Thread: filling out my Barber college application

If I'm ever in Detroit, I'd definitely stop in to see ya!

I love the idea.

Very very cool that you're following your dreams here. I wish you the absolute best of luck and I salute you.

I've talked with several of the old time barbers at the shop in my small town about the "old days" Given that this is a small town, even back in the day they did not do shaves all that often. Most often, it was the bridegroom situation or, it was also kind of a tradition in itself for the hunters, after deer season ended when they let their beards grow, to get their beards/growth shaved off by the barber. I can't recall what they said they charged for shaves 20+ years ago, but the cost was LESS than a haircut. These were guys that are now in their seventies. The way they talked about the shaves I could tell without a doubt that they did not like giving shaves as much as cutting hair. The one barber said he could give 2-3 haircuts in the time it took to give a shave. I thought it seemed backwards that it cost less for a shave than a haircut. But, a man needs a shave much sooner than he needs another haircut so maybe that factored in??

Chris L

Sounds awesome.

Just a couple of observations. Check if local laws allow for straight razor shaving using a traditional straight razor. Be prepared to offer Shavette shaves as not all customers will want to invest in the full works (real straight, brush etc.).

If you want to make a living out of it be prepared to cut hairs as well. You may want to start as an employee in an established barber shop to gain experience and to get to know your potential future customers.

When I lived in Houston, TX, I had a hairdresser how did scalp massages as well: great feel! As I was really poor at the time I never had a straight shave from him. His shop was in a large hotel across the road from the square mile of university hospitals. He was the hotel's car park attendant as well.

Best of luck to you. I've been doing Hair for years, and I love my job. Learn as much as you can and remember, Servicing someone is NEVER about you. Successful Hairdressers are go getters, who never start and hold conversations with:"Me, My and I". I always try to remember some, if not just one thing about my clients. eg, they're a Hockey fan, or they just bought a house, they own a dobberman, etc. 90% of our job is listening and building relationships. But being good at hair helps too. all the best-J

Thank you all so much for your kind words and encouragement. It never ceases to amaze me how supportive the people are on these boards.

You're most welcome. I hope you will achieve your goals.

Great idea!

Check out Collins barber equipment: Collins Manufacturing Company - Salon Equipment, Spa Equipment, Salon Furniture - Equipment for Salons, Spas, Barbers and Cosmetology Schools

This is the style I'd like to see in a barber shop.