A Barber vs a Hairstylist | Who should Cut Men’s Hair?

Hairstyle has a huge role in shaping the personality of man. Getting the right haircut isn’t just about looking good. It is about reflecting your true persona and feeling confident in yourself. A misfit hairstyle can easily ruin your appearance and impression.

A variety of options are available for men’s hairdressing like barbers and hairstylists. They both have expertise in haircutting and grooming. But, each one offers different skills, specialties and experiences. Knowing these differences will help you get the look of your choice easily.

Our salon industry experts at Naser Haircuts have put this guide together to help you decide between a barber or hairstylist.

We, at Naser Haircuts, understand the unique needs of men’s grooming. With a team of experienced professionals, we offer top-quality men’s haircuts reflecting your personal style. Whether you want a sharp fade, a short back-and-sides, or a modern style, we are here for you.

Let’s get to understand men’s hairdressers and barbers, and who should you trust with your hair?

Barber Vs. Hairstylist | What’s the difference?

Both Barbers and Hairstylists are trained in men’s hairdressing. Their expertise differs in terms of techniques, styles, and tools. Here is a breakdown of these differences.

What Does a Barber Do?

Men’s barber shop is the traditional choice for men’s haircuts since ever. Men of every age go to a barber for a quick haircut and grooming session.

Barbers are trained in traditional hairstyles, classic cuts, and shaving techniques. Some of their areas of expertise are following.

1. Tools Used by Barbers

Traditional barbering includes the complete expertise with clipper cuts and scissors over comb. They use different types of clippers with precision and skill to provide sharp cuts and clean lines.

Razors are also used by barbers for shaving or shaping beard and mustaches.

2. Specialties of a Barber

Barbers offer fewer and simpler services as compared to hair stylists. But their mastery is unmatched in those specific services. Most barbers are trained in shaping traditional looks like:

Short back and sides
Crew cut
Buzz cut
Undercut
Low and high taper
Military style cut
Sharp fade

They also offer you:

Beard trim
Lather shave
Hot towel shave

3. Training Required to Be a Men’s Barber:

Barbers mostly attend barbering schools, where they learn the skills of men’s cuts and grooming. A typical course at barbering college or vocational institute requires the period of 6-12 months. Some traditional barbers also get trainings by working at shops of their seniors but they also need a barbering license from relevant authorities.

4. Pricing at Barber Shop

As compared to hairstylists, men’s barber shop provides cheaper rates and offers more affordability. Low cost is due to the fewer number of services and simpler tools.

5. Accessibility of Barber’s Services

Barbers services are easy to find and doesn’t require prior booking or appointment. You simply visit a barber shop, get a haircut or beard trim of your choice and leave within 30 minutes. They are preferred by masses for their quickness.

What Does a Hairstylist Do?

Hairstylist cut men’s hair in more variations and offer extensive styling. They specialise in cutting, trimming and color services. Their primary focus is on latest styles and fashion trends for longer hair.

The summary of a hairstylist’s skills is given below.

1. Tools Used by Hairstylists

A hair stylist is more expert in using scissors than clippers for cutting hair. Scissors give smoother finish to hair and can also used for long hair.

They are also trained in using diverse tools other than scissors such as:

Thinning Shears
Blow Dryer and diffuser
Flat Iron
Curling Iron
Round and paddle Brushes
Hair Rollers
Advanced types of razors
Chemicals like hair serums, gels and sprays

2. Specialties of a Hairstylist

Salon stylists are trained in all the trendy styles. Their services range is far vaster than a regular barber. They help you choose a unique hairstyle according to your choice and personality type. Some common services offered at a hair salon includes:

Modern styles and creative cuts
Under cuts
Asymmetrical cuts
Textured fades
Scissor-over-comb cutting
Long hair trimming and shaping

They are also expert in advanced hair styling techniques like:

Hair styling for special occasions
Shampooing and blow-dry
Personalised hair consultations (based on face shape, lifestyle, and hair type)
Deep conditioning treatments
Hair care product recommendations
Hair extensions
Hair straightening
Keratin treatments
Texture modification

Hair Colouring is also an additional option offered by hairstylists. They can offer:

Highlights and lowlights
Hair colour layering

3. Training Required to Be a Men’s Hairdresser:

Hairstylists need to get the proper education of cosmetology. They attend a 4-year graduation program for proper knowledge of the field. They learn all the basics of cosmetics and various techniques of styling.

4. Pricing at a Men’s Hair Salon

A hair dresser cost more than a regular barber due to his variety of services and advanced techniques. They are preferred by high-end customers who choose style over the expense.

5. Accessibility of Stylist’s Services

Hair salons require prior appointment with details of the required services. Customers get a time booked for their procedure and have to appear at the correct hour.

Now, it’s time to make a choice according to your preference or need.

A Barber or a Hairstylist | What to Choose?

You should go to a men’s barber if:

You’re looking to get a simple and effortless haircut
You want to get a clean shave or a regular beard trim
You are on a tight budget and want a cheaper option
You need an immediate hair grooming

You should choose a hair dresser if:

You’re looking for a new hairstyle but confused about what to choose
You want to colour your hair or add highlights
If you are a fashion enthusiast and require a trendy style
You want a hair care session or chemical treatment

Bottom Line:

Men’s hairdressers and barbers both have their unique skills and areas of expertise. They both are necessary to provide your hair the care they need.

Hairstylist have more formal education but he will not have as much training with a pair of clippers as a barber. On the other hand, a hairstylist is able to offer you a hair wash or chemical treatment which a barber cannot.

Barbershops have a more laid-back environment and will easily facilitate a walk-in haircut. A hairdresser gives you more luxurious treatment but will require a prior booking.

Keep the key points of both in your mind and choose the service that suits best to your hair needs and style preferences.

Ready for Your Next Cut?

Make an Appointment at Naser Haircuts for a Quality Grooming Session

At Naser Haircuts, we blend tradition with modern style, offering top-tier haircuts for men of all ages. With years of experience, we offer you a team of skilled barbers and hairstylists ready to give your hair the care they need. We will help you discover a unique style reflecting your persona.

Visit our website for the details of our services.