State of the Barber Industry: Using the Whole License
This article originally appeared in my newsletter, theGuideline. Sign up and get trending barber content sent right to your inbox every Monday.
In case you missed the last 3 weeks, we are running a special mini-series to close out 2023. Each week, we share a theme related to the current State of the Barber Industry.
The themes are based on content we have shared throughout the year.
Theme 01: Clash of the Chargers
Theme 02: The 6 Figure Barber
Theme 03: The Rise of Hair Consultations
Theme 04: Influencer Marketing Trends
Theme 05: Using the Whole License
While getting a cut the other day, a client in the chair next to me asked the barber a question that most of us have probably been asked.
“How do you become a barber?”
The barber started explaining the process of going to school to get your hours and then needing to pass the state board exam to make it official. The client then asked:
"What do you even have to learn in school?"
The barber responded “There’s actually a lot. The State Board exam tests us on a wide range of skills. Every licensed barber needs to know how to do perms, relaxers, facial massage, shaving, color, blood exposure procedure and haircutting. And all those topics require us to study chapters like chemistry, anatomy and physiology.”
The client was shook. He had no idea.
Where's the Shampoo Bowl?
Even though licensed barbers know how to do various services, many don’t actually do them. Majority of barber shops in America don’t even have a shampoo bowl, making it difficult to do any chemical services, let alone a simple shampoo and conditioning treatment.
Well, times are starting to change. There is a growing movement of barbers who are embracing the entire scope of the license. Good for them.
Barbers to follow
If you want to see a barber doing perms, check out Alec Casapo.
If you want to see a barber doing color, check out Corey London.
If you want to see the dopest barber shop featuring a legendary shampoo bowl wall, check out Prohibition Barber Co.
As the self-care movement continues to extend into mens grooming, clients are becoming more and more interested in various services. Though the public might not realize it, these services can legally be given by their barber.
Are we the problem?
But maybe it’s actually our fault that the public is so misinformed. If our menu of services only says ‘haircut’ and ‘haircut + beard’, no wonder they only think we can do haircuts and beard trims. Tbh, most shop menus don’t even offer a ‘straight razor shave’ anymore.
Passing the Baton
We are witnessing a changing of the guard. As the OG generation of barbers have become outnumbered by Millennials and Gen Z, there is a new wave of services being offered. Is it for better or for worse? Depends on who you ask.
Written by Matthew Mendoza
Licensed barber, educator and consultant based in California. He is passionate about helping barbers pass their barber exam, develop their business and diversify their income.
He hosts a podcast, writes a weekly newsletter for the modern barber and offers 1-on-1 consulting.
