Barbers


Human Services > Barbers > Overview
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Barbers

Barbers - Overview

Barbers wash and cut customers' hair.

Barbers cut peoples' hair. They greet customers when they enter the shop and talk to them about the style of haircut they want.

Barbers drape a protective cloth around the customer's shoulders to catch cut hair. They may wash customers' hair and check the condition of their hair and scalp. They cut customers' hair and also may trim customers’ mustaches and beards. When shaving customers, barbers apply shaving cream and use a razor to remove the hair.

Occasionally barbers dye customers' hair or give them face, neck, or scalp massages. They may also sell lotions, shampoos, and other hair products. They calculate the charges and receive payments.

Barbers use a variety of tools while working on customers' hair, including:

  • Combs
  • Hairdryers
  • Razors
  • Scissors

Barbers must keep their work area clean. After each customer, they shake out the protective cloth and sweep the floor around the chair. They also sanitize the combs.

Barbers who own or manage a shop have additional duties. They:

  • Hire employees
  • Keep records
  • Order supplies
  • Pay bills
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.