Black Intelligentsia Libraries
The New Way Of Thinking
Barber
Ever been to a barber shop and was amazed by Barbers' abilities to cut fades, tapers, designs, and even artwork in clients' hair and beards? When you actually pay attention, it gives you a whole new respect for Barbers as artists, with their ability to use clippers and razors as pencils and paintbrushes and to master symmetry on asymmetrical heads yet completing their artwork in under 20 minutes. If you would like to learn the "tricks of this trade," if you excel in Art and Geometry, and are a pretty good self-groomer, then perhaps you should become Licensed Professional Barber.
Barbers provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, and giving facial shaves mostly for male clients. Their main focus is to provide hair and beauty services that enhance their clients’ appearance. They also may fit hairpieces. In every state, Barbers are licensed to color, bleach, and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Common tools include combs, scissors, razors, and clippers. Barbers who operate their own barbershops have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.
The duties of a Barber include but are not limited to: inspecting hair, face, and scalp to recommend treatment; discussing hairstyle options; washing, coloring, and conditioning hair; cutting, trimming, drying, and styling hair; receiving and processing payments from clients; cleaning and sanitizing all tools and work areas; repairing and adjusting equipment; and displaying excellent time-management skills by scheduling, keeping, and honoring appointments.
High school students interested in becoming a Barber benefit from taking Art, Geometry, Biology/Anatomy, Physical Science, and Chemistry. Full-time programs in Barbering and Cosmetology usually last at least 9 months and may lead to an Associate’s Degree. Barbers typically gain skills through work experience. All states require Barbers to be licensed. Qualifications for licensure vary by state; but generally, a person must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 16 years old, and have graduated from a state-licensed/approved Barbering or Cosmetology program. Upon graduating from said program, students take a state licensing exam that includes a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of styling skills and/or an oral exam, which earns them an Apprentice License. After a year of working as an apprentice, Barbers are eligible to test for their Registered License (also referred to as the Master Barber's License). After yet another year of working as a Master Barber, Barbers are eligible to test for the more rigorous and less-frequently attained (and pursued) Instructor's License. This particular license qualifies Barbers to teach and/or establish their own barber school/college.
Barbers must keep up with the latest trends and be able to try new hairstyles for their clients. They should also be good listeners and must listen carefully to what the client wants to make sure he or she is happy with the result. Stamina is a must, as Barbers must be able to endure standing on their feet for long periods of time. Having excellent time-management skills is also important when scheduling appointments and providing services, for clients who receive timely hair care service are more likely to return. Barbers are expected to keep a neat personal appearance, for they, themselves, are walking advertisement. Keeping their work area clean and sanitary is necessary for the health and safety of their clients, as well as to make clients comfortable enough to want to return.
Due to increasing population, the demand for Barbers and basic hair-care services will correspondingly increase. Overall job opportunities for Barbers are expected to be good, as a large number of job openings will stem from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
Median Salary: $24,190
Salary Range: ~$16,960 - $45,410+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming a Barber have been to complete high school having taken Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, and Geometry classes along with as many Art electives as possible. Barber school should be coupled with business classes to help understand how to run a successful barbershop.
Most Barbers go on to take advanced courses in hairstyling or in other personal appearance services to keep up with the latest trends. Those wishing to establish their own Barber Shop also take Business courses, particularly in Sales and Marketing.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges that have Barber Schools are: Community Colleges, public and private Vocational Schools, Barbering and/or Cosmetology Colleges/Schools, and some high schools.
Available Scholarships
