Starting a barber apprenticeship

With an interest in wet shaving and no college degree, I've decided to take up the trade of barbering. My barber has offered me the opportunity to apprentice under him which is great because I don't have the time or money for actual barber school. I also believe you learn more from hands on in the shop than you do in school anyways. Our shop will be mainly dealing with traditional men's cuts, hot towel shaves, and a complimentary beer with your haircut. You can even flip through a Playboy if you want.

What's your favorite thing about going to the barber? I'm open for suggestions and ideas.

 

My barber is old and crazy and likes to run outside to cuss at the kids riding scooters in the parking lot. It's quite a show. Try to work some crazy into your service.

 

I really enjoy a haircut where they use warm shaving cream and a razor at the hairline.

 

That sounds like a great opportunity. Wish I had a chance like that when I was starting a career. I agree on-the-job training is the best. Best of luck in your new career.

 

I like a barber to take his time, not send me out as fast as he can.

I shave at home, so no tips there. I say a video where the barber soaked the towel in warm water and added some essential oil. I think that would be nice, something relaxing like lavender, tea tree, something woodsy like cedarwood, sandalwood or rosewood

Offer mentholated lather =P

 

All great suggestions. With traditional cuts coming back in style, I'm really hoping it takes off in a big bad way. I'm really sick of being a security guard working the graveyard shift.

 

First off, congratulations Greg!

I agree completely with your statement of learning by doing.
Not that long ago, we had apprenticeships for nearly every trade you could think of,
and this way of training produced many productive and smart workers.
I wish you the very best in your apprenticeship, and I'm sure you will do a great job!

Barbering is a profession, not just a job.
You are working on people, and the results of your work will be seen all over town every day.
Be pleasant, and respectful. Keep your language and yourself clean.
Keep your hair cut, and shave daily. (I know that won't be a problem for you.... )
Dress the part. I know it's an investment, but wear barber's attire if all possible.
Seeing a barber (or a doctor for that matter) who is dressed appropriately and is neat & professional
in his/her appearance puts me at ease. First impressions are lasting impressions.
Keep your shop, and your tools and materials clean. Nothing puts me on the run quicker than a dirty shop.

Don't be the cheapest barber in town. Barbering is not easy, and it definitely takes training and skill.
The bible says that the workman is worth his wages. I never mind paying more for better than average quality.
Let those who seek the lowest possible price for barbering services find it elsewhere.
It's about respect.
Not all will do it, but I know plenty of guys who tip their barber when they feel they've received good treatment.
My regular barber charges $18 for a hair cut. I always hand him $20, and sometimes more.
He's worth it.

Best wishes to you Greg, and

Happy Shaving and Cutting!!

 

With advice like this you cannot go wrong. Good luck with your new career.

 

Congratulations! You'll have to let us know how it goes.

 

Can't agree more about the cleanliness, attire, etc.. We want to cater towards the customer by having it be a place you can hang out at for a few hours an not feel rushed. The pool table we're getting will be free to use, the music will be good, and they won't have to feel like they're just another $15 in my pocket. It's a barber/social club and what happens in the barber shop stays there.

 

Congrats on the opportunity. It looks like you've received lots of good advice already. I'm sure if you follow the advise you've received you will do very well in your new profession.

 

Very nice...I considered trying this venture myself, but I think I'm going to wait. As an apprentice, do you have to keep detailed records of your training? At what point will you be able to take your state licence?

I really like how baberbering is making a comeback. As wet shavers I think we have a leg up on the hot towel shave aspect.

What youtube channels are you watching for advice and tips?

 

In New York State, the apprenticeship is for two years and you must have 600 hours of training. After that, I'm able to take the state exam for my master barber license. I'm not sure if it's possible formme to take the exam after I reach 600 hours or if I have to wait the full two years. I have to call about that and find out.

As for YouTube videos, I basically just search for specific things like clipper over comb, scissor over comb, how to cut fades, how to cut tapers, etc.. The one video that really hooked me was one about a barbershop in Rotterdam called Schorem.

 

@Greg F. that sounds like a good career move. Good fortune to you on this new endeavor!

 

It would be good to check. I know in Michigan an apprentice has to have 2000 hours to be a barber (1500 to be a cosmetologist) but if they apprentice full time they can complete those hours in about 9 months.

 

Congratulations on making the move to a new profession.

To me, a barbershop should almost feel like I'm stepping back in time. I like the scents mingling and the look of all the tools.

I would think hands-on is the best way to learn barbering. I once had a math professor who compared math to swimming. He said something like "you can read a book on how to swim but you will never learn if you don't get in the water".

 

Heck, with that alone you have all the bases covered.

I have only had two barbers in my lifetime, both of the old school variety in traditional barbershops - Playboy and all. My current barber learned the trade in his father's barbershop, and it shows in his haircuts. They are the best in town. Given that the other two barbershops nearby are also old-school and top-notch, that is saying a lot.

My favorite thing about going to the barbershop? Getting a great haircut, of course! The best part is having pretty ladies say "You have a really nice haircut" afterwards.

 

Been there! Got a shave and a haircut. They take their time for both. One guy does the shaving, the other guys do the haircuts. The barber does only one pass though. And extensive touch-ups (without extra lather). I was a bit underwhelmed by the results. The experience was nice, though!

My usual hairdresser used to do shaves in his younger time and was taught to do two passes. The results should be way better then. He is thinking about picking up straight shaving again!


Great going, Greg! Have fun and be proud in learning and performing a real craft!

 

My first purchase was made for my training. I have a Dreadnought shavette on the way. I need to learn how to use one on myself before I start shaving other people. I've read its a rather aggressive razor so I'll have to be extra careful because I've never used a SR before. Hopefully the Arko shave stick I ordered will help. Pretty excited because it'll be my first time using the coveted Arko soap.

 

LOL...I watch the scumbags as well. You should check out the nomad barber. He did a tour around the world and picked up techniques from different countries. It's Good stuff.

I'm thinking of getting a feather artist club razor for the same reason you ordered a shavette.

I wish you all the best Greg.