Stepping into the barber world is an exciting step, especially when you picture all the cool fades and fresh styles you’ll create. That being said, starting out doesn’t always go as planned. Almost every new barber picks up a few habits that will slow down their progress or make work less fun than it could be. From picking up bad money habits to letting ego get in the way, these simple slip-ups are easy to avoid with a bit of awareness and an open mind. Im going to break this down into four easy to read articles that I will drop every Friday for the next four weeks @ 9am.
Top Mistakes New Barbers Make
There’s so much to learn when you’re getting started behind the chair, and you can’t learn it all in a day. Knowing about the most common mistakes makes it easier to sidestep them and focus on building a career you’ll be proud of. As an educator for the last 19 years I’ve worked with many new barbers and I see the same mistakes made time and time again. Here’s what I found As an instructor at a local barber academy.
- Not Taking Mentorship Seriously: Many new barbers push back against coaching, missing out on lessons from experienced barbers who have already been through the ups and downs. I’ve witnessed students asking other students who just started cutting for instruction instead of the educator on the floor. Will disregard all instruction from the professional and ask someone in the same position.
- Poor Money Management: Quick cash can feel amazing, but without a plan, it’s easy to spend too fast and end up broke by the next weekend. From experience I can attest to this. this is why it’s important to track your income and expenses. Planning today will prepare you better for tomorrow.
- Forgetting the Importance of Clients: It’s simple to think clients will always come back, but taking people for granted is a fast track to empty chairs. You’ll stand and hover over them at the register for a tip but don’t know their name. Wont offer to grab their coats, or to check if they have a loyalty card for you to punch. Understand that you’re building relationships first and cutting hair second.
- Job-Hopping Too Soon: Jumping from shop to shop in search of higher pay or better coworkers keeps you from building your own steady clientele. In order for a tree to grow roots it must be planted! You want to go grow? Find one spot to settle in and grow some roots.
I love being a barber even more so I love sharing the craft with those wanting to become a barber as well. It is my mission to learn how to reach every learner right where they are. Some students are hands on learners while others learn by watching, or hearing. Everyone may learn different but we all are able to learn. To be new at anything takes time to learn and some mistakes can’t be avoided and will take place. However, these common mistakes new barbers make, can.
Part one drops TOMORROW!!
