Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Barber
What barbers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a barber?
Open the shop and sanitize stations. From there, the day usually includes consult clients on cuts and styles, cut hair with clippers and shears, and create fades, tapers and designs. Barbers often work evenings and weekends, with flexible schedules for chair renters.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a barber working full time.
- Open the shop and sanitize stations.
- Give a skin fade to a regular client.
- Do a straight razor shave with hot towels.
- Cut a child’s first haircut.
- Line up a beard and add a design.
- Post photos and answer booking requests.
- Clean and close the shop.
Where barbers work
Barbers work in barbershops and salons, standing for long hours.
Hours and schedule
Barbers often work evenings and weekends, with flexible schedules for chair renters.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Consult clients on cuts and styles
- Cut hair with clippers and shears
- Create fades, tapers and designs
- Shave and shape beards
- Sanitize tools and stations
- Book appointments
- Recommend grooming products
Tools you’ll use every day
- Clippers and trimmers
- Shears
- Straight razors
- Combs and brushes
- Hot towels and lather machines
- Disinfectants
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative craft
- Community relationships
- Flexible schedules
- Shop ownership potential
What’s hard
- Income depends on clients
- Standing all day
- Weekend work
- Building a client base takes time
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love precise, detailed work
- I like talking with people
- I’m creative
- I want flexible hours
- I can stand for long shifts
- I might want my own shop
Not sure? Take the free Barber fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use a new blade for every shave
- Disinfect tools between clients
- Watch posture to protect your back
- Handle razors carefully