Barber Job Description

What is a barber?

A barber is a professional who cuts, trims, and styles hair for male clients. Most barbers also provide facial hair maintenance and grooming services. The goal of a barber is to make each client feel comfortable and at ease while their hair is being cut or styled. The barber also seeks to ensure that the client is happy with his hair style and length, as well as with his facial hair.

Barbers cut, trim, shape, and taper their clients' hair. They usually use tools such as scissors, clippers, razors, and combs. When a barber grooms a client's facial hair, he will apply lather to the area to be shaved, usually the beard or hair contour. He will then remove the unwanted hair using a razor. Barbers may also provide other services such as applying lotions, shampooing, styling, coloring hair, and singeing. In addition, a barber may perform massage services for the scalp, neck, and face.

Finally, barbers will record their charges on an invoice and collect a payment. They will clean their work area and tools, order any necessary supplies, and sell beauty products such as shampoo, lotions, or tonics.

What do I need to know about becoming a barber?

In order to become a barber, you will first need to obtain a high school diploma or GED. You will then need to complete an approved training program in a valid cosmetology school and pass a state exam in order to be given a license. All candidates for licensing must be at least 16 years old.

How long does it take to become a barber?

How long it will take to become a licensed barber depends on a variety of factors. If you will first need to finish high school or get a GED, then it will take a bit longer. Also, the time to completion will depend on whether you are in full time or part time training in barber school. Finally, the time required to become a licensed barber will also be affected by how long it takes you to pass the licensing exam. Be sure to discuss all of these factors with an advisor before making a final career decision.

What are the barber license requirements?

License requirements vary by state, but on average it takes around 1500 hours of instruction in a barber school to become a barber. You will also need to be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass the appropriate licensing exam. Before beginning your training program, you should find out the specific requirements for your state of residence. Visit the State Beauty License Requirements page to find the required hours for becoming a barber in your state. You should also call your state licensing authority to make sure that the information you have is up to date and that there haven't been any recent changes in license requirements.

What are some of the barber career opportunities?

Barbers have a variety of options for their careers. A barber may decide to work in an established shop, or open his own shop. In addition, some barbers decide to become certified instructors and work in a barber school to teach others their craft.

What is the average barber salary?

The salary of a barber will depend on where he is working and how much experience he has, but the average salary for barbers across the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor, was $11.56 per hour in May of 2008. Payscale.com quotes a barber salary ranging anywhere from $16,477 to $55,643. This hourly rate includes tips as well. However, it should be noted that barbers who own their own shops are likely to make more per hour.

What qualities do barbers need?

In order to be a successful barber, you will need to be skilled in hair cutting and styling, as well as all other grooming techniques typically utilized in barber shops. In addition, you will need to be personable, reliable, and dedicated to your profession.

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