Well-groomed men are fuelling barber shop boom — but we’re short of barbers
A report found a shortage of talent coming into the trade, with two-thirds of shop owners saying they have struggled to hire a quality barber
LOOKING for a job that’s a cut above? How about barbering?
Fellas obsessed with grooming are fuelling a boom in barber shops.
More than 100 have opened in the last year alone.
The average man now goes to their barber every six weeks — or every three weeks for blokes with beards.
But a report for grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge found a shortage of talent coming into the trade, with two-thirds of shop owners saying they have struggled to hire a quality barber.
Bluebeards’ Nick Gibbens says: “How many roles offer you the chance to be your own boss, setting your own prices and working hours, in a social job where you get to meet people from all walks of life?
“Hair never stops growing, so barbering is recession-proof! You will always be in demand.”
A popular barber can expect to earn up to £30,000 a year — or £14 per hour plus tips.
There are also opportunities to move into fashion or work in salons around the world.
Nick adds: “When your skills grow and your client base increases, barbering can be very kind to your wallet.”
We're growing short... of barbers
Callum Marks swapped folding T-shirts in Superdry for cutting locks at Luka’s Barbers in Plymouth, Devon.
The 31-year-old fell into the career by accident and recalls: “I went for a haircut and the woman cutting my hair recommended I look into barbering.
“Her boss offered me a work placement but only if I was happy to get a barbering qualification.
“I finished my NVQ course in barbering and have never looked back. “Other than having the right qualifications, being great with people is a necessity. The days of miserable barbers that just grunt and cut ‘short back and sides’ are gone.
“Today, barbers are selling an experience. The customers have to leave feeling good about themselves.
“You also have to have an eye for creativity and be current with regards to pop culture and fashion.
“Due to its roots, barbering is also seen as a trade. This means you’re always able to exchange your services for others. I’ve swapped haircuts for tattoos, gig tickets, clothing and even DIY help.
“I can genuinely say I look forward to barbering every day. I have met some incredible people throughout my career, from every walk of life.
“The industry is always changing as well. New styles, products and tools always keep things interesting.”
- You can find out more at or .
Hints to get that first job
FRESH from summer exam results, it could be time for your first big job interview.
Charlotte Carter, head of student recruitment at accountancy giant KPMG, reveals her tips for new applicants.
- Be on time . . . but not too early. Know your route and allow for public transport delays. But don’t turn up half an hour early and expect to be seen straight away. You don’t want an awkward wait in reception, so grab a coffee and read through your notes or go for a walk around the block.
- Be yourself. Show the skills that make you unique but don’t be over-familiar. Avoid using slang and language such as “mate”.
- Dress smart . . . but be comfortable. Fidgeting with an ill-fitting suit or dress can be distracting. Standing out from the crowd can be a good thing but you want to be memorable for the right reasons, so step away from OTT clothes and make-up.
- Do your research. Take an interest in the company and check out the website to gain valuable details about its culture and markets. Drop facts and figures about the organisation into your chat if you can
- Highlight your strengths. Remember, the interviewer wants to get the best out of you. They are not trying to trip you up with their questions but are more interested in how you answer them and the reasoning behind your answers.
MOST READ IN MONEY
Work opportunities
- Are you a "motivated jobseekers with bags of initiative"? Your CV is probably sending recuiters to sleep. Analysis of 1.1 million CVs by jobs site Adzuna identified 'motivated' as the most-cited feature in CVs, mentioned in 26 per cent of resumes. "Initiative" was used in 24 per cent, followed by "social" in one in five. Adzuna's Andrew Hunter said: "While many employers now look for keywords in applications to help refine their list of applicants, it's important to choose your skill-set and attributes wisely. "moving away from recycled buzzwords like 'motivated' and 'initiative' could be the very factor that sets your CV apart."
- Hop to it to set up your own small business. Freelance outsourcing platform has halved its fees, making it easier to sell on your skills, from virtual PA work to gardening. The website's Stacy Brown-Philpot said: "These changes will drive more business to our Taskers, supporting them as they earn a meaningful living on their own terms."
- A rise in DIY home improvements has powered a boom in jobs at building supplies firms. Wickes and Travis Perkins have more than 400 jobs on offer, including drivers, fitters, customer service agents, operations managers and estimators. Search for roles at
Diamond opportunity
Fancy the job title 'chief bling officer?' Jeweller Beaverbrooks is looking for someone to wear its diamonds and jewellery - and you get paid for it.
If you are hired, you will receive £500 and sample a range of pieces from the firm's latest collections, providing feedback on your social media channels.
Beaverbrook's Lorna Haddon said: "We're searching for the UK's biggest jewellery and diamond fanatic to trial our latest pieces and report back on style, versatility, wear-ability and 'bling factor'.
"If you've got a passion for fashion, a keen interest in social media and think you have what it takes to be our first bling officer, we want to hear from you."
- Apply by August 26 at .
Jobspots
- Beefeater and Brewers Fayre have 180 jobs going. See .
- Civil engineer Instalcom wants to hire experienced reinstatement gangs. Call 0208 731 4600 to apply.