So, you like to cut hair, but now what? Well, if you’d like to put your skills into action, it could be in your best interest to learn how to become a barber. You might not know everything that goes into becoming a professional barber, but that’s what we are here for!
From getting the proper education to obtaining loyal clients, there are a few key aspects to note. It may seem overwhelming at first, so we are going to take it step by step. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to kickstart a career as a barber. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
To summarize the major components that go into pursuing a career as a barber, we created six main steps to take to get started in this field.
As with any career, it is very important to get the proper education and training to help you in your career endeavors. For barbers specifically, most states require schooling or certifications in order to learn how to become a barber professionally. Depending on the state, it is almost always a requirement to have a high school diploma.
Before spending money on barber programs or license fees, you might want to consider shadowing an experienced barber to get a feel for the profession. Pay attention to how the barber interacts with customers, runs the shop, and manages their space. These are key components that could help you when learning how to become a barber in the future.
Once you decide that you actually want to pursue this career, you should enroll in a barbering program to learn everything about how to become a barber. You might be surprised to find out you learn more than just how to give a nice fade, and you will most likely take courses in bacteriology, physiology, sanitation, and sterilization, and discover state barber laws.
The qualifications for these licenses vary by state, but most states require a minimum of 600 hours to apply for a license. You must also take an examination that is specific to your state or created by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
After you graduate from an approved barber program with the correct number of hours and pass the exam, you can then apply for a professional barber license.
Now that you have the certifications, you can officially begin your career as a barber! Look for entry-level positions at barbershops, salons, and other grooming establishments. These positions may include shampooing clients, cleaning up the shop, and assisting other barbers. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience in a professional setting.
Once you become more confident in your skills, you can try to rent a chair in a barbershop, work for a commission in a barbershop, or start your own business. This way, you are developing your experience while also putting yourself in front of more clients.
While your education should cover the social aspect of barbering, putting it into practice is a different experience. Not only do you need to have great communication and people skills, you need to be your own customer service representative.
To find ways for improvement, consider asking clients to fill out a form after their appointment so you can get feedback.
It’s one thing to have all the skills of a great barber, but it’s another thing to actually play the part. More often than not, you will be on your feet for hours at a time, and this can be difficult for some people.
As you’re gaining more experience, learn what your body’s limits are and don’t push yourself too hard. Remember, you want to give your clients the best possible service, and you won’t be able to do so if you’re physically exhausted.
When learning how to become a barber, getting clients is a crucial aspect of building a successful business for yourself. However, obtaining loyal clients is easier said than done, so let’s discuss some ways you can grow your clientele.
From building a professional website to utilizing social media, having a strong online presence is important for entrepreneurs. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can help you showcase your work and build a following. Post photos and videos of your work, engage with followers, and use hashtags to increase your visibility.
You should also consider offering online booking through these platforms to make it easier for potential customers to book appointments with you.
At first, you might find it difficult to get clients through the door. This is why it is beneficial to offer discounts or promotions to spark people’s interest. First-time client promotions or referral discounts can be a great way to form relationships with clients and get them to keep coming back.
When you start serving more clients, take the opportunity to ask if they would like to book their next appointment with you before they leave. This makes it easy to get more appointments on your schedule. It also lets your customers know that your services are sought after.
You can use your digital presence to advertise your promotions, educate people about barber practices through blogs, and offer useful tips. Another great way to maximize your online potential is to use paid advertising.
Paid advertising can be a powerful way to reach new clients. Consider using platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target potential clients in your area and advertise locally.
You should also consider using search engine optimization (SEO) to help your website rank higher on search engines. Research keywords that are relevant to your business and incorporate them into your website content, meta descriptions, and titles.
You may have heard the saying that “a man is only as good as his tools,” and we’re here to tell you that it’s true when it comes to learning how to become a barber. Right off the bat, you should invest in quality tools and products. You may be hesitant to use more expensive tools, but you will be helping yourself and your clients in the long run.
High-quality tools not only perform better, but also last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Cheap and low-quality tools may seem cost-effective initially, but they can lead to subpar results. This can negatively impact a barber’s reputation and business. Quality tools can also provide better precision and control, resulting in cleaner cuts and styling.
As you will learn in your barber program, inferior products can cause damage to hair, skin, and scalp, leading to poor results and unsatisfied clients. Quality products also offer a more luxurious and comfortable experience for clients, creating a positive impression and building customer loyalty.
You should display your high-quality products for your customers to see. That way, they can interact with the product and see if they would like to purchase it for their own at-home use.
As you start getting more online traction and loyal customers, you will be able to grow your business. However, you don’t want to get stuck with high salon fees forever. That being said, having your own private, creative space where you can give your clients the best attention possible is your best option for growing your business.
Privacy allows your clients to feel more comfortable and relaxed during their haircut or grooming session, which can improve the overall experience.
Additionally, a private space allows barbers to focus solely on the client and their needs without distractions or interruptions. This enables the barber to provide a more attentive and personalized service. Overall, this can lead to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.
You always want your space to be clean and sanitized for each customer. Moreover, a private space provides a clean and hygienic environment that is essential for proper sanitation and sterilization practices. This ensures the health and safety of both the barber and the client.
Now that you know the essentials about how to become a barber, you can kickstart your career and start planning your business. And, we want to help you succeed.
At My Creative Studios, you are your own boss. This means you can set your own schedule, price your services the way you want, and grow your business without the high overhead costs or salon demands.
Our rentable and fully customizable salon suites are equipped with everything you need to get your barber business off the ground. The suites are also designed with cleanliness and hygiene in mind. Our regular cleaning and disinfection practices help to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Ready to become the barber you were always meant to be? Book a tour at My Creative Studios to see how you can grow your business with your very own private salon suite!
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