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Damien
Student
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What would be a good fit for myself?
I am interested in being a barber. I work best in an environment with time flexibility, teamwork, and fast pace. Is this a good fit for me?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1848
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Damien !
Yes, I do believe that becoming a Barber would be a good fit for you. It does have all the elements that you said you prefer: flexible time schedule, working with others and can have a fast pace (depending on how many customers you may have at any given time and the particular shop/salon you'd work in).
After you graduate and get your license, you may have to work at a salon for a while to learn how business is run. When you are ready you can open your own shop and that's when you would be able to decide how often you work and when. Until then, you would have to work the hours that your employer needs you, but just like many other businesses, employers sometimes give staff flexible hours. You can find that out when you interview and the employer mentions how your schedule would be. Sometimes information about time will appear in the employment notice. You can also freelance, do home visit haircuts and other services and you could choose your own hours to do that.
When you start out or even if eventually you open your own shop, you would most likely be working with a staff of Barbers. Depending on how large the shop is, direct service on customers will keep you busy and you'll meet a lot of people that way and have the opportunity to be around people every day. There may be meetings that you can participate in and give your input. You will also go to conferences and trainings at which you will have the opportunity to network with many other Barbers. So much of your time will be working one on one with a customer and other times there may be co-workers around who provide support for you.
The pace of your work will be determined about how busy you get, if it is a large shop, unisex shop, if other services are provided other then hair cutting and how you schedule your work. Most shops and salons are not what I would describe as having a fast pace. That's because you will be working directly on a person and will be cutting hair, so the very nature of the work is precise, careful and focused. Maybe you could look into one of your other interests or hobbies for the fast pace experience, something like a sport. I do not think you would be disappointed with the pace as a Barber, though. You'll become familiar with that in Barber School.
I have left three links below for you that list many Barber schools in the United States if that's where you live. If not, do a search with your country, city or province to find where all the Barber Schools are. You can compare which school may be the one you'd like the best.
I would encourage you to read more about this career and see if it is something you'd like to dedicate your future to. I hope that this is helpful and I wish you the very best going forward !
LIST OF SCHOOLS FOR BARBERING/BARBER MAJOR AND DEGREE PROGRAM https://www.stateuniversity.com/program/12-0402/Barbering-Barber
BARBER SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES https://trustanalytica.com/us/best-barber-schools
COLLEGES WITH DEGREES IN BARBERING IN THE UNITED STATES https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-with-barbering/
Yes, I do believe that becoming a Barber would be a good fit for you. It does have all the elements that you said you prefer: flexible time schedule, working with others and can have a fast pace (depending on how many customers you may have at any given time and the particular shop/salon you'd work in).
After you graduate and get your license, you may have to work at a salon for a while to learn how business is run. When you are ready you can open your own shop and that's when you would be able to decide how often you work and when. Until then, you would have to work the hours that your employer needs you, but just like many other businesses, employers sometimes give staff flexible hours. You can find that out when you interview and the employer mentions how your schedule would be. Sometimes information about time will appear in the employment notice. You can also freelance, do home visit haircuts and other services and you could choose your own hours to do that.
When you start out or even if eventually you open your own shop, you would most likely be working with a staff of Barbers. Depending on how large the shop is, direct service on customers will keep you busy and you'll meet a lot of people that way and have the opportunity to be around people every day. There may be meetings that you can participate in and give your input. You will also go to conferences and trainings at which you will have the opportunity to network with many other Barbers. So much of your time will be working one on one with a customer and other times there may be co-workers around who provide support for you.
The pace of your work will be determined about how busy you get, if it is a large shop, unisex shop, if other services are provided other then hair cutting and how you schedule your work. Most shops and salons are not what I would describe as having a fast pace. That's because you will be working directly on a person and will be cutting hair, so the very nature of the work is precise, careful and focused. Maybe you could look into one of your other interests or hobbies for the fast pace experience, something like a sport. I do not think you would be disappointed with the pace as a Barber, though. You'll become familiar with that in Barber School.
I have left three links below for you that list many Barber schools in the United States if that's where you live. If not, do a search with your country, city or province to find where all the Barber Schools are. You can compare which school may be the one you'd like the best.
I would encourage you to read more about this career and see if it is something you'd like to dedicate your future to. I hope that this is helpful and I wish you the very best going forward !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6075
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Damien!
Based on your interests and preferred work environment, a career as a barber could be a good fit for you.
