So you’ve heard that barbers make good money and decided to pursue a career in grooming. You’re not wrong about such information; becoming a barber is one of the careers where you’ll get paid according to how hard you work. Of course, that doesn’t mean just cutting hair. It’s about building relationships, creating styles, and fostering confidence in clients.
In Canada, the barbering profession is thriving, offering numerous opportunities for those passionate about grooming and style. If you’re considering a barbering career, here's everything you need to know before taking the plunge.
Understanding the Role of a Barber
The responsibilities of a barber often extend beyond haircuts to include beard trims, shaves, and providing grooming advice. Additionally, barbers create an inviting atmosphere for clients, making them feel comfortable and valued during their visit, meaning that a successful barber needs to be a people’s person, talkative, and always accommodating of the customers’ opinions and outgoing.
You’ve probably heard of the expression “the customer is always right”; this is especially true in the grooming industry, as you’re providing a personalized service that is an extension of the customer’s personality and values. A crucial part of the barbering profession is offering services that align with each client’s individual needs.
How to Become a Professional Barber
Becoming a successful barber doesn’t necessarily require formal schooling; many individuals build their barbering careers through experience and dedication. While the journey can vary based on personal drive and work ethic, it typically takes 3 to 5 years of hands-on learning to achieve a professional level. The following stages outline the common path to building a strong barbering career:
- Join a Barbering Program: Enroll in an accredited barbering school. In Canada, programs generally last from 8 to 12 months, covering essential skills such as hair cutting, styling, shaving, and client management. It's important to choose programs recognized by provincial regulatory bodies to ensure you meet industry standards and are well-prepared for the barbering profession.
- Land an Apprenticeship: In some provinces, aspiring barbers are required to complete an apprenticeship program. This hands-on experience is crucial for honing practical skills and gaining real-world exposure. During this phase, you’ll work under experienced barbers, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in a professional environment and establish a foundation for your barbering career.
- Gain Working Knowledge: The barbering profession is ever-evolving, with new techniques, styles, and products emerging regularly. Engaging in ongoing education, attending workshops, and staying updated with industry trends can help you refine your skills and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace, which is essential for a long-lasting barbering career.
Tools of the Profession
Maintaining a high-quality and inclusive set of tools is crucial to excelling as a barber once you've gained the necessary knowledge and skills. Fortunately, it’s easy to build a reliable kit by sticking to trusted brands like Wahl, Andis, and Oster, which have decades of market presence.
Starting off with the basics, you’ll need:
- Clippers: Invest in high-quality clippers capable of handling various hair types and styles. Look for adjustable models with multiple guards for versatility.
- Scissors: A good pair of professional hair-cutting scissors is essential for precision cuts, especially when dealing with longer or textured hair.
- Combs and Brushes: Multiple types of combs and brushes will help you achieve the desired style, from wide-tooth combs for detangling to fine-tooth ones for precise detailing.
- Shaving Equipment: Whether you prefer a straight razor, safety razor, or electric shaver, this equipment is essential for beard trims and clean shaves. Don't forget pre-shave oils, shaving cream, and aftershave.
- Hair Products: Keep an array of styling products on hand—pomades, waxes, gels, and sprays—to accommodate different client preferences and hair textures.
- Neck Dusters and Capes: A neck duster helps clear away hair clippings from the client’s skin, while high-quality capes protect clothing during the haircutting process.
- Sanitizing Tools: Ensure proper sanitation with disinfectant sprays and barbicide for cleaning tools and clippers between clients to meet hygiene standards.
While you’ll gradually acquire additional tools and accessories as you build a comprehensive
collection, the items listed above are the essential starting point for any professional barbering career.
The Business Side and Career Opportunities
Lucky for you, you chose the best time to start your barbering career in Canada due to the power of social media and the different successful business models.
While Rendezvous represents a premium chain of modern barbershops, starting your barbering profession can be as simple as setting up a leather chair in the back of a cargo truck or even working as a private barber, visiting clients in their homes with your portable equipment.
Whichever business model you choose, there are modern additions to your shop and services that can help you thrive beyond the typical small, family-owned business:
- Mobile Barbering: Offering mobile barber services, especially for clients who prefer home visits or corporate offices, can create a niche market and allow for flexible scheduling.
- Specialized Services: Consider offering specialized grooming services like beard sculpting, hot towel shaves, or scalp treatments, which can attract high-end clientele and set you apart in the competitive barbering profession.
- Collaborations and Pop-up Shops: Partner with local businesses, such as gyms, salons, or event spaces, to host pop-up barbering services. This can expand your reach and introduce your brand to new audiences.
- Product Sales: Selling grooming products like hair pomades, beard oils, or shaving kits can provide an additional revenue stream and enhance the customer experience.
- Educational Workshops: Share your expertise by offering grooming workshops or tutorials. Teaching grooming techniques can build your reputation and attract more clients.
- Franchising Opportunities: Once established, consider expanding your business by opening multiple locations or offering franchising opportunities to aspiring barbers. This can offer even greater long-term potential for your barbering career.
Conclusion
Becoming a barber in Canada is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to express your creativity and make a positive impact on clients’ lives. By understanding the educational requirements, developing essential skills, and considering the business side of the barbering profession, you can set yourself up for a successful barbering career in this rewarding profession. Start your journey today and embrace the art of barbering!
