People have always paid attention to their looks, and hairstyles are an essential part of it. To keep your hair properly managed and trimmed, you surely need the help of a professional barber. Although an average modern-day man or woman can cut and style their hair by themselves, visiting the barber’s shop is sometimes the best course of action.
When you visit a barber, you don’t just get a haircut; you will get a unique experience. This is why the profession has never gotten out of style, despite being one of the oldest.
Have you been constantly searching for answers on becoming a barber without any progress at all? If yes, you’re in the right place as we’ve teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to provide you with the tips needed in advancing your career as a barber. Let’s dive in.
What Are The Requirements To Become A Professional Barber?
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Like every other profession, barbering also has a list of requirements to possess to thrive in the field. Let’s discuss them below.
- Education
The first requirement of being a professional barber is to have at least a high school diploma. This qualification would help you enroll in a standard barbers’ training program. You can get licensure to start your own barbershop by attending a state-approved barber program. In these programs, you will get hands-on experience in shaving techniques and haircutting, sanitation, preparation, safety, industry best practices, and customer service.
Apprenticeship can also work as an alternative to formal barbering programs. As an apprentice, you will learn by working with experienced barbers while earning some pay. However, after you have completed your apprenticeship, you still have to apply for and maintain the license to start as a professional barber legally.
- Training
The training program doesn’t only help you get a license, but it also enables you to get hands-on experience in hair cutting, shaving, treatment methods, and diverse techniques needed to excel in the field. You can also get additional experience working as an intern in proper establishments. Some salons may require that you execute some administrative tasks during work hours to learn the function of the whole shop.
On-the-job training is also another thing you can consider as a new barber. This training will enlighten you about the products and services the establishment offers. It might involve scripted advertisements for the products and services used by the establishment.
- Certifications
Although certifications are not essential to becoming a barber, you need to obtain your license. You need to be at least 16 years old before you can hold a barbering license. You must have also completed barber training programs and passed the licensure exam. You can get apprentice barber or master barber licenses, depending on your experience level.
- Renew your license
Barbers maintain their license by doing courses and completing particular work hours per year. You can also explore other education courses to help you stay up-to-date on business law and health practices.
However, some states require you to apply for license renewal online and pay a small fee to renew your license. If yours is inactive for more than three years, you may have to retake the licensure exam.
ConclusionBarbering is a rewarding profession both creatively and financially. The industry is continuously growing and has gained popularity as a profession. Thus, being a barber is a sure shot profession if you can earn the necessary skill. If you’re an aspiring individual interested in anything related to hairstyling, complete your high school diploma and enroll in a standard barber training program. You can start from there.