Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a great barber? Beyond the skillful use of clippers and razors, barbering is a craftsman’s style of work that requires passion, dedication, and an eye for detail!
According to the BLS, the need for barbers is on the rise at 11% until the year 2031. Barbers work in many areas, including salons and personal care centers. With an education in barbering, there are a lot of options open. At Elite Academy of Cosmetology, our barbering program is growing and we are proud to help prepare students with the techniques and skills necessary to prepare them for a career in the field.
In this blog, we will explore the essential attributes and skills needed to excel in the field of barbering. So, if you’ve ever considered embarking on a journey as a barber, read on to discover if you have what it takes to become a true master of the craft.
A Solid Education
Every professional barber will require proper education and licensing for the state they work in. Many beauty schools offer barbering programs, and you can even find schools dedicated solely to barbering. Choose an education you can commit to, whether night classes or a full-time course.
At Elite, our program is 1500 hours and can usually be completed in a year. As you learn theory, coloring basics, and anatomy, you will also be required to put in practice hours to be able to sit for the state licensing exam. Our program is designed to help young professionals gain the barbering skills they need to succeed in the beauty industry. Here are some skills you can expect to learn:
-
- Men’s hairpiece, mustache, beard design, & shaving
- Hair coloring
- Haircutting & hairstyling
- Chemical relaxing, curling, & waving
- Anatomy, physiology, chemistry, hair/scalp treatment
- Sanitation & safety
- Professionalism, history of barbering, business management
- Board rules & regulations
- And more!
Entrepreneurial Spirit
As a barber, you have a unique position to be able to choose your working environment to some degree. If you choose to work in a salon you may have some flexibility in your schedule and if you open your own, you get to choose hours of business completely. As you accrue clients and get regulars, you can even come to expect a certain schedule.
Those who already have an entrepreneurial spirit definitely benefit from this kind of freedom. If you can already picture your own place and are excited by the prospect of managing schedules, finances, and even details like decoration, your barbering career has an added boost.
Creativity & Passion
At the heart of barbering lies the ability to transform hair into a work of art. A great barber possesses a keen sense of creativity and artistic flair. They have an eye for aesthetics and understand how to enhance their clients’ features through different hairstyles and grooming techniques. Whether it’s creating a classic taper or experimenting with modern fades, a great barber knows how to bring out the best in every individual.
If you love creating and take pride in your work, barbering will be a breeze. Curate your education so you can take advantage of courses like coloring, styling, and facial massage. The more you know, the more you can offer any future clients. And if you have a particular love of any one part of the process, you can work to harness that creativity and make it something your clients know you for.
A Knack for Chit-Chat
Barbering is not just about cutting hair; it’s about building relationships with clients. Not only do your clients need to communicate their desires and needs to you, but as the barber, you must communicate the style as you envision it and make your clients feel at ease during treatments. Explain the process, what products you use, and use good, old-fashioned chit-chat to get to know your customers. The romance of the old barber-pole shops includes that personal touch in how you treat and get to know your clientele.
An Eye for Detail
Precision and attention to detail are paramount in barbering. This not only includes the closeness of a shave and a good haircut but also the details that make for a great experience all around. A great barber takes pride in their work and understands that even the smallest detail can make a significant difference in the final result. They pay close attention to hair texture, growth patterns, and facial features to create a customized and polished look for each client.
At Elite, part of our education program is to also prepare students in business management and professionalism. If you already love executing every detail and pay attention to the little things, you can have success!
Time Management
In the fast-paced world of barbering, time management is crucial. A great barber knows how to efficiently manage their schedule, ensuring that each client receives the attention they deserve without unnecessary delays.
Here are a couple of reasons why it’s so important:
- Efficiency: Time management helps barbers optimize their schedules and serve more customers in a day. By efficiently organizing their schedule, they can reduce waiting times for clients and accommodate more appointments.
- Customer Experience: Effective time management allows barbers to provide a better customer experience. Clients appreciate barbers who respect their time and are punctual.
- Reduced Stress: Effective time management helps barbers avoid the stress and pressure associated with running behind schedule or feeling overwhelmed with tasks. By planning their day and allocating time slots for each appointment or task, barbers can maintain a sense of control and reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed.
- Personal Life Balance: By efficiently scheduling work hours and maintaining a consistent routine, barbers can allocate time for personal commitments, family, and self-care. This balance is essential for overall well-being and prevents burnout.
Passion And Dedication
Perhaps the most vital quality of a great barber is passion. Barbering is a labor of love that requires dedication and a genuine enthusiasm for the craft. A great barber is willing to invest time and effort into honing their skills, staying up-to-date with industry advancements, and continuously learning and growing. Their passion drives them to deliver exceptional results and provide an unforgettable experience for their clients.
Find Your Chair
Barbering is a dream job for many. It can offer flexibility, creativity, personality, and of course a great income with flexibility and personal style. Find the place where you belong and claim your barber’s chair!
If you already possess some of the skills above, check out our barbering course. Our goal is to make sure our students graduate with the skills they need to be successful in their careers. If you have any questions, we are more than happy to help, so feel free to contact us! We can’t wait to help you along your journey!
