Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by David Thomas
So you’re finally ready to get the haircut you saw while scrolling through Instagram. Supercuts isn’t cutting it for you anymore, and you’re prepared for a more sophisticated look. But then the question arises: Where should you go? Should you visit a barber or a hairstylist?
It’s a common dilemma. I frequently visit Reddit and notice that many people are unsure which professional is best suited for their hair needs. Whether you want a classic fade and shave or a textured mullet with faded sides, choosing between a traditional barber, a hairstylist, or a barber stylist isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about expertise. Each profession offers unique services and skills, and understanding these distinctions can significantly impact how you look and feel after leaving the salon or barbershop.
Quick example: if you’re a man looking for a sharp, clean haircut along with a perfectly groomed beard, you might instinctively head to a barber. But what if you also want a slight color adjustment or to experiment with a new longer hairstyle? A hairstylist could offer the trend-focused flair you’re after. Then there’s the barber stylist, a hybrid who can do both: providing you with the precision of barbering alongside the creative flexibility of scissor work and hairstyling.
With the beauty industry constantly evolving, knowing which expert to turn to can save you from potential hair disasters and ensure you get the look you envision. This article will break down the differences between these three professionals—traditional barbers, hairstylists, and barber stylists—so that the next time you sit in the chair, you’ll know exactly who to trust with your hair.
Table of Contents
The Traditional Barber
Evolution
Barbering is one of the oldest professions in the world, with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The traditional barber is what most people think of when they hear the word “ Barber”. The role of the barber has evolved significantly over time, starting in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome. By the 19th century, barbershops had become popular social hubs for men, especially in Europe and North America. Men gathered for shaves, haircuts, and good ol conversation, which still continues today. The traditional barber usually fosters that old-school, relaxed atmosphere where clients can talk about sports, politics, their wives, etc. while getting groomed. The role of the traditional barber remains essential for men who want sharp, clean looks tailored to masculine styles.
Training & Skill Sets
Becoming a professional barber requires specialized training in either barber college or beauty school.
The traditional barber is known for their precision and expertise in short hairstyles and men’s grooming. Specializing in the art of creating clean, sharp looks that enhance a man’s natural features. Barbers are masters of clipper cuts, and their skills are particularly evident in popular short hairstyles like fades, undercuts, buzz cuts, and classic combovers. Clipper-over comb skills are usually top-notch, cutting down bulk easily and quickly.
Where the traditional barber stands out are their skills with the straight razor. The level of detail that goes into a traditional hot towel close shave is difficult to replicate at home. The process involves applying hot towels to soften the skin, using high-quality shaving creams, and skillfully navigating the contours of the face with a straight razor to ensure a smooth finish. This ritualistic service is a favorite for men who want to look and feel clean.
Along with shaves, Traditional barbers are great with beard grooming. Whether it is trimming, shaping, or lining, most Traditional Barbers have the precision skills to leave your beard complementing your face shape. Some also provide tips on maintaining beard health, like washing, conditioning and using beard oils for retaining moisture.
Services offered
The traditional barber usually operates out of a barbershop, providing a place where men can go for reliable grooming in a relaxed, usually masculine environment. Here are some of the key services a traditional barber provides.
- Haircuts
- Straight Razor (hot towel) Shaves
- Beard Trims & shaping
- Line ups (edge ups)
- Beard Treatments
- Facials
- Designs
Traditional barbershops cultivate a unique atmosphere. They are often designed to be comfortable, laid-back spaces where men can not only get a haircut but also relax, socialize, and enjoy the experience. Many clients appreciate the simplicity and craftsmanship of the services provided by barbers, who excel at delivering consistent, high-quality grooming in an environment built for men’s needs.
The Hairstylist or Hairdresser
Evolution
Hairstyling has always been about more than just cutting hair—it’s about creating trends, shaping identities, and reflecting the cultural moments of the time. Over the centuries, hairstylists have played a crucial role in defining beauty standards and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with hair.
