What does a barber do?

Usually when dealing with their customers barbers will cut, trim, shave, shampoo, bleach and dye hair. They might also be responsible for trimming and cutting facial hair. Sometimes, a customer looks for a barber to advise them on the latest styles; however, some customers will have their own preferences. A barber often understands how to care for different types of hair, such as different treatments for straight, wavy and curly hair.

Usually, a barber provides a customer with a consultation before they provide a hair styling service. In the case of hair dyeing or bleaching, they might offer the customer a patch test to make sure that they aren’t allergic to any products they are using. Barbers know how to use tools safely, often while making conversation with their clients during a cut.

Barber skills and qualifications

Requiring some creative flair and communication skills, barbers are able to attract and retain their customers. When advertising for a barber, consider the following desirable skills and qualifications:

• Time management skills, completing cuts in a timely manner
• Technical knowledge and creativity for styling different types of hair according to different client requests and needs
• The ability to communicate well with clients, be diplomatic about customer requests and talk them through each step while styling a cut
• The ability to perform transactions, schedule appointments and follow up with clients
• The ability to provide precise cuts often over long periods of time
• The ability to work with instructions given by a supervisor or senior stylist
• The ability to wash and dry a client’s hair
• The ability to work well by themselves and as part of a team

Barber experience requirements

Getting started as a barber often involves a qualification like a diploma, college course or apprenticeship. Many salons choose to hire a barber as an apprentice and then train them up over a period of time. Some salons offer an advanced apprenticeship for creative hair professionals if they are looking to build a team to compete in hair styling competitions. An apprenticeship takes about two to three years.

For businesses looking to hire more experienced barbers, they might ask for some on-the-job experience. If looking for a barber to work a more managerial position, they might ask for two or more years of experience in the role.

Barber education and training requirements

Although becoming a barber can be done via on-the-job work experience or apprenticeship training, there are other routes in such as a college course. Candidates might hold qualifications in a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Barbering, or a T Level in Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics. In order to practice as a barber, candidates must have gained a license, which they can apply for once they have undergone training.

Barber salary expectations

According to Indeed UK salaries, a barber’s average salary is £24,911 per year. Salary may depend on the exact job duties and responsibilities, the employer, location and experience.

Job description examples for similar positions

If a barber position is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

• Hair Stylist
• Beautician

Barber job description FAQs

What should you look for in a barber CV?

Look at their previous work history to find out how much experience they already have as a barber. The more previous experience they have in this role, the more likely they are to have the skills necessary to do a good job. It might be worth considering whether they have any apprenticeship experience or other qualifications that make them stand out. In an open letter, look for demonstrable customer-facing and sales experience.