Years ago, it was popular for men to regularly go to the barbershop not only to get a haircut or a shave, but also just to hang out and talk with other men. These days, men don't rely on barbershops alone for haircuts, as they also have the option of having a friend or family member cut their hair, doing it themselves with clippers, or going to a salon. Approximately 44 percent of men still make it a habit to get their hair cut at the barbershop, however, while 32 percent go to a salon. Understanding the differences between the services provided and the expectations of the customers at these two locations will help make it clearer what to expect during and after you attend barber classes.

Cuts

Men's haircuts tend to cost less at a barbershop than at a salon, often because they're getting simpler haircuts and not getting color. Barbershops traditionally focused on cutting men's hair and doing it well, so barber college will consist of a lot of instruction on using the clippers, traditional short haircuts, and blending. These haircuts could include fades, military style cuts, buzz cuts, and flattops, for example. Barbers don't necessarily have a lot of experience with the trendiest new haircuts or longer haircuts, although some will be able to do a good job with these cuts. People who want these types of haircuts are more likely to visit a salon, as are those who need their hair colored.

Shaves

One main difference between barbershops and salons is that traditional hot lather shaves of the face and neck are typically offered at barbershops. A barber college is more likely to teach students how to do this than the typical cosmetology school. Sometimes these shaves are included with the haircut (at least the back of the neck) while other times they are provided for an additional fee.

Training Involved

The amount of time it takes to finish barber classes will depend on the state where you live, as a certain number of class hours are required before a person is allowed to take the licensure exam. Typically, these programs take anywhere from 10 to 15 months and include around 1,500 hours of training. Classes won't just involve learning how to cut hair; they'll also cover any relevant state laws, tool maintenance, sanitation, professional ethics, business practices, and physiology and anatomy.

Expected Salary

The salary for a graduate of a barber college can vary quite a bit depending on location and experience. The bottom 10 percent take home an annual salary of around $17,900, while the top 10 percent of barbers make around $47,410 per year or more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual wage is about $28,140 per year. Obviously, a career as a barber isn't likely to make you rich, but it can be very satisfying for some people.