and community-driven."

Ed, Local Guide
★★★★★

"Good vibes all around. Leadership is very friendly and students seem driven and passionate. Leo made me look like a million bucks. Well worth it."

Tone Arteaga
★★★★★

"I'm very happy I chose Premier. Mr. E and Sammy are knowledgeable, patient, understanding, and genuinely good people who truly care about their students' success."

Oscar Molina
★★★★★

"Feels blessed to grow in the best school in Waukegan — one that turned skill and craft into community and professionalism. 100% recommend."

Cesar Martinez
FAQ

Common Questions

Start by requesting information or booking a tour. Our team will walk you through program options, tuition, and available start dates before you enroll.

Yes. Our 500-hour and 250-hour programs offer full-time and part-time tracks so you can train around work or family commitments.

Payment plans are available. Speak with our team directly about what options fit your situation.

Yes. Every program is built around Illinois's clock-hour requirements and prepares you for the state licensure exam through IDFPR.

Tuition includes instructional materials. Students who need a full starter kit — clippers, shears, grooming products, and supplies — can have one included based on their program.

Graduates are prepared to sit for the Illinois barber licensing exam and pursue work in professional barbershops — or eventually open their own.

Get Started

Start Your Barbering Career

Serving Waukegan, Gurnee, Zion, North Chicago, Beach Park, Libertyville, Grayslake, Round Lake, Kenosha, and all of Lake County.

Address
919 W. Greenwood Avenue
Waukegan, Illinois 60087
Phone
(224) 600-8830
Hours
Open Today · 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM