How to Become a Barber: the Ultimate Guide

I’m here to guide you on an exciting career journey as you explore the art of hair cutting 💇‍♂️. Have you ever wondered about the potential in this profession?

Did you know that skilled barbers can earn a respectable income, with an average yearly salary that varies between $27,128 and $40,582 depending on experience and location? 💰

Becoming a barber requires not only creativity but also precision and an eye for style. Your ability to craft unique haircuts and designs can lead to a successful and fulfilling career in the world of hairstyling.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing many talented barbers, and they’ve made a name for themselves in the industry, one haircut at a time.

Whether you’re looking to open your barbershop or join a prestigious salon, I’ve got you covered. 👇💈

Questions you should ask yourself before starting your career as a barber

Want to pursue a full-time career as a barber? Here are a few questions you should consider asking yourself before you think of switching to a full-time career as a barber.

Do you have a genuine interest in haircutting and hairstyling?
Are you willing to pursue a hairstyling/ grooming course required to become a barber?
Some areas need licensing/ certification requirements. Are you looking forward to getting certified as a barber?
Becoming a barber expects you to become comfortable working with various hair and skin products. Do you think you will be familiar with it?
Do you think you are strongly engaged in maintaining a clean and hygienic workspace?
Do you envision yourself working as a full-time barber and meeting your financial goals?

If you answered ‘Yes’, to the majority of the questions above. It is time that you know more about the process in detail of becoming a barber.

Who is a barber?

Barbers, also known as hairstylists or cosmetologists, are skilled professionals who excel in the art of hair cutting and styling, transforming locks into expressions of beauty and health.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there would be an increase in the growth of the job market by 8% by the year 2032.

Beyond their scissors’ mastery, they offer a diverse range of beauty services, including hair coloring, the fitting of hairpieces, and expert grooming and styling of facial hair.🌟

Their paramount mission is to elevate the aesthetic charm and vitality of their client’s hair, leaving them feeling confident and radiant.

Scope of Barbers in the Future

The Barbershop industry in the USA itself consists of a huge market generating nearly an annual revenue of $5 billion. In the USA, there are more than 2,20,000 barbershop businesses that contribute to the barbershop industry.

According to my research, it has been found that the Southeast part of the USA is the largest market for barber shops in terms of revenue. Barbers get paid well as barber shops in the USA generate promising numbers when it comes to earnings. The average revenue of a barber shop in the USA is around $70,000 every year.

Post-COVID-19 the barbershop industry experienced a 1.4% growth in the year 2021. Moreover, globally recognized countries such as Australia, China, Brazi, and the UK, have also shown a potential rise in the salon and hairstyling business.

With the expected growth as projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, barbers have multiple opportunities opened for them in the future in the USA as well as in some parts of the country globally.

Expert skills required to become a barber

Mastering a variety of haircutting techniques
Precision in cutting for accurate haircuts
Staying updated and learning various hairstyling trends and techniques
Proficiency in using scissors and clippers
Adhering to strict hygiene practices
Knowledge of suitable products for hairstyling
Having strong knowledge of hair and scalp health

How much can a barber earn?

In the United States, the average salary for barbers is approximately $33,698 as of June 26, 2023.

However, this figure can fluctuate within a range of $27,128 to $40,582, influenced by various crucial factors such as educational background, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience in the profession.

To accurately assess your exact pay target, you can rely on Salary.com, which offers comprehensive online, real-time compensation data, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions about your career.💸

How to Become a Barber

I have listed below the necessary ways that will help you become a barber.

