Barber

Overview

Sphere of Work.Barbers cut and shave beards, mustaches, and hair, mostly for men and male children. As members of the wider group of cosmetologists, which includes hairdressers, shampooers, skin care specialists, and nail technicians, some barbers also dye hair, fit hairpieces, give scalp massages, set permanent waves, and otherwise tend to the health and beauty of the scalp and hair. While the term “barber” often refers to those who work primarily with male clients, barbers can be either men or women and serve customers of either gender.careers-rs-48446-158777.jpgcareers-rs-48446-158776.jpg

Work Environment. Barbers work in, and sometimes own, barbershops and hair styling salons. About half of them own their own business, while the remainder either rent a chair in a larger workspace or work in multi-shop chains with numerous employees. Barbershops are located in a wide variety of settings, including hotels, airports, department stores, and even cruise ships. Barbers interact mostly with their customers and with barbers and other cosmetologists in their shops. Those who own their own businesses may also interact with beauty product suppliers.

Occupation Interest. People who are attracted to barbering tend to be gregarious and enjoy using their skills to make others look good. In addition to excellent manual dexterity and good eyesight, they should be comfortable standing for long periods. Because so much of the job involves interacting with customers, a strong sense of humor and a good-natured personality are particular assets. Barbers should be capable of carrying on small talk while working, and make an effort to get to know repeat customers.

A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A barber’s work varies as much as his or her customers do. Most barbers both schedule appointments and accommodate walk-in clients whenever possible, as a means of increasing their customer base. Set appointments help barbers manage their time effectively and prepare materials in advance, while walk-in customers may present unexpected challenges. Barbers serve a wide clientele of different ages, races, religions, and hairstyles.

The barber’s first task is to ascertain exactly what the customer has in mind. Most male customers request a hair trim, although an occasional customer might desire a major hairstyle change. The barber might then shampoo the hair and scalp, or yield that job to a professional shampooer, before cutting the hair. While cutting hair, the barber usually spends a significant amount of time making small talk with the customer, which can help build the type of professional relationship that leads to long-term client retention. When finished, the barber might add gel or cream for manageability or special styling, and then he or she might blow-dry the hair. The barber might also trim facial hair, groom the eyebrows, or give the customer a shave. He or she may offer the customer advice on hair care, hair loss, or other issues, and respond to the customer’s questions about which hairstyles are likely to be flattering with the customer’s facial features and hair length or type. Sometimes barbers fit hairpieces for customers who have experienced hair loss due to illness or age.

When the barber has finished work, he or she prepares a bill of sale and either completes the transaction or directs the customer to a clerk or receptionist. The barber then sweeps or vacuums any hair from the floor and chair, ensures that the workstation is clean, and prepares for the next customer by cleaning his or her scissors, combs, and other tools.

Besides attending to customers, barbers may share reception duties or help clean the barbershop or salon at closing time. Barbers who own their businesses must perform managerial and bookkeeping duties in addition to cutting hair. All barbers must keep up with hair trends by reading beauty and fashion magazines and by attending industry shows.

Work Environment

Immediate Physical Environment. Barbers must follow state regulations for safety and sanitation practices, and their workstations are usually clean, bright, and comfortable. They may sometimes encounter unpleasant and/or unhealthy conditions amongst their customers, including communicable diseases, lice, and unpleasant body odors. Some styling products can cause unpleasant or harmful fumes, necessitating the use of proper ventilation, and might be harmful to the skin, requiring the use of latex gloves.

Human Environment. Most barbers either own their own businesses or participate in collectives in which they own or lease chairs, stalls, or suites, and serve as their own bosses. Others work under a manager, usually the owner of the shop or salon. As barbers who work in collectives or larger businesses tend to compete for customers with coworkers, some tension might exist amongst them.

Technological Environment. Barbers use a variety of razors, clippers, shears, hair dryers, and other grooming equipment. They might provide a television or music for their customers. They use computers for scheduling, billing, and other purposes, as well as phones, answering machines, and other office equipment.