Barbering is a hands-on, service-oriented profession that offers flexibility in terms of work hours and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), barbers typically work in barber shops, salons, or other personal care services establishments. The BLS also reports that most barbers work full time during regular business hours, but they may also have evening or weekend shifts to accommodate clients’ schedules. This aligns with your preference for time flexibility.
Moreover, barbering involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a fast-paced environment. Barbers must be able to communicate effectively with clients to understand their preferences and provide satisfactory services. Teamwork is also essential in the barbering profession, as many shops operate as teams where barbers collaborate and support each other to ensure efficient service delivery. These aspects of the job match your preference for teamwork and a fast-paced work environment.
To become a licensed barber, you typically need to complete a state-approved barber school program and pass written and practical exams. These programs usually take between 6 months and 2 years to complete, depending on the specific program and your dedication to learning the craft. Once licensed, you can pursue various opportunities within the industry, such as opening your own shop or working for an established salon or barbershop chain.
In summary, based on your stated interests and preferred work environment, a career as a barber could offer you flexibility in terms of hours, teamwork opportunities, and a fast-paced work environment. However, it’s important to note that becoming a licensed barber requires completing an accredited training program and passing licensing exams.
Authoritative References Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm [2]
National Association of Barber Boards of America: https://www.nabbaonline.com/ [3]
Professional Beauty Association: https://www.probeauty.org/beautyindustrytrends/barberingtrends [4]
God Bless You!
James C.
Based on your interests and preferred work environment, a career as a barber could be a good fit for you.
Barbering is a hands-on, service-oriented profession that offers flexibility in terms of work hours and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), barbers typically work in barber shops, salons, or other personal care services establishments. The BLS also reports that most barbers work full time during regular business hours, but they may also have evening or weekend shifts to accommodate clients’ schedules. This aligns with your preference for time flexibility.
Moreover, barbering involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a fast-paced environment. Barbers must be able to communicate effectively with clients to understand their preferences and provide satisfactory services. Teamwork is also essential in the barbering profession, as many shops operate as teams where barbers collaborate and support each other to ensure efficient service delivery. These aspects of the job match your preference for teamwork and a fast-paced work environment.
To become a licensed barber, you typically need to complete a state-approved barber school program and pass written and practical exams. These programs usually take between 6 months and 2 years to complete, depending on the specific program and your dedication to learning the craft. Once licensed, you can pursue various opportunities within the industry, such as opening your own shop or working for an established salon or barbershop chain.
In summary, based on your stated interests and preferred work environment, a career as a barber could offer you flexibility in terms of hours, teamwork opportunities, and a fast-paced work environment. However, it’s important to note that becoming a licensed barber requires completing an accredited training program and passing licensing exams.
Authoritative References Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm [2]
National Association of Barber Boards of America: https://www.nabbaonline.com/ [3]
Professional Beauty Association: https://www.probeauty.org/beautyindustrytrends/barberingtrends [4]
God Bless You!
James C.
Karen Garcia Henriquez
Pastry Baker
6
Answers
East Palo Alto, California
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hello Damien,
I think the best way to know what is best for you, in the learning part, is to identify how you feel when doing any activity, if you enjoy a particular area more than others, that is where you should start.
Everything you do in your life, whatever makes you happy, keep doing it. Such as drawing, creating, cooking, cutting hair, writing, etc. When we do each of those little things, we realize what motivates us to want to continue learning, and that is how you end up discovering what really makes you happy.
I think the best way to know what is best for you, in the learning part, is to identify how you feel when doing any activity, if you enjoy a particular area more than others, that is where you should start.
Everything you do in your life, whatever makes you happy, keep doing it. Such as drawing, creating, cooking, cutting hair, writing, etc. When we do each of those little things, we realize what motivates us to want to continue learning, and that is how you end up discovering what really makes you happy.
Preché Smith, MBA, PMP
6
Answers
Updated
Preché’s Answer
Hi,
If you are interested in becoming a barber, I would suggest you try going to a barbershop and seeing if you can get a job sweeping hair. I know this might not seem like the best job, but it allows you to get into the barbershop and see firsthand what it is like. Also, tell the other barbers your interest and see if they can offer any advice. Monitor how they build clientele, how they interact with their clients, and ask questions.
If you are interested in becoming a barber, I would suggest you try going to a barbershop and seeing if you can get a job sweeping hair. I know this might not seem like the best job, but it allows you to get into the barbershop and see firsthand what it is like. Also, tell the other barbers your interest and see if they can offer any advice. Monitor how they build clientele, how they interact with their clients, and ask questions.