Barbers and hairstylists

Published on: Monday, September 13, 2021

By: K Krishnan

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DURING this Covid-19 pandemic, many people missed their barbers / hairstylists. Never before has this situation happened.

Everybody took barbers for granted. Anytime you want a haircut there is a barber shop around the corner. You don’t need an appointment and you don’t have to rush.

They are always there waiting for you. When all of a sudden all barber shops were closed, you really feel something is missing. Barbers and hairstylists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and a range of other beauty services.

What do they do?

Depending on the location, size of operation and the services they offer, typically they offer the following services:-

Inspect and analyze hair, skin, and scalp to recommend treatment
Discuss hairstyle options
Wash, color, lighten, and condition hair
Chemically change hair textures
Cut, dry, and style hair
Receive payments from clients
Clean and disinfect all tools and work areas

Barbers and hairstylists provide hair and beauty services to enhance clients’ appearance. Those who operate their own barbershop or salon 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.

There are many franchise businesses which have mushroomed throughout the country. Since the local youths are not forthcoming to venture into this trade, more and more foreigners are being employed.

Barbers

Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair, mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces, perform facials, and offer facial shaving.

Depending on the state in which they work, some barbers are trained to colour, bleach, and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Common tools include combs, scissors, straight razors, and clippers.

Hairstylists

Hairstylists offer a wide range of hair services, such as shampooing, cutting, colouring, and styling. They often advise clients, both male and female, on how to care for their hair at home.

Hairstylists also keep records of products and services provided to clients, such as hair colour, shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment used. Tools include hairbrushes, scissors, blow dryers, and curling and flat irons.

Work Environment

Barbers usually work in barbershops and must stand for long periods. Many barbers are self-employed. Some work in personal care salons. Some work in a spa, hotel, or resort. Some lease booth space from a salon owner. Some manage salons or open their own shop after several years of experience.

Barbers and hairstylists usually work in pleasant surroundings with good lighting. Physical stamina is important, because they are on their feet for most of their shift. Prolonged exposure to some chemicals may cause skin irritation, so they often wear protective clothing, such as disposable gloves or aprons.

Work Schedules

Many barbers and hairstylists work full time; however, part-time positions are also common. Those who run their own barbershop or salon may have long workdays.

Work schedules often include evenings and weekends – the times when barbershops and beauty salons are busiest. Those who are self-employed usually determine their own schedules.

What Qualities are needed?

Creativity

Barbers and hairstylists must keep up with the latest trends and be ready to try new hairstyles for their clients.

Customer service skills.

Workers must be pleasant, friendly, and able to interact with customers in order to retain clients.

Listening skills.

Barbers and hairstylists should be good listeners. They must listen carefully to what the client wants in order to make sure that the client is happy with the result.

Physical stamina.

Barbers and hairstylists must be able to stand on their feet for long periods.

Tidiness.

Workers must keep a neat personal appearance and keep their work area clean and sanitary. This requirement is necessary for the health and safety of their clients and for making clients comfortable enough so that they will want to return.

Time-management skills.

Barbers and hairstylists need to manage their time efficiently when scheduling appointments and providing services. For example, routine haircuts do not require the precise timing of some other services, such as applying neutralizer after a permanent wave. Clients who receive timely hair care are more likely to return.

For further information

Those of you who are interested in learning this trade can contact any of the following training providers:-