Profession of a Barber: How to Become a Hairstylist and Get Regular Clients
If you've always had a knack for styling your buddies' hair, listen up. Making the leap from an amateur snipper to a licensed stylist with a full roster of clients is easier than you think. Follow our guide to shears success.
<h2>Get Schooled</h2>
Before you can start slinging products and waving scissors around willy-nilly, some schooling is in order. Cosmetology programs at vocational schools provide hands-on training in haircutting, coloring, styling, and more. Expect to spend 9 months to a year earning your cosmetology license. Brush up on sciences like anatomy and chemistry to give you the background for understanding hair structure and products. Classes focus on the practical stuff - you'll spend lots of time practicing on mannequins and real-life models. Once you've logged the required hours, you'll need to pass exams to get licensed in your state.
<h2>Snag a Sweet Gig</h2>
Newly minted stylists often start as assistants at an established salon, working under a veteran stylist. Assisting gives you experience dealing with real clients, lets you expand your skills, and introduces you to product lines. As you build a clientele and reputation, discuss moving into a junior stylist role with commission pay. Keep your eyes and ears open for other salons that may provide a better fit clientele- and culture-wise. Don't be afraid to make moves if it feels right. Loyal clients will stick with you if you relocate.
<h2>Master the Basics</h2>
To build that loyal client base, you need to consistently deliver quality cuts. Start by completely mastering the fundamentals - fades, classic cuts, proper use of clippers and shears. Know which techniques and tools deliver the results dudes are asking for. Pay attention to face shape and natural growth patterns to determine the most flattering style. Guys will come back again and again for that perfect fade that makes them look like a million bucks.
<h2>Listen and Learn</h2>
The most important skill a stylist can have? Learning exactly what your client wants. Ask questions, show them pics for inspiration, and describe what you plan to do. If they just want their usual but shorter, confirm the specifics before you start. If they give you creative freedom, ask about their lifestyle to factor that into the cut. Do they run their hands through their hair a lot? Better go shorter on top. Active job with a dress code? Consider a more conservative style. Really listening shows you respect their time and appearance. Follow up after to see if they have any feedback or are happy with the results.
<h2>Build Camaraderie</h2>
Some chatty talk during a cut shows clients you’re personable and makes the experience enjoyable. Keep it light, avoid controversial topics. Ask how their workout program is going or if they have a vacation coming up. Comment on the game last night. Guys will warm up to you quickly if you’re relatable. Jot down personal details they share so you can follow up later - “How was your fishing trip last weekend, Mike?” Pro tip: Avoid awkward silences by keeping sports and men’s lifestyle magazines around for fodder or waiting room reading.
<h2>Sell the Sizzle</h2>
Pushing products helps boost your bottom line and keeps clients looking slick between cuts. But don’t go overboard with the hard sell. Wait until the end after you’ve worked your magic. Say, “I used ACME Gel to style your hair today - love how it defines texture without flaking or residue. I think you’ll really like it.” Provide samples so they can see results. Recommend accessories like brushes and product kits for home maintenance. Share insider tricks like using a salt spray before bed to amp up waves or working wax through ends for separation. The combo of great service and stellar product advice builds loyalty.
<h2>Stand Out on Social</h2>
One of the best ways to put your brand out there? Rockin’ social media. Ask happy clients if you can snap an after pic to showcase your work - guys dig the ego boost of looking suave online. Share the love by posting it on your business page and tagging them. Use relevant hashtags like #barbershopconnect and #menshair so potential clients can find you. Reply to all comments and messages. Consider contest giveaways like free cuts or product baskets to increase followers and referrals. PR possibilities are endless here so take advantage!
<h2>Location, Location</h2>
When the time comes to go solo, choose the right location. Busy areas near offices with a lot of foot traffic typically work best, assuming signage costs aren’t crazy. Scout the local competition - overlapping with other barbers too much makes gaining market share tough. Look for neighborhoods on the rise that lack stylist options - get established early before it gets saturated. Partner with other businesses like coffee shops or men’s clothing stores to cross-promote. Offer discounts to office workers nearby and secure corp accounts. Don’t hesitate to think way outside the box either - there’s dudes aplenty beyond just your neighborhood. Think custom builds inside gyms, happy hour hot spots, even sporting events.
<h2>Set Sound Finances</h2>
Crunching numbers is a crucial component too - this gig won’t work if you can’t pay the bills. Secure small business financing or loans to cover costs of space, equipment, licenses, and operating expenses for the first 6 months as you build up clients. Be conservative with daily appointment slots at first. Price services to generate a 50% profit margin after deducting product costs, rent, insurance, taxes. Reinvest profits into things making the client experience better like new tools or a slick redesign to show you’re thriving. Consider hiring another stylist to expand hours and services once you’re booked solid.
<h2>It’s Snip O’Clock!</h2>
If being your own boss with a skill people value sounds good, then it’s time to make that career clip. Follow this blueprint for going from amateur scruff sculpter to master stylist with a bumping barbershop. The path to becoming a valued neighborhood tonsorial artist is clear-cut. Grab those sheers and go get that fresh fade, my friends.