Seek private barbering courses

Various schools offer specialized private barbering courses, with durations ranging from one to three months, depending on the chosen program.
A beginner course typically spans six to eight weeks, providing essential barbering fundamentals.
Graduates gain proficiency in hair and facial grooming, equipping them for immediate work.
Private programs often facilitate one-on-one training with instructors, ensuring focused attention and guidance from skilled professionals in smaller class sizes.📝

Consider university enrollment

Enrolling in a university barbering course requires a commitment of two years and is generally open to individuals aged between 16 and 19 years old.
University courses offer comprehensive training, and students may receive National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificates in barbering upon graduation.
While these courses incorporate both theory and practical elements, they tend to emphasize the theoretical aspects of barbering more than hands-on training.📋

Pursue apprenticeships

Aspiring barbers can explore apprenticeship opportunities through job boards, university career centers, or personal networks.
Generally available for individuals aged 16 to 18, apprenticeship programs usually last up to three years and can be pursued after completing the GCSE.
Apprentices work in the field while also attending weekly theoretical sessions at the university, ensuring a practical and comprehensive learning experience.✅

Maintain a steady level of performance

Consistency is paramount in all aspects of life, particularly in the field of barbering. It is essential to provide clients with exceptional results each time they visit.
Ensuring that people are delighted with their haircut, shave, or regular service will encourage them to return.
Consistency establishes and retains a loyal clientele. As you embark on your career, consider taking notes or photos of each client’s preferences to replicate their desired style accurately.
Devote time to perfecting your craft and refining your techniques to achieve unwavering consistency in your work.💯

Promote your brand

Effectively marketing yourself is a key aspect of succeeding as a barber.
Develop a website for your barbershop that displays your impressive skills and craftsmanship.
Utilize social media to create captivating videos and images highlighting your exceptional haircuts.
Share before-and-after photos, showcase unique hair and beard designs, and offer valuable insider tips.
Request reviews from your satisfied clients to feature on your platforms.
Always seek permission before sharing a client’s photo, as most individuals will gladly agree and appreciate being featured on your account.📈

Responsibilities of a barber

Barbers also showcase their skills beyond traditional haircuts. In addition to their work in barbershops, they may take part in styling for TV shows, photoshoots, and even podcasts. While their primary focus is grooming and hairstyling, barbers may have other tasks before, during, and after their sessions.

They might provide advice on hair care, maintain a clean workspace, and ensure customer satisfaction.

A barber’s everyday duties encompass a diverse range of skills and responsibilities to deliver top-notch grooming experiences. ⤵️

Manage cleanliness, supervise inventory control, and get training from a licensed barber

As a barber, you will train under a licensed professional to learn essential hair-cutting and grooming techniques. You will also be responsible for overseeing inventory control to ensure a well-stocked and organized barbershop.
Additionally, you will play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards for a professional and inviting environment.✨

Give personnel training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities

As a barber, part of your responsibilities includes providing leadership and mentorship to other staff members.
You’ll guide and support them in enhancing their barbering skills and customer service.
By sharing your expertise, you’ll help create a cohesive and talented team that delivers exceptional services to clients.📝

As needed by the customer, shape, cut, tweak, and curl wigs.

As a barber, you may also be responsible for shaping, cutting, adjusting, and curling wigs based on clients’ preferences and needs.
This may involve working with various types of wigs to achieve the desired look and style, ensuring customer satisfaction and enhancing their overall appearance.💇

As needed, offer consumers cosmetology services.

As part of your duties as a barber, you may provide cosmetology services to customers as needed.
This can include various cosmetic treatments and enhancements, such as facials, skincare, and other beauty services.
Offering these additional services can enhance the overall experience for customers and help meet their diverse grooming needs.💈

Sort items according to their cleanliness and usability.

As a barber, it’s essential to maintain a well-organized workspace. You’ll be responsible for organizing materials and tools based on cleanliness and operating functions.
This ensures that everything is easily accessible and ready for use when attending to clients, creating a professional and efficient working environment. ✅

Tips to improve your barbering career

Starting a career as a barber is an exciting journey that requires continuous growth and development.

By honing your barbering skills, leaving a lasting impression on clients, and following the advice in this article, you’ll pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in the world of grooming.

