Barbers
What is a Barber?
A barber is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in cutting, styling, and grooming hair, typically focusing on men's hairstyles. Barbers provide a range of services, including haircuts, beard trims, shaves, and scalp massages. The profession has deep historical roots, dating back centuries, where barbers not only cut hair but also performed medical procedures, such as bloodletting and tooth extractions. In modern times, barbershops have evolved into social hubs where clients can relax, converse, and enjoy a personalized grooming experience.
Barbers are trained in various hair cutting techniques, hair coloring, and styling, as well as proper hygiene and sanitation practices. They often develop a loyal clientele through their expertise, creativity, and ability to understand individual customer preferences. Many barbers also stay updated on the latest trends and techniques through continuous education and training, allowing them to offer contemporary styles and traditional cuts alike. Overall, the profession blends artistry, craftsmanship, and customer service, making barbers vital contributors to personal grooming and self-expression in society.
Tasks
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
- Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
- Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
- Clean work stations and sweep floors.
Technology Skills
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Operating system software
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
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Video creation and editing software
- YouTube
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Calendar and scheduling software
- Appointment scheduling software
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Point of sale POS software
- Point of sale POS payment software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Hair combs or brushes
- Hair scissors
- Razors
- Electric hair clipper
- Hair or curling iron
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Detailed Work Activities
- Trim client hair.
- Apply protective coverings to objects or surfaces near work areas.
- Clean tools or equipment.
- Discuss service options or needs with clients.
- Clean facilities or work areas.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$26770.0 - $61090.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.