Barbers Job Description: Overview, Education & Training Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: Barbers are experts in cutting, styling and handling hair and beard. Their job also include shampooing and coloring hair, shaving bears or mustaches, giving facial massages, providing hair and scalp treatments. Since these professionals are hair experts, they could also provide recommendations for grooming products, such as hairbrushes, styling gels, shampoo and conditioners, among others. Although most barbers work on men’s hair, some also accept female customers. They find work in spas, hotels, resorts, salons or department stores.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: Barbers must possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional hairstyling training in a barber college or vocational school is preferred, but not always required. In the United States, anyone who wishes to pursue this career must serve 1-2 years as an apprentice and obtain licensure. To get a license, one must pass several tests, including a written exam and a practical demonstration of hair cutting skills. To perform hair procedures, such as permanent wave or hair color, additional license in cosmetology is needed.
Skills & Abilities: To become successful in this field, one must have knowledge in basic haircuts, different hairdos, implementation of various hair styles, proper shaving, scalp physiology and effective hair products. The barber should also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving skills, creativity and ability to stand for extended periods of time and work well independently.
Duties:
Tasks may include (but are not limited to) recommending or selling hair products; identifying hair and scalp problems using testing devices or lab tests; providing nail and skin care treatments; ordering and stocking shop supplies; performing neck, scalp or face massages; cleaning and sterilizing instruments like clippers, scissors or combs; cutting and trimming hair based on current hairstyles or client’s instructions; curling, coloring or straightening hair using chemical solutions and special equipments; shaving neck and beards using razors; shaping and trimming moustaches; measuring and fitting hairpieces; as well as performing clerical duties such as hiring staff, keeping records and paying bills, among others.
Earnings & Job Outlook: In 2008, the reported salary in this field is $19,000 to $22,000 per year. This estimate can go even higher since benefits vary from shop to shop, while other professionals have their own shops to increase potential income. Earnings will also depend on their individual skills, tipping habits of clients and if they receive work on a commission basis or regular wages.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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