“What is the difference between a barber and a hairstylist (cosmetologist)?”
There is never a week that goes by that I do not not get asked this question. Since it comes up so frequently, and since I’ve had the opportunity to work in salons & barbershops (I am licensed in both), I figure I’ll shed some light on what may be a slight point of confusion.
The word Barber, is derived from the latin word “barba” meaning beard. It is a person whose occupation is to cut hair, perform shaves and trim beards.
Hairstylist or Cosmetologist, is derived from the Greek word “kosmetikos” meaning “skilled in adornment”, and is the study of the application of beauty treatments (haircutting/hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures and electrolysis).
Barbers are also trained to provide facials, color and perm hair. This is quite similar to the services the hairstylist would perform; however, there are two very distinct differences between them.
(1)Shaving – the art of shaving with a straight-razor can only be performed by a licensed barber.
(2) Manicure/Pedicure – these two services can only be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or nail technician, not a barber.
There are many men that seek out hairstylists for that “new” more trendy hairstyle, and in many cases the people they choose are perfect for that goal. But, don’t discount your barber just yet! The growing interest in men having a greater interest in their appearance is putting pressure on barbers, especially traditional ones, to evolve and make the way for a newer version of barbershops. And that’s something we can all look forward to!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
this posting is so true, I started out cutting hair at a early age. watching my grandfather do his thing in his barber shop while waiting on my mom to pick me up after school, it planted a seed for my future, later i went to cosmetology school and learned this skill but they did not really teach a big part in barbering, but i knew a lot already but nothing about females hair. i later learned the difference as well. now that i have furthered my career in the art of cosmo. i now know that i need to go back and get the fundamentals of barbering. thanks for this post