Barber

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £25,000

Typical Hours

37 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends on a rota

How To Become a Barber

You could get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You could take a course to help you get started, for example:

Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Barbering

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can do an intermediate apprenticeship in barbering or a creative hair professional advanced apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You may be able to start work as a trainee barber in a barbershop and learn on the job. Your employer would expect you to take a part-time course to get qualifications, either at a college or in their own training school.

Other Routes

You may be able to work freelance and rent space in a barbershop, though you'll usually have to supply your own equipment.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

customer service skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
active listening skills
the ability to work well with your hands
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to work well with others
the ability to work on your own
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

As a barber, you might do the following as part of your daily routine:

welcome customers and find out what they want
give advice to customers on hairstyles and grooming
cut and style hair
shave, trim and shape beards and moustaches
provide scalp, face and neck massages
clean and sterilise equipment, like combs, razors and clippers
take payments, keep records and make appointments
keep up to date with new styles and techniques

Working Environment

You could work in a barbershop, at a client's home or on a film set.

Your working environment may be physically active.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you could become a senior barber. If you take further qualifications, you could move into training or assessing student barbers.

You could also open your own barbershop, either independently or as a franchise.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a barber from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority and National Hairdressers' Federation.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.