Barbers

Obtaining experience via a part-time job at a barbershop or beauty salon will be useful for aspiring barbers.

Barbering requires good finger dexterity and stamina, since barbers are required to be on their feet most of the day (although work environments can often be adapted to accommodate workers with disabilities or special needs). Barbers should themselves be neat and well-groomed because they work in close proximity to their customers. Tact and patience are important characteristics, as is being a good listener. The ability to easily carry on light conversation is important, as well.

To be successful, barbers must understand the importance their customers place on their appearances and seriously strive to provide a look that pleases their customers. Barbers are in the business of making people happy. Barbers should have a sense of form and style in order to determine what looks would be most flattering for individual customers. A barber must also recognize when a style desired by a customer isn't suited to the customer's features or hair type in order to avoid customer dissatisfaction. These situations require firmness and diplomacy. Other important traits include creativity and excellent time-management and organizational skills.

Barbers who operate their own businesses must have strong business management, leadership (if they manage staff), marketing, and financial skills.