So, let’s dive in and begin this thrilling adventure together as you master the art of barbering and make your mark in the industry! ⤵️

Attention to Detail

Being detail-oriented is crucial for a barber, as it allows you to provide personalized services that cater to each customer’s specific needs.
Understanding their preferences and tailoring your approach accordingly can help you retain clients and enhance your expertise.💯

Effective Communication

In barbering, effective communication is essential.
Understanding your customers’ desires, emotions, and preferences during their visit ensures a positive experience in your shop.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere and meeting their style requirements becomes achievable through empathetic communication.🧑‍💼

Efficient Time Management

As a barber, managing your time efficiently is vital to delivering top-notch service and maintaining a tidy shop.
Balancing the time spent on each customer while also attending to maintenance tasks enables you to keep your space professional and appealing to clients.⌚

Endurance

Barbers typically spend prolonged hours standing, making stamina a vital attribute.
Building this skill might take time if you’re not accustomed to extended periods of standing.
However, with experience, you’ll find it easier to maintain your stamina throughout the day.💪

Hand-Eye Coordination

Excellent hand-eye coordination is indispensable when cutting hair.
This skill demands focus and multitasking abilities to provide efficient service.
With good hand-eye coordination, the barbering process flows seamlessly, ensuring a pleasant experience for both the barber and the customer.👀

Organization

Maintaining a well-organized workspace can save time during and after each haircut.
Ensuring all your tools are readily available and in working condition is crucial.
A messy shop floor or lack of preparation can lengthen appointments and diminish your professional image in the eyes of customers.💯

Top barbering courses in the United States

If you aspire to become a skilled barber, exploring the best barbering programs available can set you on the path to success.

Let’s delve into some top-notch barbering degrees offered by reputable schools across the United States.

These esteemed programs, ranging from renowned academies to well-established college courses, provide comprehensive training, expert guidance, and opportunities for budding barbers to refine their craft and excel in the world of grooming. ⤵️

Cosmetology program

At the International College of Cosmetology, learning hairdressing goes beyond textbooks and into the salon setting.
As a student, you’ll have the invaluable opportunity to work with real clients in our student salon under the guidance of experienced cosmetology educators.
You’ll gain hands-on experience providing a wide range of services found in professional salons, spas, and barbershops.

Barber Training Course

The introductory course offered by One Education is designed for individuals aspiring to become skilled barbers or run their own barber shops.
It offers a solid foundation for starting a successful career in barbering, providing comprehensive instruction in current techniques and in-demand skills.
Participants will gain expert insights on grooming, cutting, and shaving, including a step-by-step guide on facial hair grooming.

Hair & Beard Barbering Course

One Education offers another course centered around establishing a career as a freelance barber, highlighting the advantages of flexible working hours.
The main emphasis is on cutting and styling techniques, covering party hairstyles, bun-making, ponytails, curly styles, and more.
Participants will also explore the tools and products utilized by barbers to achieve desired results.
The course, consisting of video demonstrations and online study materials, can be completed in approximately 3-4 hours.

Barbering-Fades, Scissors, Beard Trims & Straight Razor

This online course specializes in beard trims, fades, and straight razor techniques.
In the 3-hour duration, you will learn the art of shaping, trimming, and lining up beards.
Alongside essential barbering skills, you’ll become well-versed in using clippers, trimmers, and combs as essential tools.
The course goes beyond the fundamentals, teaching you how to create skin fades and blend beards seamlessly, as well as achieving sharp skin fades.
You’ll also gain expertise in handling, using, and maintaining straight razors.

How to Start a Hair Salon Business Course

Unlike the previous courses that focused on barbering techniques and tools, this course caters to aspiring barbers to establish their own hair salons.
It covers essential aspects of launching a salon, including interior design selection, business plan development, reputation building, and creating effective marketing campaigns.
Additionally, you’ll learn about branding and logo creation, as well as acquiring startup capital for your salon.
The course also offers valuable insights on selecting the perfect location for your barber shop.

