What Education Do You Need to Be a Barber?
Barbers cut, trim, wash and style hair for their mostly male clients. They know how to cut hair evenly and give their clients a range of different hairdos. Barbers can also usually perform other hairstyling processes besides cutting, including dyeing, highlighting, streaking and frosting, and they can also fit wigs and hairpieces properly. Barbers don't need a lot of formal education, but they do need to complete a barber training program and obtain a license to cut hair in their respective states.
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Formal Education
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Most states require barbers to have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent. A four-year bachelor's degree is not essential but can be beneficial for those who want to advance in the career. Aspiring barbers must complete a barber's training program at an accredited barber college or cosmetology school. These programs typically take nine months to two years to complete and teach students all of the essential knowledge and skills related to barbering. These skills include haircutting, hairstyling, beard-trimming, shaving and dyeing. Students also learn how to detect and treat scalp and hair diseases. Sanitation laws, safety and basic business practices are also covered. Most states require between 1,500 and 1,800 hours of combined classroom instruction and on-the-job training before a barber is eligible to work. Check the specific requirements for licenses in your state online at beautyschoolsdirectory.com.
Licensing
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Many states require barbers to pass a state licensing exam after completing the barber's training program. These exams typically include written and oral sections that cover a range of topics, such as hairstyling, sanitation, scalp conditions, chemical treatments and state laws related to the profession. Candidates may also be required to demonstrate their skills on a live model or mannequin. Many states require license renewal every two years or so.
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Skills and Personal Qualities
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Being a successful barber requires a certain set of skills and personal qualities. Barbers need to have manual dexterity to properly cut and style hair. This means having a steady, controlled hand that can cut and style even the tiniest hairs without injuring the client. Those with shaky hands and bad coordination are not suited to this profession. Barbers should also be friendly, outgoing individuals who can relate to their clients and make them feel comfortable. Many barbershops offer haircuts to young children, so being able to relate to kids can be useful. Barbers should be aware of current trends in hairstyling and fashion so they can fulfill client requests.
Career Advancement
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While many barbers stay barbers for their entire career, some look to advance their career and increase their earning potential. Experienced barbers who are also business savvy, for example, can become managers or even decide to open their own barbershop. For these positions you may need to get a degree in business or marketing. Barbers can also increase their salaries by working at high end, expensive hair salons. The key to advancing in this career and landing a high-end gig is creating a network of satisfied, repeat costumers who can vouch for your talents. You should also be able to supply references of previous employers who can recommend you as a highly qualified professional.
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References
- Photo Credit Girl and barber image by Julijah from Fotolia.com
