Both barbers and cosmetologists work directly with clients to provide hair cutting and styling services. However, cosmetology also includes skincare, makeup, and nail care, while barbering delves into hair care services that are not part of a standard cosmetology program.
Still, barbering includes skills that are not necessarily part of a cosmetology education, such as shaving, beard trimming and styling, and men's haircuts. Unlike cosmetology, barbering does not emphasize skin and nail care—it's focused exclusively on hair care and men's grooming.
Still, barbering includes skills that are not necessarily part of a cosmetology education, such as shaving, beard trimming and styling, and men's haircuts. Unlike cosmetology, barbering does not emphasize skin and nail care—it's focused exclusively on hair care and men's grooming.
Barber vs. Cosmetologist: Licensing Differences
You’ll need to check out your local requirements for a state hair licensefor whichever niche is right for you. In many states Barber vs. Cosmetologist: Insurance Differences
Licensing and insurance differences both depend on the services you offer—more services can mean more training required but also more Barber vs. Cosmetologist: Other Considerations
While barber and cosmetology licenses take about a year to complete, barbers may earn more once they’ve finished Own A Barbershop Or Beauty Business? Here’s How to Get Quick Insurance Online
Knowing what each professional designation can offer helps you decide what’s right for you. Not everyone wants to do makeup, straight-razor shaving Both the barber and the cosmetologist cut, style, trim and groom hair. However, while the
barber focuses more on men’s hair and beards, the cosmetologist deals with both male and female clients. Also while barbers are specialized only in the field of hair, cosmetologists focus on hair, skin, and nails to enhance beauty.
Barbers have a sole focus on hair, and most of the time (this is not always the rule), will have a focus on simple cutting techniques and styling training. The biggest difference is that barbering is strictly focused on hair, whereas cosmetology has a much broader inclusion, such as nails, skin, hair, and more.
Cosmetology school will generally cover basic hairstyling material similar to what a
barbering program might teach, but
cosmetology programs generally cover a wider breadth of information and skills. Not only do
cosmetologists learn everything there is to know about hair, but they often learn other services in the fields of esthetics and nails.Although laws vary, in most states,
cosmetologists cannot use a razor to shave customers and are restricted to only trimming a beard or mustache with scissors.
Barbers are typically the only ones authorized to use a razor to remove facial hair or trim hairlines.
Cosmetologists are normally the only ones who can use wax to remove hair.
