Barber
On this page
- What's it like to be a Barber?
- How to become a Barber
- Latest Barber jobs
- Top skills and experience for Barbers
- Barber role reviews
What's it like to be a Barber?
A Barber (Kaikutikuti Makawe) cuts and trims hair on the head and face. They may also perform head and face massages and give advice on hair and skin care and treatments. Barbers generally work in barbershops or hairdressing salons, or run their own businesses. Barbers may be required to work evenings and weekends as this is when many clients seek their services. Having business skills is important if you want to run your own barbershop.
Tasks and duties
- Trimming, cutting, shaping and tapering hair using scissors, razors, clippers and combs.
- Providing facial hair maintenance and custom shaves.
- Performing other grooming services, such as shampooing, styling and colouring.
- Cleaning and sterilising tools and equipment such as scissors, combs and clippers.
- Ordering barbershop supplies.
How to become a Barber
There are various pathways into a career as a Barber, including qualifications or an apprenticeship.
Consider completing a one-year New Zealand Certificate in Commercial Barbering (Level 4), a course that combines theory and practice.
Alternatively, find an employer who is willing to support you through an apprenticeship. This will give you on-the-job training while you are working and getting paid, and at the end you’ll get a Certificate in Commercial Barbering. This typically takes two to four years.
