The Future of the Barber Shop - How to Get Started

Thanks to the Hair Professor for this good advice.

I feel that I may be able to give you some advice based on experience. I have been a barber teacher, barber college manager, and barber college director. I spent nearly 35 years in the hair business, most of it in non-traditional barber roles. I was a barber, hairstylist, shop owner and salon manager.

The first thing you need to do before you make any decision is check with your state barber and beauty boards to see if there is any law in your state that might make it difficult to accomplish what you want with one license or the other. (Some states don't allow beauty operators use clippers, others don't allow them to trim facial hair, some don't allow barbers to apply chemicals, etc.) If there is no problem there, find a school that has a good "floor business" and the type of cliental you plan to make a living on. You do this by observing. Make several trips to the school at different times of the day if you are able. Talk to the students, not the administrators. If the manager will not allow you to talk to the students, leave. They are not for you. Ask to sit in on a "theory class". See if the teachers are able to conduct a class.

Don't get completely hung up on the title "barber". Even though I have been one since 1962, I have seen many over the years I wouldn't let trim my lawn. Skill if very important, but attitude will make or break you in the long term. Find out who are the most successful hair cutters in your area and go watch them work. Believe me, we all love an audience. They will be happy to show you the ropes. They may even offer you a job when you get out of school. Most shop owners I know are hurting for good cutters who can treat people right.

The Hair Professor.

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