The Future of the Barber Shop - Barber Schools vs. Cosmetology Schools

Thanks to Terry for sending in these comments and questions about barber schools.

I've read all that the others have written about barbers and barbershops. I have always been interested in cutting hair, and at age 38 am considering a career change.

I have looked at the one barber school in my area, and also 2 cosmetology schools. First I want to do hair, not nails, makeup etc. I thought barbering was the way to go. That was until I visited the local barber school, and was less than impressed, with many things. First I thought the management was lax, the instructors not nearly as good as the cosmetology school, and the haircut I got was terrible.

The local school is teaching what I feel an old-time clipper course, with little styling, color or perming. I also get the impression that much of what is learned comes from workbooks, and not from classroom demonstrations or instruction. I am also a bit nervous that the school does not seem affilliated with any instructional group such as Pivot Point for instance, nor do they advertise using any technology as the cosmetology schools do in "laser disks", VHS tapes, the "Redken Series" etc.

I have also done some research on the subject and the statistics I found in the vocational outlook for the two vocations barbering vs cosmetology revealed a trend towards clients seeking out "full service salons" versus regular barber shops. It also said that virtually all growth in numbers would come from the cosmetology area, with regular barbering continuing to dwindle in the future.

I am also aware that many states have, or are in the process of combining the licenses for barbers and cosmetologists into one, and calling it a Hairstylist License, or whatever. I am under the impression that our state is also looking at this.

I feel that this has some merit. I feel that BOTH professions have a lot that they could learn from each other. I have friends in both professions, who state that they have worked at one time with members of the other professions, and learned lots from them.

My big question is....are all barber schools as far behind in the times as this one?

I am also a bit concerned what will again happen to the newfound popularity of the traditional barbering when the pendulum of style swings back towards longer more styled hair and away from the current buzzed, shorter clipper styles. Will barbershop customers leave? Who knows??

Well those are my observations. I've had excellent and terrible haircuts and experiences by both professions over the years...

The local barber school is also no longer teaching facial shaving, but does teach outline and neck shaving.. because of HIV and Hepatitus they say.. isn't it just as easy to knick someones neck with a razor, or even a clipper?? Looks like a cop-out to me!!!

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