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

Dec 18, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The job of a hair stylist or barber can be both rewarding and challenging. Having the right skill set and passion for the industry are key factors in being successful. The ability to remain up to date with current trends and styles, as well as knowing how to work with different hair types, are essential components of the job.

One of the primary effects of having these skills is an increase in customer satisfaction due to the delivery of quality services. Furthermore, with the right combination of education, experience, and customer service, a hair stylist or barber can build a strong clientele base, which will lead to increased business and financial success.

Steps How to Become

Research licensing requirements in your state. Different states have different rules and regulations regarding hair styling, so be sure to research the requirements in your state. You may need to complete a certain number of hours of training, pass a state-approved exam, or both.
Get a High School Diploma or GED. Most states require hair stylists to have a high school diploma or GED before they can apply for their license.
Enroll in a cosmetology school. Once you have your high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in a cosmetology school. Cosmetology schools offer specialized courses for barbers, hair stylists, and other beauty professionals.
Complete the required training. Depending on your state, you may need to complete anywhere from 500 to 1,500 hours of training at a cosmetology school. This includes classes on hair styling techniques, sanitation, safety, and more.
Pass the state licensing exam. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass the state licensing exam. This exam tests your knowledge on topics related to hair styling and safety.
Get a job. After you have obtained your license, you can start looking for jobs as a hair stylist or barber. You can look for jobs at salons, barbershops, or even freelance.

Staying ahead and efficient as a hair stylist/barber requires a combination of business savvy and technical skills. Having a broad knowledge of current trends and styles, as well as the latest tools and techniques, can help you provide services that keep customers coming back. investing in quality products and tools, staying organized, and regularly attending education courses can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Good customer service skills, such as being friendly and accommodating, can also help build customer loyalty. Finally, staying up to date with industry news, such as product updates and upcoming events, can help ensure that you are up to speed with the latest developments in the industry. By following these steps, you can be an efficient and successful hair stylist/barber.

You may want to check Hair Loss Counselor/Barber, Traditional Barber, and Hair Restoration Specialist/Barber for alternative.

Job Description

Cut and style hair according to customer's instructions
Shampoo and condition hair
Provide advice on hair care and styling
Color, bleach, and highlight hair
Recommend products for styling and hair care
Perform scalp treatments
Apply extensions and weave hair
Trim and shave facial hair
Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other tools
Keep track of stock of supplies and order when necessary

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of haircutting techniques and trends
Knowledge of hair styling techniques and products
Ability to create unique hairstyles for customers
Ability to use clippers and other hair cutting tools
Ability to provide scalp massages and treatments
Knowledge of hair coloring techniques and products
Ability to use blow dryers, curling irons, hot combs, and other styling tools
Knowledge of hygiene and sanitation standards
Ability to work with a variety of hair types
Excellent customer service skills
Good communication skills
Ability to manage time effectively
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to stay organized
Knowledge of health and safety regulations

Having the right skills as a Hair Stylist/Barber is essential for success in the industry. Being able to create styles that people want and being able to execute them properly is essential. A great Hair Stylist/Barber must have a deep understanding of different hair types, textures, and lengths in order to create the desired look.

They must also be able to use a variety of cutting techniques and tools to ensure a precise cut. they must have knowledge of different products, such as hair gels, sprays, and waxes, and must be able to identify which products are best for a particular style or cut. Furthermore, they must possess the ability to interact with various customers in an effective manner so that they can understand the customers needs and create a style that meets their expectations.

Finally, having excellent communication skills and being organized and efficient are key traits for a successful Hair Stylist/Barber.

Precision Haircut Barber, Hair Care Professional/Barber, and Barber Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in cutting hair?
Describe your approach when working with clients to create a new style or color.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest hair trends?
How do you handle difficult clients?
What techniques do you use to ensure a consistent and professional haircut every time?
How do you handle customer complaints or requests for refunds or exchanges?
What do you think sets you apart from other hair stylists/barbers?
Are there any tips or tricks you can share on how to maintain healthy hair?
Tell me about a time when you had to think quickly on your feet to resolve an issue with a client.
How do you ensure a safe and hygienic hair styling environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Clippers. Used to cut the hair and beard, can be electric or manual (eg: Wahl electric clippers).
Scissors. Used to trim and shape the hair (eg: Mizutani scissors).
Comb. Used to detangle and style the hair (eg: Denman paddle brush).
Hair Dryer. Used to dry the hair after shampooing (eg: Elchim professional hair dryer).
Straightening Iron. Used to straighten and curl the hair (eg: BabylissPRO flat iron).
Styling Products. Used to give texture and hold to the hair (eg: L'Oreal Professionnel hairspray).
Razor. Used to create sharp edges and detailing (eg: Feather straight razor).
Brushes. Used to style and smooth the hair (eg: Kent boar bristle brush).
Hair Clips/Bobby Pins. Used to secure sections of hair during styling (eg: Goody metal snap clips).
Towel. Used to dry the hair after shampooing (eg: Utopia cotton towel).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Barber Boards of America
National Cosmetology Association
Professional Beauty Association
American Board of Certified Haircolorists
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association
International Nail Technicians Association
American Academy of Dermatology
American Association of Hair Loss Specialists
National Organization for Alopecia Areata
American Association for the Advancement of Science

We also have Kids Barber, Wig Maker/Barber, and Traditional Hot Towel Shave Barber jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hair Cutting. The act of cutting and styling hair, usually with scissors and/or clippers.
Hair Styling. The art of creating various hairstyles with the use of products, tools and techniques.
Hair Coloring. The process of applying color to the hair to achieve a certain look.
Barbering. The practice of cutting and styling mens hair, as well as shaving and trimming beards and mustaches.
Hair Extensions. The process of adding synthetic or human hair to natural hair to add length, fullness and/or color.
Hair Treatments. Professional treatments used to restore, repair and protect the hair from damage caused by styling and environmental factors.
Hair Removal. The process of removing unwanted hair from the skin, usually through waxing, tweezing, shaving or laser treatments.
Hair Products. Products used to enhance and care for the hair, such as shampoos, conditioners, styling products and treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of clients does a Hair Stylist/Barber typically serve?

Hair Stylists/Barbers typically serve both men and women and provide services such as haircuts, hair styling, coloring, and facial waxing.

How long does a typical Hair Stylist/Barber appointment take?

The length of a Hair Stylist/Barber appointment can vary depending on the services requested, but an average appointment typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

What type of training is required to become a Hair Stylist/Barber?

To become a Hair Stylist/Barber, individuals must complete a state-approved cosmetology program and obtain a license. These programs typically require 1,000-2,000 hours of instruction and cover topics such as hair cutting and styling, chemical treatments, business management, safety, and sanitation.

What kind of tools does a Hair Stylist/Barber use?

Hair Stylists/Barbers typically use a variety of tools including scissors, combs, brushes, clippers, razors, blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons.