Lessons On The Barber Chair
I seldom talk about work.
Probably because it is my daily bread and butter that the subject simply has simply eluded from my thoughts time and again.
Being a barber requires a lot of patience and soft skills. I believe that anyone can be one, but to separate the best are those who learn and deliver what is beyond the technicalities.
In my experience, here are six important lessons I learned in the trade.
1. Most of the customers do not know what they really want.
They leave it to us and hope that we can advise them to transform their image. I always try to remind myself that the trust they gave to me is an honor and a very precious gift.
When a newcomer comes in and gives that level of trust to you, it allows you to perform your best and be responsible.
2. Having a high sensitivity to customers expression.
Sometimes, minor nuances such as a slight frown or a knitted eyebrow mean disapproval. The majority of the customers never express their dissatisfaction because of rule no 1.
To be a successful barber, one must be quick to pick up on their facial expressions and try to remedy their concerns.
3. Treat all customers equally.
Customers of all walks of life will enter to your doorstep. There will be those who are animated and some who are reserved. There are returning customers who gave a big tip just because they liked how quiet we are. Likewise, there are others who do not return despite having a great conversation.
Whatever it is, be appreciative of all those who entered the salon.
4. Be curious and attentive.
But never intrude their privacy, unless they are the ones who reveal it to you.
I suggest talking about hobbies, environment, food or entertainment (HEFE)*. Ditch the rapport building techniques such as the FORD rule. Nobody wants to reveal to you their family issues, their dreams, and their relationships especially when there are other customers around.
5. Be direct when you’ve made a mistake or you simply cannot meet your customer’s standard.
Own up and never beat around the bush or apologize incessantly.
It’s okay. Everybody makes mistakes and the customers are usually forgiving.
There will also be times when the customers see this as incompetence and not as an honest mistake. They might not come again or sometimes, use it to their advantage and ask for preferential treatment for the next session.
6. Stay relevant.
Hairstyling has its own set of challenges. You will have to master the trade by being relevant and how to complement it with today’s trend. Trends are a good indicator of the styles that you can offer.
One of the main concern I have is growing old in an industry where the main bulk of our customers are primarily from youths and young adults.
There is also the issue of retaining customer’s loyalty. I find that customers do want something new once in a while and that is when you should recommend other styles that are up to date with the current trend.
Conclusion
Among all the lessons I’ve learned, I realized that being a barber — and I dare say other services related profession — makes you grow to be a better person.
Being a barber allows you to embrace humility, curiosity and also empathy which makes you become a well-rounded individual.
Hairdressing is never about the notions of glamour and glitz, which I previously used to conceive.
“You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true — anyone can cook… but only the fearless can be great.”
– Chef Gusteau (Ratatouille)
What do you think? Feel free to share your views.
*Footnote: HEFE rule inspired by Reddit
