How to become a Barber
Barbers wash, cut and style men’s hair and groom facial hair. In most barbershops, the senior barbers and the more advanced apprentices cut and style hair, while the junior apprentices undertake routine tasks in the initial stages of employment, assisting with washing clients’ hair, maintaining equipment, store cleaning, and performing customer service duties. As apprentices gain experience they carry out more complex tasks under supervision.
Personal requirements for a Barber
- Enjoy working with people
- Strong communication skills
- Able to work under pressure
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Patient
- Creative and passionate
- Good attention to detail
Education & Training for a Barber
To become a barber, you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. You can also become a barber by completing a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
Duties & Tasks of a Barber
Barbers:
- Talk to clients about their requirements
- Cut hair using clippers, scissors or razors
- Shampoo, condition and rinse hair
- Dry hair and style it
- Shave and trim beards and moustaches
- Advise clients on hair care
- Keep up to date with new products and techniques
- Operate a cash register and computer
- Perform reception duties such as answering telephone calls and making appointments
- Sell retail products
- Maintain client records
- Clean the barbershop, work areas and equipment.
Working conditions for a Barber
Barbers are generally employed in men's barbershops. Their days are spent on their feet and working hours are coordinated with the shop’s opening times, which often include weekends and a late night during the week.
Employment Opportunities for a Barber
Most barbers are employed in barbershops. Barbering has had a resurgence in recent years and attracts both men and women to the industry. It generally offers a different work environment to general hairdressing, with the clientele predominantly male. Those with good retail skills (selling products or additional treatments) are particularly in demand. Many barbers, after a number of years working in the industry, set up their own businesses, enter into partnerships or train apprentices.
Specializations
Barber
Barbers wash, cut and style men’s hair and groom facial hair. In most barbershops, the senior barbers and the more advanced apprentices cut and style hair, while the junior apprentices undertake routine tasks in the initial stages of employment, assisting with washing clients’ hair, maintaining equipment, store cleaning, and performing customer service duties. As apprentices gain experience they carry out more complex tasks under supervision.
