How to become a Barber

Also called: Men's hairdresser, Ÿ Men’s hairdresser

Barber cuts, trims, tapers and styles men’s hair. He/she also removes facial hair by shaving the specific area and uses tools such as scissors, clippers, razors and combs. He/she may offer additional services like shampooing, styling, colouring and performing scalp massages.

Main tasks

• Cutting, washing, tinting and waving hair
• Shaving or trimming beards and moustaches
• Giving scalp treatment
• Providing advice on hair care, beauty products and hairstyles
• Arranging appointments and collecting payments
• Cleaning work areas and sanitising instruments

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Related jobs

• Hair stylist/Hairdresser
• Beautician
• Manicurist
• Makeup artist (stage/film/studio)
• Masseur (non-medical)
• Slimming consultant

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Questions people ask

Will AI change the work of a Barber?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

• International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026