In order to legally practice as a barber in the state of Texas, you must complete the Class-A barber program at an accredited school and then pass a state licensing exam. The staff at Quality Barber College works with each student to ensure that they are prepared to pass their exam and move forward with skill and competency in their field.
Besides the foundation of education and hand’s on training, there are other skills that are useful when choosing to become a barber.
So, What skills do I need to be a successful barber?
1. Customer service
Barbers work closely with customers and can often spend over an hour with them performing services. Because of this, you may use customer service skills to expect and meet a client’s needs, collect payments and complete monetary transactions after you provide services.
2. Active listening
Barbers use active listening and listening comprehension skills to understand what their client wants and to be sure of their requests. This can include asking questions and confirming their understanding with the customer before the haircut, style or grooming begins and accepting feedback while you are working.
3. Time management
A barber’s work is often by appointment and to honor appointment times and complete your work as quickly as possible, you may use time management skills. These skills can allow you to understand how much time you will need to set aside for certain tasks and how long each appointment should take so you can set your schedules and maximize your earning potential by booking as many clients as possible per day.
4. Hand-eye coordination
Having excellent hand-eye coordination may allow you to complete your work with precision. Barbers benefit from skilled hand-eye coordination when making precise cuts and adding color to hair. In services that require blades, shears or razors to be near their client’s face, a barber also uses hand-eye coordination to keep their client safe.
5. Hair knowledge
Barbers train to cut and treat different hair, and because different hair can react differently to treatment, cuts and products, these professionals often have a deep understanding of the type of hair they work with. Knowing how to manage all hair types can help you expand your client base. It can also help you recommend safe and effective products for customers to use at home.
6. Creativity
Though many clients come into a barbershop with something specific in mind, other customers may need help to decide what they want. You can use your creativity to recommend styles, colors or facial hair trim patterns. These professionals can also benefit from creativity when finding new practices and interpreting a client’s creative vision.
7. Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills allow you to interact with their clients, hold conversations and build a network within the industry. Many of the services barbers provide are personal and can sometimes take hours to accomplish. In situations like these, it can be helpful for you to have good interpersonal skills so you can start and maintain a conversation with your clients while you work.
This also allows you to build a relationship with your clients, which can also inspire loyalty. Interpersonal skills can help you when networking with other professionals in the industry because building relationships with other cosmetology professionals and clients can help you secure new job positions and book more clients.
8. Communication
Communication skills can help you express your own ideas and share information. You may use these skills to explain their process to clients and other barbers. You may also benefit from strong communication skills when educating your clients on which hair and skincare products may be right for them.
9. Endurance
Because they spend most of their shift on their feet, barbers can benefit from being physically fit and having endurance. This can allow you to stand for long periods of time and hold certain positions and stances while performing services.
10. Patience
When working in a service-based industry, it is often important to have patience. Because their services can be time-consuming, having patience can help you complete your work without rushing. You may also use patience when speaking with customers, to be understanding and kind when a client is unsure or needs further explanation to grasp a policy or practice.
Quality Barber College in Houston, TX
Quality Barber College has built a state-of-the-art facility that stands out from any other barber school in the area, setting the tone for the quality education we provide. We chose our location to make commuting easy for students throughout the Greater Houston area.
Our staff offers hands-on training to ensure every student gains the skills and knowledge they need to pass their state licensing exam and become a successful barber in Texas. We offer a range of courses for part-time and full-time students. These courses include Class A Barber classes, cosmetology to barber crossover classes, and barber instructor classes.
Quality Barber College
713-900-4722
12363 S Main Street
Houston, TX 77035
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