One of the most ancient occupations in the history of human civilization is the maintenance and grooming of people’s hair, including facial hair, such as mustaches, beards, and sideburns.
In ancient civilizations such as Egyptian, Greek, and Roman, the services that barbers provided were associated with the luxury of prominent citizens, who in some cases, would have private barbers in their homes.
Nowadays, barbers continue to be an important part of our lives, helping us to shape our hair, relax, and even to enhance our self-esteem.
In the next few sections, we’ll review basic facts about Barbers, how to become one, and the cost of Barber school.
Table of Contents
What Is a Barber?
A Barber is an individual that trims and styles men’s hair, as well as shave, trim and shape their mustaches, sideburns, and beards.
Interestingly, for centuries Barbers also performed surgeries in Europe and other procedures that had been forbidden by the church for the clergy and that medical doctors preferred to avoid.
Men have usually been barbers, and only in the last few years, women have also started to train and work as barbers.
Yet it is still a predominantly male occupation.
What Does a Barber Do?
The most typical responsibilities a barber has are to examine the hair and/or facial hair of their clients, consult and discuss hairstyle options, wash, color and use chemicals to modify the texture of the hair, trim and cut men’s hair using scissors, clippers and razors, as well as shape and trim facial hair, style their client’s hair, and even fit toupees or wigs.
What Is the Difference Between a Barber and a Hairstylist?
These two occupations tend to create confusion among people.
Even though they share certain similarities, hairstylists and barbers are two different occupations.
One of the most notorious differences is that barbers are focused only on men’s hair and facial hair, while hairstylists can focus on both men and women.
Another significant difference is the techniques and instruments they employ; barbers generally use more tools than hairstylists to cut and trim hair and facial hair. Their educational background and training can also be different, but this mostly depends on the type of program and options they select.
How Can I Become a Barber?
In order to become a barber, you must attend barber school and then obtain a state license to be able to work.
Barber School
Barber programs are normally offered in community colleges or private academies.
Students will gain knowledge of barbering, different cutting and trimming styles, color techniques, and the use of tools, as well as state and sanitary regulations according to where the school is located.
They will also learn about how to communicate with clients to obtain the best possible results.
To enter a Barber program, students need a high school diploma or equivalent, such as passing the GED (General Educational Development) test.
State License
Besides obtaining a diploma or certificate in Barber school, future barbers also need to apply for a license in the state where they aspire to work.
Requirements are different in every state but graduating from a Barber school tends to be the most common prerequisite.
After applying, future Barbers will have to take and pass several tests, such as written and practical to obtain the license.
How Long Does Barber School Last?
The duration of Barber school is going to depend on the type of program you choose.
In most cases, barber school lasts between six months and a year.
Specialization courses can increase the duration of the training.
How Much Does Barber School Cost?
The state where you wish to study, the type of institution, and the type of program you choose, are going to affect the general cost.
On average, you could pay from $2,500 to $8,000 in community colleges.
In private academies, the cost can be between $8,000 and $17,000.
