Are you one of those people with an artistic flair, completely passionate about hairstyles? If you don’t like that boring and normal 9-5 job, then you should consider becoming a barber. Let’s see the basic steps to becoming a barber.
Barbers are those people specialized in hairstyles, hair treatments, and grooming. It’s an industry typically focused on male hair. Although it might sound easy to become a barber, there is a specific path that you must follow first. Thus, we’ve put together this complete guide on how to be a barber.
Table of Contents
The basics of becoming a barber
Complete a barber program
The first and most important step is to complete a barber course or a cosmetology program. Barber courses are focused mainly on male-hair care, while the cosmetology schools focus on other beauty applications. Depending on the state you live in, you can get a traineeship with a state-licensed barber.
After completing the barber program and passing the exam, you will be able to start your career as a barber. Most states require to repeat your exam and license each year, as proof that you are still eligible to continue with your education credit courses.
Becoming a professional barber involves much education – you can work as a barber in a barber salon without attending a formal program, but you won’t be considered a “professional”, as you won’t have a degree that is recognized by the state department of barbering.
What will you study at a barber school?
At a barber school, you will be trained in the grooming of facial hair and hair. You will learn how to properly cut, style, and manage men hair and beards. You will specifically focus on many shaving and haircut techniques, including how to fit, measure, and cut hairpieces.
Most courses are practiced on a model. Most of the barber programs will include business-oriented courses to help you learn how to focus on client interaction and opening your own barber store. you will also learn:
- Scalp treatments
- Hair coloring
- Men’s haircutting (fade, trim, tape, buzz)
- Safety and hygiene regulations
- Salon management
Attending a barber school also involves getting business insurance that covers many potential injuries or harm caused to clients. Insuranks helps you find the perfect business insurance for barbers that own a barbershop or hair salon. The insurance policy you buy will protect you from unnecessary claims that might come your way. If you are a hairstylist, then you will need to buy general liability insurance for barbershops and salons to ensure that your business is protected.
Barber Job Viewpoint
Barbers can earn decent salaries, and experience great potential career growth. Out of all hairstylist professionals out there, barbers have the highest salary. The annual median salary for a barber is around $25,000 ($12/hour). These figures are just an estimation, as barbers also receive huge cash tips from clients.
Most barbers are self-employed, which means that they set their own schedules. Does it sound tempting? Take the steps above and start a career in barbering.
