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  • Writer's pictureBigFishBarberess

Barber Vs. Cosmetologist (Stylist)

There is so much misinformation out there as to what makes a #barber a Barber and a #stylist a Stylist. Trust me being in the business for 15 years now, I've heard it all! Some think it is just a title that anyone can claim, some think that men are Barbers and women are Stylist, some think it's where you work, but all these folks are wrong. It actually has everything to do with your training and licensing! For more info keep reading but here is an infographic with the basics

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LICENSE


Haircutting licensing varies from state to state, but here in Missouri a Barber can use a Straight Razor to shave the face and scalp while a Cosmetologist can only use the Straight Razor on the back of the neck.

If a Barber was licensed after October 1, 1985 they cannot preform manicures or waxing services while a Cosmetologist can.

If a person is Dual Licensed they can preform all services under both the Barbering License and Cosmetologist License. #doitall #duallicense


TRAINING


While there aren't a lot of differences in the actual licensing between a Barber and Stylist the training is quite different. A Barber's training is more focused on clipper cuts, beard trims, shaving, and short haircut styles while a Stylist learns more about scissor cuts, manicures, makeup, chemical services, and long hair styles. Check out the infographic below for more details about training. #barberschool #beautyschool



MONEY


When it comes to picking a career a person needs to first find their passion then look at the #money. When comparing the dollars, on average Barbers do make more than Stylist. According to #ziprecruiter the national average for a Barber's yearly salary is $44,116 (that's $21/hour) and the national average for a Stylist's yearly salary is $27,036 (that's $13/hour). The biggest reason that a Barber makes more is less spending on backbar products and Barbers have more clients in a day because on average, their services are a lot shorter than a Stylist's. A slow Barber can complete six haircuts in the time it takes for a slow Stylist to complete one chemical service. Then because of new fads like bailage which enables a chemical service to last 8-10 weeks, that same barber will then see those same six clients at least two more times before that Stylist sees her one chemical service client back.



LOCATION

Some think that only Barbers can work in Barbershops and only Stylists can work in Salons but on the contrary it is once again all about the licensing. In general a licensed Cosmetologist can work in a Barbershop, but only if a licensed Barber is also working there. The same works vice versa. That is, a licensed Barber can work in a Cosmetology salon so long as a licensed Cosmetologist is also on-hand.

Fun fact though a Cosmetology salon cannot display a Barber Pole unless there is a licensed Barber working at the salon. #barberpolefacts



GENDER


By now you can probably guess that gender does not factor into whether a person is a Barber or a Stylist. It is all about the training, licensing, passion, and skill. A female can be just a qualified to cut men's hair, trim beards, shave scalps, and recommend the best hair products as a man. This also goes for the other side of the industry; a man can be just as qualified to style women's hair, do makeup applications, wax eyebrows, and give highlights as a woman. The world has changed for the better and if you are stuck thinking gender is the most important thing that matters when you are in need of a service, than you just might miss out on the best PERSON for the job! #genderequal


So now that you are more informed about the Barbering and Beauty licensing you can advocate for your favorite Barber/Stylist! Good news though if your favorite cutter is here at Big Fish Haircuts, because two out of the three of us are Dual Licensed so we can do it all ! Our third cutter will be attending school in January to also become Dual Licensed. When we say we are the best, we're not kidding! #bestbarbersint

own


Talk Soon,

Jenn


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