6 Careers You Can Have as a Licensed Barber

Are you passionate about style, grooming, and making people look their best? Getting a barbering license could be the perfect path for you! Becoming a barber has many benefits and can lead to exciting opportunities in the grooming industry.

Whether you’re looking to master classic techniques or explore new trends, there are many possibilities. Let’s explore six rewarding career paths for barbers and how the Shear Excellence Barber Hair Design program can help you achieve your goals.

1) Traditional Barbershop Roles
When you join the team at a traditional barbershop, you become part of a long-standing tradition. Barbershops are more than just places for haircuts—they’re community hubs where relationships are built and skills are celebrated. In a traditional barbershop, you’ll have numerous opportunities to provide your clients with everything from classic cuts, precise shaves and expert beard trims while connecting with a loyal clientele.

At Shear Excellence Barber Hair Design, our training program provides a solid foundation with 900 hours of training in:
• Classroom Theory/Hair Structure
• Precision Haircutting
• Straight Razor Shaving
• Beard & Mustache Grooming
• Coloring and Bleaching
• Safety, Sanitation, and Sanitation Protocols

2) Men’s Grooming in Salons or Spas
Want to take your skills beyond the barber shop? Consider working in high-end salons or luxury spas. As a men’s grooming specialist, you’ll offer tailored haircuts, scalp treatments, and styling services that cater to a diverse clientele. This path allows you to refine your artistry and stay on top of industry trends.
Interested in expanding your expertise? The cosmetology program at Shear Excellence Hair Academy comprises 1200 hours of comprehensive training. For our cosmetology program, we offer both full-time and part-time schedules that offer you advanced training in:
• Hair Coloring & Bleaching
• Scalp Treatments
• State Laws and Regulations

3) Become a Barbering Educator
Becoming a barber instructor could be your calling if you love sharing knowledge and mentoring aspiring barbers. As an educator, you will teach students the craft, demonstrate techniques, and help shape the next generation of barbers. This role keeps you engaged with evolving trends while allowing you to build a rewarding career in education.

Many states require additional certifications for instructors, and gaining experience in a barbershop first can give you the expertise needed to excel in this role.

4) Own or Manage a Barber Shop
Ready to take charge and build your own brand? Owning or managing a barbershop is not only an exciting venture but also a fulfilling way to combine your technical skills in hairstyling with essential business acumen. As a shop owner, you’ll have the opportunity to create a unique atmosphere that reflects your personal style and vision. This includes establishing a welcoming environment that keeps customers coming back and makes a positive contribution to your local community.

Managing a team of skilled barbers and staff members is key to running a successful shop; you’ll foster a collaborative culture, provide training, and ensure everyone is aligned with your brand’s goals. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your artistry, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills.

5) Platform Artist or Brand Representative
If you love the spotlight, this path lets you showcase your skills at industry events, trade shows, and seminars. As a platform artist or brand ambassador, you’ll educate others on the latest trends, demonstrate cutting-edge techniques, and represent top grooming brands.
Becoming a brand representative can involve showcasing barbering techniques on stage at live demonstrations, teaching professionals new skills at trainings and workshops, promoting grooming products through brand partnerships, connecting and networking with industry leaders, and traveling to attend national and international events.

This role blends creativity, education, and business, offering an exciting way to grow your presence in the industry.

6) Barbering in Film, TV, and Fashion
Do you dream of working behind the scenes in entertainment? Barbers in the film, TV, and fashion industries craft on-screen looks for actors, models, and performers. Whether you’re on a movie set or behind the scenes at a fashion show, this career is fast-paced and exceptionally rewarding.
Job Highlights:
• On-Set Styling: Craft period-accurate or trendy looks
• Collaboration: Work with directors, makeup artists, and stylists
• Adaptability: Adjusting styles quickly for different roles
• Travel: Opportunities to work in various locations

Take the First Step Toward Your Barbering Career
From traditional shops to high-end salons, education, or entertainment, your barber license opens up incredible opportunities. At Shear Excellence’s Barber Hair Design, we provide expert training through our Barber Hair Design Program to help you make your passion your profession.

We know that education is an investment, which is why we offer financial aid options to eligible students. Our admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way.

The grooming industry is evolving—are you ready to be a part of it? Start your journey today!