Hairstylists are the ones who create the looks seen on fashion runways, editorial shoots, red carpets, and movies. While the profession may have begun with basic grooming techniques, it has now evolved into a high-demand career requiring a vast knowledge of color theory, chemical treatments, and cutting-edge styles.
Training & Skill Sets
Becoming a hairstylist requires an education in cosmetology typically requiring 1600- 2000 hours of training. This education covers everything from the anatomy of the hair and scalp to advanced cutting techniques and chemical processing (think highlights, balayage, and perms).
Hairstylists are known for their versatility and usually work best with medium to long hair. A key part of their skill set is their ability to manipulate hair texture, shape, and volume. Hairstylists do the majority of their cutting training with shears.
Another valued skill of hairstylists is their expertise in hair coloring. In training, they spend quite a bit of time in color theory and other chemical processes like perms and relaxers and color corrections.
Their hairstyling skills are top notch. From weddings to set work to photoshoots, hairstylists are usually equipped with everything needed to give the desired cut and style using a blowdryer and the right products and tools.
Serviced Offered
Hairstylists offer a broad range of services beyond haircuts. A visit to a hairstylist often includes options like:
- Hair Coloring and Color Correction
- Styling
- Chemical Treatments (Perms, Relaxers)
- Scissor Haircuts ( Usually Medium to long hair )
- Blow Outs
- Makeup
The Barber Stylist
Evolution
The barber stylist is a relatively new role (last 10-12 years) in the beauty industry, emerging as a hybrid profession that combines the precision and tradition of barbering with the creativity and versatility of hairstyling. Barber stylists bridge the gap between traditional barber shops and high-end salons, catering to a wide array of clients with different hair needs.
Training and Certification
To become a barber stylist, professionals typically undergo dual training in both barbering and cosmetology. This means completing barber school to master clipper cuts, fades, and shaving, as well as cosmetology school to learn the art of hairstyling, hair coloring, and chemical treatments. However, with the power of the internet, licensed professionals can easily learn the other side if they choose. There is no need to spend extra money on school. If you hold a Barber license, you can “legally” do everything a Cosmetologist can do EXCEPT makeup and nail services. If you have a Cosmetologist license you can’t legally use a razor on the skin.
Skill Sets
Barber stylists have a unique combination of skills that set them apart from both traditional barbers and hairstylists. They excel at the precision techniques used in barbering, such as close fades, razor shaves, and beard sculpting, while also mastering more complex hairstyling methods, like layered cuts, color blending, and texturizing.
This dual expertise allows barber stylists to offer a broad range of cutting services. For example, a barber stylist can give you a sharp, clean fade and follow it up with a subtle beard color enhancement, then blowdry and style your textured top. They can handle long hair, short hair, and everything in between, making them a go-to for clients who want flexibility and creativity in their grooming routine.
Barber stylists are also skilled in men’s hair styling trends, such as creating the perfect pompadour, textured quiff, or slicked-back styles, but they’re just as comfortable creating voluminous curls, sleek bobs or lobs (long bob) for their female clients. (Depends on their training and expertise) Their ability to blend technical precision with artistic flair makes them a rare and highly sought-after professional in the beauty industry.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all barber stylists are the same. It’s best to check out which services they offer and what they most frequently post online and that will give you a good idea of what kind of training or specialties they have.
Services Offered
Barber stylists offer a combination of services that can cater to both men and women, making them a versatile option for anyone seeking a comprehensive grooming experience. These services often include but aren’t limited to:
- Straight Razor (hot towel) Shaves
- Beard Trims & shaping
- Line ups (edge ups)
- Beard Treatments
- Facials
- Hair Coloring and Color Correction
- Styling
- Chemical Treatments (Perms, Relaxers)
- Scissor Haircuts ( Medium to long hair )
- Blow Dry
- Clipper Haircuts
Barber stylists are ideal for clients who want a one-stop shop for all their hair and grooming needs, providing the precision of a barber and the creativity of a hairstylist.
Now, how do you choose which professional is best for you? Well, that depends on YOU and YOUR needs. Check out How to Choose the Right Professional for You for more information.
Cheers!
