Barber Shop Operator Career

*A job as a Barber Shop Operator falls under the broader career category of Barbers. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category but may not specifically apply to this career title.

Job Description for Barbers : Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.


Is Barber the right career path for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!

What Barbers do:

  • Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
  • Clean work stations and sweep floors.
  • Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
  • Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
  • Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
  • Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.
  • Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
  • Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
  • Shampoo hair.
  • Suggest treatments to alleviate hair problems.
  • Order supplies.
  • Recommend and sell lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies.
  • Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
  • Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.
  • Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit.
  • Provide face, neck, and scalp massages.
  • Curl, color, or straighten hair, using special chemical solutions and equipment.
  • Provide skin care and nail treatments.
  • Measure, fit, and groom hairpieces.
  • Identify hair problems, using microscopes and testing devices, or by sending clients' hair samples out to independent laboratories for analysis.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Holland Code Chart for a Barber