Barbering is about so much more than just cutting hair.
It is a craft, a cultural tradition, and, for many, a lifelong passion. The journey to becoming a barber is both exciting and challenging.
Barber school will teach you technical skills like cutting and fading, but it also teaches you soft skills such as developing professionalism, customer service, and business acumen.
If you are considering barber school, read on for some insider advice for future barbers.
1. Get The Right Tools
A barber is only ever as good as the tools in their hands.
Skills, creativity, and persistence will form the backbone of your success at school and in your career, but the right equipment is what ensures you can practice safely and deliver quality results.
Most starter kits include clippers, scissors, razors, combs, and trimmers. They are typically not cheap, but that is because they are long-term investments. Reliable and top-quality tools can last for years if they are properly maintained.
2. Build Good Habits
Building good barbering habits from the start can help set you up for a long and thriving career.
These habits become the foundation of your career and reputation, and they give you the ability to stand out in an otherwise competitive industry. From punctuality to hygiene and professionalism, every small habit adds up to shape the kind of barber you will become.
Clean clothes and well-groomed hair help to give you an overall polished look that shows you are invested in your craft.
3. Tuition & Financial Aid
Barber school is a thrilling step toward a rewarding career, but it requires a financial commitment that some students underestimate at first, or simply cannot afford.
Tuition, tools, uniforms, fees, and more can all add up quickly, which means it is essential to plan ahead. The price of barber school varies depending on location, reputation, length, etc.
Look into schools that offer barber school financial aid to make your education affordable. Some schools are eligible for federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants, particularly accredited institutions.
4. Network Early
Barber school isn’t all about learning how to cut, fade, and style hair.
One of the most overlooked elements is the opportunities to build relationships. Networking while you are still a student can be a powerful step toward launching a successful career.
Connect with classmates, mentors, instructors, and clients to open doors and shape your reputation within the industry.
The benefits of networking early will serve you throughout your career. After graduation, you won’t be starting from scratch because you will already have a community of people who know you and your potential.
5. Practice Often
There are no shortcuts to becoming a master barber.
Your skills grow through consistent practice. Although theory and instruction are important, expert barbering comes from repetition, experimentation, and constant improvement.
With hours and hours of real-world practice, the scissors, razors, and clippers eventually begin to feel like extensions of your hands. Embrace practice as an opportunity and not a chore.
In Summary
Barber school is the foundation of your entire career. The time spent training will shape your abilities and your reputation.
Approach this next chapter in your journey with humility, passion, dedication, and discipline.
