Thinking About Becoming a Barber? Here’s How to Pursue a Barbering Career

If you are genuinely interested in becoming a licensed barber, consider joining an accredited barbering school to gain practical, hands-on training on the latest haircutting techniques and trends. The barbering industry has evolved over the years, transcending beyond shaving, styling, and grooming hair and beards. Professional barbers now offer diverse barbering services, such as waxing, facials, massage therapy, hair coloring, beard sculpting, eyebrow shaping, and more.

Steps to becoming a professional barber

Becoming a barber is straightforward. You only need to enroll in a barbering program to acquire the necessary skills. While you might be a self-taught barber running a barber shop, the chances of success with traditional barbering skills remain limited. Modern barbering goes beyond hair cutting and beard trimming. Moreover, all states require barbers to have a license. This means aspiring barbers must undergo a barber training program and obtain a license before practicing or starting a business.

Beauty schools offer hands-on training on various barbering skills and techniques from qualified educators and instructors. You’ll learn to use advanced barbering tools and practice for several hours to gain real-world experience. Basic barbering programs also include classes on people skills, entrepreneurship, and business skills, allowing barbering students to learn the business aspect of the industry.

The best part about cosmetology schools is that they offer licensing exams, meaning you won’t have to pursue additional certifications. Once you graduate, you can build your profile and become a self-employed barber, an instructor, or work in a boutique salon.

Leverage the benefits of a barbering career

Learning the art of shaving and barbering has numerous benefits. Barbers are more than your average beauty professionals. They work on both men and women, ensuring their hair looks attractive. The benefits of barbering include the following:

Increased demand

People from all walks of life seek stylish haircuts, beard care, and other expert grooming services. After all, hair growth is inevitable, and the demand for haircuts, trimmed beards, and sharp looks is constant. Potential customers will always seek a licensed, experienced barber to handle their styling needs. Depending on the quality and range of services, your client base may include public figures such as celebrities and entertainment stars.

Building client relationships

When you become a professional barber, you are literally a people person. You will develop people skills that will help you build lasting relations with your customers. In any case, most clients love to share their stories when sitting in a barber’s chair. However, you can only form close-knit customer bonds by offering premium services and ensuring social interaction.

Continuous learning

Barbering is all about continuous learning. This ever-growing industry requires professional barbers to provide exceptional customer service and understand various grooming techniques. You can learn much from your fellow barbers, even with your barbering experience, ensuring you maintain a loyal clientele base.

Become your own boss

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for barbers is growing exponentially. Professional barbers can earn a median pay of up to $35,080 annually. The best part is that you can become a self-employed barber and earn even more depending on your barbering services and experience. Moreover, you can set your schedule and work hours, ensuring more flexibility.

Elevate your barbering game by enrolling in a barbering training program

If you love haircutting, styling, coloring, and trimming, a career in barbering is your true calling. A barbering career can be lucrative and fulfilling, helping you churn out a living and making people feel good and look sharp. Evergreen Beauty College offers a wide range of courses to trigger your career journey. Book a virtual tour to learn more about our barbering program. 

FAQs – Here’s how to pursue a barbering career

How long does it take to become a barber?

Most barber training courses take between 8–12 months. However, the duration depends on several factors, including the training program, specialization, state requirements, and college you choose. 

What is the difference between a hairstylist and a barber?

Hairstylists work with a broad range of hairstyles, making them different from barbers. Professional barbers offer various services, such as haircuts, trimming, waxing, facials, massage therapy, hair coloring, beard sculpting, eyebrow shaping,

Do barbers attend to women clients?

Yes. Some women prefer to have their hair cut, trimmed, or dyed. A barber is the right professional to offer these services. An experienced barber can shave, cut, and style a woman’s hair to suit their preferences.

What traits make a great barber?

A great barber should have excellent communication skills, be patient, and pay attention to detail. Moreover, they should be creative and be able to suggest different styles to cater to a diverse clientele. 

Is barbering easy to learn?

Becoming a proficient barber requires time, patience, and continuous learning. While basic techniques like cutting and styling hair can be grasped relatively quickly, skills such as precision and creativity take experience to develop.