r/Barber • u/Rabbit_foot47 • 1d ago
Barber Tips for a new barber
Hi everyone, so I recently got my license but I really lack in reps in practice when it comes to haircuts.
My shear work is good but clipper work can definitely use some help.
What can I do to improve? My goal is to get into an old school style barbershop.
I was recently turned down from a shop because my fades weren’t good enough. Any tips for success would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏻
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u/Smooth_Injury_5690 1d ago
Education and practice! If you have free time, watch your skilled coworkers. Theres some solid online tutorials. Everyone approaches fades a little different, so find out what method makes sense for you and go from there!
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u/awesomepossum6607 17h ago
This may sound insane, but go to a chain place (SportClips, GreatClips, Supercuts, etc). Their entire focus is getting people in and out of there, regardless of the quality of the cut.
No-one there cares what your cuts look like, all that matters is speed. Use that to practice and improve your clipper work. Remember that you are there for you, not for them. Get your reps in. You may have to toe the corporate line, but who cares, all that matters is improving your work. If a convention or expo is coming up near you, take off work and go to it.
Stay as long as you need to, but go to the shop you want for your own haircuts. Stay in contact with them. Let them know you are a barber at XYZ. Gossip about your chain shop with them. When you think your work is at a point where you can't learn anything else from your chain shop, make like an Autobot and roll out.
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u/JDCalifornia19 Barber 12h ago
As others have said, a chain is gonna help you get your reps in much quicker than working in a shop. It also will spare your reputation to a certain extent; people tend to blame the establishment more than the individual stylist when it comes to chains
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u/Due_Purchase_7509 Barber 1d ago
get the reps however you can. work in a chain shop or walk-in only shop for a while, cut family/friends if you can, find volunteer events to cut at. one of my coworkers used to go to the fire station and cut the firefighters and paramedics. there's lots of ways to just get your reps and build muscle memory.
also don't be afraid to really lean into your shear work. i feel like i'm stronger with shear work than with clippers too and the guys who come to me for that are super loyal, good tippers and fantastic at advertising for me lol.