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Barber

Alternative titles for this job include Men's hairdresser, gent's hairdresser

Barbers cut, trim and style customers’ hair, beards and moustaches.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a barber

You could get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • freelance work

College

You could take a course to help you get started, for example:

  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Barbering
  • T Level in Hair, Beauty and Aesthetics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can do a hair professional intermediate apprenticeship, or an advanced apprenticeship for creative hair professionals.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start work as a trainee barber in a barbershop and learn on the job.

Your employer would expect you to take a part-time course to get qualifications, either at a college or in their own training school if they have one.

Other Routes

You may be able to work freelance and rent space in a barbershop, though you'll usually have to supply your own equipment.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a barber from the Hair and Beauty Industry Authority and National Hair and Beauty Federation.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your daily tasks, you could:

  • welcome customers and find out what they want
  • give advice on hairstyles and grooming
  • cut and style hair
  • shave, trim and shape beards and moustaches
  • provide scalp, face and neck massages
  • clean and sterilise equipment, like combs, razors and clippers
  • take payments, keep records and make appointments
  • keep up to date with new styles and techniques

Working environment

You could work in a barbershop, at a client's home or on a film set.

Your working environment may be physically active.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a senior barber. If you take further qualifications, you could move into training or assessing student barbers.

You could also open your own barbershop, either independently or as a franchise.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Hairdressing Apprentice at Heath Park Barbers

  • Wage: £10,004.80 Annually
  • Location: HEATH PARK, ROMFORD

Hair Professional Apprentice

  • Wage: £9,504.56 Annually
  • Location: 2 THE RIDINGS ARCADE, ST GILES STREET, NORTHAMPTON
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Barbering

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Ipswich

Barbering - Level 2 Diploma

  • Provider: Capital City College Group
  • Start date: 03 February 2024
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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