Top Barbering Schools in the World

A career in barbering may be your true calling if you have a flair for creativity, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for grooming.

However, becoming a skilled barber goes beyond simply cutting hair. It demands dedication and years of honing your craft to perfection.

To kickstart your journey, here are the top 5 barbering schools worldwide, offering comprehensive training and expert guidance, so you can embark on your path to success in the world of barbering. ⤵️

American Barber and Beauty Academy

At the top of our list of exceptional barber academies worldwide is the American Barber and Beauty Academy.
Renowned for producing numerous highly skilled professionals and leaders in the beauty industry, this academy offers a diverse range of programs, including cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics (skincare).
Students have the flexibility to choose individual programs or a combination of areas, and for those looking to advance their careers, the academy also offers opportunities to become certified instructors in cosmetology or barbering.

Blade Craft Barber Academy

Ranked second on our list of top barber schools globally is the Blade Craft Barber Academy, a relatively new but unquestionably exceptional establishment.
Here, aspiring barbers receive education from a team of experienced Blade Masters with practical industry knowledge.
All enrolled students have a strong desire to learn in a sophisticated learning environment dedicated to barber education, including state-of-the-art razor shaves, intricate patterns, and skincare techniques.
The academy ensures students are equipped with the skills needed to excel in their state board examinations.

Empire Beauty Schools

Founded in 1934, Empire Beauty Schools has been a reliable source for grooming beauty professionals across the nation for many years, earning it a well-deserved place on our list of excellent barber schools worldwide.
What sets this school apart is its employment of industry experts to teach a diverse array of courses and careers.
Students have the opportunity to become skilled Hairstylists, Hair Color Specialists, Nail Technicians, Salon Owners, Platform Artists, or even a combination of these roles.

Paul Mitchell Schools

For those aspiring to become exceptional barbers and seeking the finest barbering schools globally, the Paul Mitchell School stands out as the ideal choice.
With six distinct programs, over 10,000 students graduate annually, and those admitted to the barbering profession will receive comprehensive training in all essential skills as part of their curriculum.

Aveda Institutes

Aveda Institutes has earned its reputation as one of the premier barber schools globally, priding itself on being a top-notch, industry-leading establishment for barbering and cosmetology education.
Founded in 1977, Aveda is renowned for its exceptional hair, skin, and body products, and this commitment to quality extends to its institutes.
The school offers an eco-friendly and wellness-focused approach, setting it apart from conventional beauty schools.

Where to find barbering opportunities online?

Are you a passionate barber seeking exciting career opportunities? Look no further! In today’s digital age, the internet offers a wealth of resources for barbers to explore diverse job possibilities and connect with industry experts worldwide.

This guide will navigate you through the online landscape, helping you discover the perfect opportunities that align with your career goals and aspirations, whether you’re just starting or aiming to elevate your barbering journey. ⤵️

Indeed

Indeed is a leading online job platform that connects barbers with various employment opportunities.
It serves as a comprehensive resource for barbers seeking jobs in the industry.
Through Indeed, barbers can explore a wide range of barbering positions, from entry-level vacancies to advanced roles.
The platform provides a user-friendly interface where barbers can create personalized profiles, upload their resumes, and apply to relevant job postings.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that offers valuable opportunities for barbers to establish and expand their industry connections.
It serves as a virtual hub where barbers can create professional profiles, showcasing their skills, experience, and accomplishments.
Through LinkedIn, barbers can connect with fellow professionals, potential clients, and employers in the beauty and grooming industry.
They can join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and gain insights into industry trends and advancements.

Key takeaways

Starting a barbering career may seem challenging, but with determination and dedication, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

I want to say that, give it your all, strive for excellence, and seize every opportunity to showcase your skills. Who knows, you could be the next rising barber! 😁

Besides this, if you have any doubts/queries feel free to reach out by commenting your question in the comment section below and we will get that covered. All the best!