How to Be Barber - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 8, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When one visits the barber for a haircut, the effect is a new, stylish look. The cause of this transformation is the barber's expertise in cutting and styling hair. The barber will use a variety of tools such as scissors, clippers, and razors to shape the hair into the desired look.

they may use products such as gel or mousse to style the hair further and give it texture and shine. The barber will also provide advice on the best products and hairstyles to suit the customer's age, face shape and lifestyle. In the end, the customer leaves the barber's chair feeling confident and looking their best.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most barbering programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete a Barbering Program. All states require barbers to be licensed. To become a licensed barber, you must complete a state-approved barbering school program and pass the state licensing examination.
Get a Barber License. After completing a state-approved barbering program and passing the state licensing examination, you will receive your barber license.
Gather Necessary Supplies. Obtain the necessary equipment and supplies to open your own barbershop, including scissors, clippers, razors, combs, brushes and other tools.
Find a Location. Find a suitable location for your barbershop, such as a rented space or leased storefront in a high-traffic area.
Set Up Business Accounts. Open business accounts with a financial institution and vendors that provide essential supplies and services.
Decorate the Shop. Decorate the shop with attractive furnishings, such as chairs, mirrors and cabinets.
Promote Your Services. Promote your barbershop services through newspaper and online advertisements, flyers, business cards and word of mouth.

The key to becoming an ideal and competent barber requires dedication and practice. It starts with a thorough understanding of the basics such as hair cutting, styling, and coloring. By mastering the fundamentals, barbers are able to offer clients a much higher quality of service.

it is important for barbers to stay current with the latest trends and techniques to ensure clients are always happy with their results. This can be achieved by attending courses and workshops, reading magazines, and talking with other professionals in the industry. Furthermore, having strong communication and interpersonal skills also make a big difference as it allows barbers to better understand clients needs and provide them with a more enjoyable experience.

by investing in their education, honing their skills, and building strong relationships with clients, barbers can become more ideal and competent in their profession.

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Job Description

Greet customers and provide excellent customer service.
Keep a clean and organized shop environment.
Cut, shape, and trim hair according to customer's instructions.
Clean and sanitize tools and work stations between customers.
Provide advice and styling tips to customers.
Mix dyes and other chemicals for special hair treatments.
Apply various hair treatments, such as coloring, highlighting, texturizing, and perming.
Shave and line beards and mustaches.
Perform salon administrative duties, such as tracking inventory, ordering supplies, and scheduling appointments.
Participate in continuing education activities to stay up to date on industry trends and techniques.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of haircutting techniques, such as fading and blending
Ability to use various tools, such as scissors, clippers, and razors
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to follow instructions and recommend hairstyles
Knowledge of sanitation and safety protocols
Knowledge of hairstyling products and their uses
Attention to detail
Ability to multitask
Excellent communication skills
Time management skills

Having the right skills is essential for a successful career as a barber. One of the most important skills to have is communication. Good communication helps to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues, and can help lead to repeat business.

having excellent customer service skills is also essential. This includes being friendly, courteous, and professional when interacting with customers, as well as providing them with suggestions and advice. Furthermore, having good organizational abilities and attention to detail is important in order to ensure that each client's hair is cut to their exact specifications.

barbers must also have a good knowledge of the latest trends in hair styling and be able to use the right tools and techniques to create the desired look. Finally, having strong problem-solving skills is essential in order to be able to quickly come up with solutions to any issues that may arise. All of these skills are essential for a successful career as a barber.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What makes you passionate about being a barber?
How long have you been a barber?
What techniques do you use when cutting hair?
What challenges have you faced as a barber?
How do you stay current with trends in mens hair styles?
What is your experience with color treatments or highlighting?
How do you handle customer complaints or difficult customers?
How do you manage your time to ensure all customers receive the service they need?
Do you have any specialized certifications in barbering?
What tips do you have for customers to help maintain their hairstyle between visits?

Common Tools in Industry

Hair Clippers. Used to cut hair. (eg: Wahl Professional 5-Star Cordless Senior Clipper)
Hair Shears. Used to trim, shape, and layer hair. (eg: Mizutani Super Shears)
Combs. Used to style hair and evenly distribute product. (eg: Kent Handmade Comb)
Brushes. Used to blow dry, distribute product, and style hair. (eg: Mason Pearson Bristle & Nylon Brush)
Razors. Used to shave facial hair. (eg: Feather All-Stainless Steel Double Edge Razor)
Beard Trimmers. Used to shape and trim facial hair. (eg: Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 5000)
Hair Dryers. Used to dry and style hair. (eg: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer)
Neck Strips. Used to protect the neck when cutting or shaving hair. (eg: Andis Barber Neck Strips)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Barbers (NAB)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
National Cosmetology Association (NCA)
International Barbers Association (IBA)
Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (HCA)
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCA)
American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH)
American Board of Certified Haircutters (ABCHc)

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Common Important Terms

Haircut. A style of cutting hair to achieve a desired look or shape.
Shave. The removal of facial or body hair using a razor.
Trim. The process of cutting hair to a desired length.
Buzz cut. A type of haircut where the hair is cut very close to the scalp using a clipper.
Fade. A type of haircut where the hair gradually decreases in length from the top to the sides and back.
Razor. A sharp blade used to shave and trim hair.
Scissors. A tool with two blades used to cut hair.
Comb. A tool used to smooth and style hair.
Styling products. Products used to shape and style the hair, such as gels, mousses, and waxes.
Barber. A professional who specializes in cutting, styling, and grooming hair.