While barbering can be a rewarding career, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. Long hours of standing, high levels of concentration, and dealing with difficult customers can lead to stress and burnout. Some barbers may quit due to these challenges, or because they want to pursue different career paths.

Barbers shampoo, cut, and style hair, mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces, provide facials, trim beards and mustaches, and offer facial and head shaving. Depending on the state in which they work, some barbers are licensed to bleach, color, and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services.

The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology requires the following school hours, depending on your license type: Cosmetologist = 1000 hours, Barber = 1000 hours, Esthetician = 600 hours, Electrologist = 600 hours, Manicurist = 400 hours.