Barbers vs. Hairdressers: What’s the Difference?

trimming client hair

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People everywhere are unsure of the differences between barbers and hairdressers. That’s okay. Sometimes, the lines can seem blurry. We’re here to educate you on their differences.

A Brief History of Barbering

Barbers have been around for over 5,000 years. They historically acted as dentists and surgeons. Traditionally, the iconic barber pole was a wooden container painted red and white and used to hold leeches that drew blood from the patient. Eventually, barbers began to give up medical pursuits and started cutting hair. The history of barbering is full of fun facts and interesting information. Who knew that barbers were once considered health care professionals?

Are Barbers for Men and Hairdressers for Women?

Some men prefer to use barbers because barbers specialize in a range of hairstyles and beard designs for men. Women are welcome to visit barbershops, just as men are frequent guests in hair salons. However, most female consumers opt to go to a hairstylist since they cater to women’s needs, such as coloring, perms, straightening, nails and other salon services.

Is the Training for Barbers Different Than Hairdressers?

Barbers undergo different training than hairdressers. People in this job need to train intensively for 10 to 12 months. The training is available from specialized beauty schools and includes a written exam and a practical demonstration. In the United States, every state has its own Barbering Board. This board often includes certification for cosmetology. Graduates will have to go to the board and apply for a license. This license should be renewed regularly. If a barber is very experienced, he or she may become certified as a master barber in some states.

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Hairdresser Training

While most barbers may specialize in beard design, hair stylists working in salons specialize in other extensive services, including perms, hair straightening, hair conditioning, hair coloring, blowouts, and styling. A hairstylist can offer anyone virtually any style the client wants. Still, when it comes to enjoying the experience of a full-service haircut at the barbershop, which includes a warm towel, a fresh shave, beard design, and a haircut, that would be in the barber’s domain.

Should I Go to a Barber or a Hairdresser?

Ultimately, your needs will determine whether or not you choose a barber over a hairdresser. Unless women want a simplistic cut, they will generally be better off with a stylist. Men who need to get their hair cut quickly and efficiently should consider using a barber. Those who want color, highlights or the latest trendy hairstyle are unlikely to get these services at a barbershop.

I Want To Be a Barber or Hairdresser!

If you are considering a career in hair cutting, you should contact us. Evergreen Beauty college offers courses in both hair styling and barbering. The staff at the school will be able to talk to you about our courses and how taking one will impact your career path. If you cannot afford to study, we can advise you of various grant and scholarship opportunities.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Author
Frank Trieu
Vice President of Business Development & Industry Relations

Frank Trieu is a cosmetology industry leader, and despite his accomplishments and accolades, he still prioritizes students on the Evergreen campus. Through building relationships within the community and local salons, retail stores, and spas, he helps facilitate job placements for aspiring beauty professionals using his expansive network.

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Ashley Johnson
Ashley Johnson
4 years ago

I liked that you said that men who want a quick and efficient haircut will go to a barber. I have been trying to determine where to send my fiance for a haircut but I haven’t been sure. I will send him to the barber so that it is completed quickly and correctly.

Freaky beaky
Freaky beaky
4 years ago
Reply to  Ashley Johnson

Control freak

Lauri
Lauri
4 years ago
Reply to  Ashley Johnson

That does NOT mean that a licensed cosmetologist who has been trained to do men’s haircuts cannot do it quickly and efficiently. You just literally have to look at someone work.

Jan
Jan
3 years ago
Reply to  Ashley Johnson

Jeez let him go where he wants to. ffs

JLW
JLW
2 years ago
Reply to  Ashley Johnson

Your fiance can’t figure out where he wants to have his own hair cut? Are you his mother or his girlfriend?

SMB
SMB
4 years ago

Is it embarrasing for a man to become a hairdresser and work in a beauty salon with lots of female colleagues and female clients?

Lauri
Lauri
4 years ago

Ok I am asking a licensing question. Are barbers in Alabama allowed to do color and hilites on clients under their barbering license.

BlackBeard
BlackBeard
4 years ago

See our barber shop in Poland – blakbeard.com.pl

Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson
4 years ago

That is interesting that barbers need to undergo different training that hairdressers. Maybe it would be good to go to a barber and try them out. Then I would be able to get a different feel from someone trained differently.

kyle kidd
kyle kidd
4 years ago

I appreciate that you mentioned that a barber will be trained in trimming facial hair. My brother told me about when he got his face professionally shaved, and I want to have the same thing done because it sounds awesome. When I look for someone to do it, I will be sure to consider a barber because they are trained in that sort of thing.

Tracey's Hairdressers LTD
Tracey's Hairdressers LTD
3 years ago

Thanks, a lot you provide very good information.

Franklin White
Franklin White
3 years ago

Thanks for the tip to go to a barber if a guy needs to get his haircut quickly. I need a haircut but I really don’t want to be there for a long time. I’ll find a barber near me that can get it done in like 15 minutes.
freshkutz.com/

Shaylee Packer
Shaylee Packer
3 years ago

As you mentioned, if you want color, or highlights with your haircut, you should go to a hairstylist rather than a barber. My aunt is looking for a new salon to go to. She has very curly hair, and wants to find someone who specializes in that. I will have to share these tips with her, and see what she thinks. upandupsalon.com/

K Williams
K Williams
3 years ago

Barber training. You are wrong im a barber u dont know what your talking about. Barbers go to school for 9 months 1500 hrs we are license to cut men snd women you are not. barber industry dont make a big deal about cutting mans hair but touch there face you will be fined.

K Williams
K Williams
3 years ago
Reply to  K Williams

Barbers are licensed to cut men and women !

Alice Carroll
Alice Carroll
3 years ago

It’s interesting to know that barber training can last for up to 12 months. A cousin of mine is thinking about finding a barber college soon in order to be able start his own business someday. I will surely recommend some of my male friends to him when he finally gets to open it.

deluxebarbercollege.org/