Hair Design / Barbering

What To Expect

Hair design / barbering experts use their knowledge about hair care and styling to cut and style a client's hair. The term barbering is generally used when describing those professionals who primarily care for male clients, while hairdressers or hairstylists generally work with female clients.

Regardless of the hair design / barbering primary focus, they are all trained in doing things such as fitting hair pieces, providing scalp treatments, coloring and highlighting hair, providing permanent wave treatments, and shaving and trimming facial hair. Hair design / barbering professionals also advise their clients on how to care for and style their hair at home. In addition, a hair design / barbering professional may also style a client's hair for a special occasion, such as preparing the hair of a bride and her bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding.

Recommended Qualifications

In order to become a hair design / barbering expert, you need to complete coursework in the field. Many schools offer programs that last less than a year, though some also offer programs that lead to an associate's degree. In all states, you must also obtain a license before you can practice hair design / barbering.

A good candidate for a hair styling / barbering position is someone who enjoys helping others look better and confident in his or her abilities. It is also important to have good communication skills and a friendly demeanor, as hair design / barbering professionals are called upon to work closely with their clients. Those who have a good eye for aesthetics and enjoy working with people to help them look their best are well suited to this career.