Education, Training, and Advancement

High School/Secondary. Some states require a high school diploma or its equivalent. A vocational program in barbering or cosmetology usually meets the educational requirement for licensing in the candidate’s home state but is usually not transferable to other states. Other practical courses, such as business math, English, health, biology, and chemistry, are also helpful for prospective barbers. Art courses can develop creative skills for those interested in hairstyling, while a foreign language might come in handy when serving certain populations.

Suggested High School Subjects

− Applied Biology/Chemistry

− Bookkeeping

− Business

− Business Math

− English

− First Aid Training

Human Services Cluster

− Personal Care Services Pathway

Postsecondary. Some states recognize an apprenticeship in lieu of completion of a postsecondary barbering or cosmetology program, while other states require both vocational education and on-the-job experience to gain licensure. Most postsecondary programs last nine months and include hands-on experience in cutting, shaving, dying, honing and stropping (sharpening tools), instruction in safety and sanitation practices, basic business skills, and advice on maintaining a professional demeanor.

− Barbering/Hairstyling

Adult Job Seekers. Adult job seekers should fulfill their educational and licensure requirements before finding employment as barbers. Those returning to barbering careers need to check their credentials with their state licensing boards before resuming work, as additional education or retesting might be necessary. Part-time barbering can be a good source of extra income. Qualified barbers can apply directly to barbershops and salons. Postsecondary programs may provide job placement assistance.

As a barber gains experience, he or she builds a steady clientele that can provide for a reliable source of income and greater earnings. Experienced barbers can become managers or establish their own businesses, teach in barbering or cosmetology programs, work with celebrities, or move into sales or distributor positions with beauty care companies.

Professional Certification and Licensure. All states license barbers and cosmetologists, although requirements vary. To qualify, interested individuals must take an exam, meet the minimum age requirement (sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen years old, depending on the state), and graduate from an approved vocational program and/or obtain a minimum number of hours for on-the-job-training. Some states require a minimum number of continuing education credit hours for license renewals. Most states distinguish between barber technicians or barber assistants and barbers, barber managers, barber teachers, barbershop owners, and master barbers.

Additional Requirements. Barbers should enjoy working with people, enjoy working with their hands, and have excellent interpersonal skills. Barbers who wish to own their business should make an effort to learn basic business skills in addition to training as barbers.

Earnings and Advancement

Earnings depend on the size and location of the shop, the number of hours worked, customers’ tipping habits, and the barber’s skill and personality. Barbers receive income either from commissions or wages and tips. Median annual earnings of barbers were $25,245 in 2012.

Barbers may receive paid vacations, holidays, and sick days; life and health insurance; and retirement benefits. These are usually paid by the employer. Some employers may provide uniforms and laundry service. However, there are many self-employed and part-time workers in this field who do not enjoy such benefits.

Employment and Outlook

Barbers held about 59,000 jobs in 2014. Approximately half of all barbers are self-employed. Nearly every town has at least one locally-owned barber shop or beauty salon, but employment in this occupation is concentrated in the most populous cities and states. Employment of barbers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2024, which means employment is projected to increase 9 percent to 13 percent. In 2016, barbers made slightly more money per hour than other types of cosmetologists—the median wage for barbers was $12.38, while for other hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists it was $11.66.

− Cosmetologist

More Information

American Association of Cosmetology Schools

9927 East Bell Road, Suite 110

Scottsdale, AZ 85260

800.831.1086

www.beautyschools.org

Co-sponsors cosmetology scholarships:

www.beautyschools.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=16

Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation

P.O. Box 50625

Minneapolis, MN 55405

651.769.1757

kimlarsonmn@gmail.com

www.joefrancis.com

Sponsors scholarships:

www.joefrancis.com/apply.html

National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1300

Alexandria, VA 22302

703.600.7600

www.naccas.org

Provides a directory of accredited cosmetology schools:

www.naccas.org/Pages/SchoolSearch.aspx

National Association of Barber Boards of America

2703 Pine Street

Arkadelphia, AR 71923

501.682.2806

nabba@att.net

www.nationalbarberboards.com

National Black Cosmetology Association

P.O. Box 91

Somerdale, NJ 08083

856.873.6003

gina@nbassociation.com

www.nationalblackcosmetologyassociation.com

Bibliography

"Summary Report for: 39-5011.00 - Barbers." O*NET OnLine, 2016, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5011.00. Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.