Photo by jtronics80 from Pixabay

Barbershops are known for their recognizable symbol - the swirling barber pole with red, white, and blue stripes. Did you know that the barber pole originated in the medieval period when bloodletting is recognized as a treatment for several disorders? While bloodletting is no longer a barber’s task, using the barber pole serves as a homage to the occupation’s historical legacy. The pole communicates that the shop is open for business. Barbers are also called hair cutters or hairdressers. In this role, you can be proficient in making people look good and presentable by knowing hairstyle cuts, and chemicals used in the face and hair. 

OTHER RELATED NAMES AND ROLES

• Beautician

• Coiffeur

• Coiffure

• Cosmetologist

• Haircutter

• Hairdresser

• Hair Stylist

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply the proper haircut requested by the customer

• Maintain cleanliness throughout the saloon by collecting and disposing of hair.

• Keep scissors, comb, clipper, neck duster, hand mirror, razor and shave brush clean and sanitised.

• Receive payments, issue receipts and return changes.

• Washing and conditioning client’s hair.

• Provide back, face, neck hand, shoulder massage

• Welcome customers and consult them about their desired haircuts and styles.

• Trim beards and facial hair
   

POSSIBLE EMPLOYERS AND INDUSTRIES

• Salon

• Barbershop

• Part-time or freelance roles

• Training schools for barbers and beauticians

INVESTMENTS - EDUCATION AND TRAINING

In the Philippines, a barber can be more marketable and skilled by finishing the TESDA Barbering NC II which is 456 hours and 200 more to complete. In the United States, some states require licensing for barbers.

SKILLS NEEDED

• Physical stamina - Most of the time you’ll be standing for hours while tending to a customer.

• Positive and customer friendly demeanor

• Organization

• Keeping the workplace clean and tidy
   

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Your working environment will be in a saloon full of hair cutting tools, hair care chemicals, a mirror, an electronic hair cutter and a rotating chair. The volume of customers depends on your saloon's location:  whether it’s in a busy street corner, city centre or a non-busy village.

STRESS LEVEL

The more customers, the more likely you’ll experience stress. The stress level also comes from the long hours of standing while working.

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The salary depends on your location - city vs province - and company size. If you’re full time employed in the Philippines, the employer is expected to provide government-mandated benefits such as SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth. You could earn tips from generous customers if your service is good. 

Data Source: Salary Explorer
Note: Salary depends on time and location. When the above statistics changes in 2025, it's only true for the year 2024.

RISKS OF BEING AUTOMATED OR REPLACED BY ROBOTS

Robots and AI could potentially make haircuts, but the required extreme dexterity to provide a nice haircut can make such a robotic takeover far from reality. In addition, providing haircut and grooming services is not just about the service: it's also about a human connection, where individuals prefer the personal touch that comes with a human barber. According to willrobotstakemyjob.com/barbers, barbers had a 48% chance or moderate risk of being automated.

PROS AND CONS

Pros

• Meet new people and hone your customer service skills

• Help people look good and well-groomed.

Cons

• The role might not be paying well if you’re employed in small to medium-sized barbershops. 

• Standing for the whole of your shift can be taxing.

CAREER PATH AND OUTLOOK

You can move up a career ladder by taking up these roles:

• Salon manager

• Salon owner

• Educational instructors who train newbies at trade schools