Barbers and men’s hairdressers often do similar work, but there are still clear differences between the two. From the tools they use to the training they receive and the services they offer, each role brings something unique to the industry. Whether you're new to the trade or refining your identity behind the chair, understanding the difference between a barber and a men’s hairdresser can help you define your skills and stand out in your career.
Men’s Hairdressers vs Barbers: Where’s the Line?
People often mix up the roles of barber and men’s hairdresser, but there are key differences worth knowing.
Now, most hair professionals don’t relate to the label men’s hairdresser since they often cut and style hair for clients of all genders. Still, the term is used by some to describe a certain training background and approach. It’s not about which title is better. Whether you call yourself a barber or a men’s hairdresser depends on your training, client base, work setting, and how you see your role. "I’d say the term men’s hairdresser means you have some form of hairdressing education or history and experience with long hair styling in a salon role. A barber shop to me is defined by somewhere that offers purely short, men’s hair, cut with clippers in quite an old school way – back-to-back, nice and quick. Many people entering the barbering world now have had an element of hairdressing education, which ultimately gives you a more rounded background," says Oliver Hill, at MaxOliver adding: "At MaxOliver, we classify ourselves as ‘modern barbers’. To us, that means we’re inclusive, which means we do all gender short hair, men’s long hair, afro textured hair, kids’ hair, older people’s hair and all things in between. We steered away from defining ourselves as men’s hairdressers and chose the term modern barbering for our Brighton shop as it reflects we’re fully inclusive and cater for all genders."
Tools, Techniques & Time
Both barbers and men’s hairdressers cut hair but how they do it can look quite different. Barbers usually use clippers and razors, while men’s hairdressers tend to work with scissors, especially when styling longer hair or offering services like colour and treatments. Tom Baxter, owner of Tom Baxter Hair, says: “With a barber, the client will usually receive a haircut like a skin fade and will be in and out of the chair within 10 minutes. Yet, a men’s hairstylist will spend more time with the client and ensure the haircut is completely bespoke to them.”
Training: Clipper Work vs Scissor Skills
Training styles also vary. Barbers are taught to master clipper-over-comb, fades and tight shapes. Men’s hairdressers usually get more scissor-based training, learning how to shape and layer longer hair. Dexter Johnson, TONI&GUY International Artistic Director and Head of Men’s Education, explains: “Typically, men’s hairstylists are primarily taught to work with a scissor and a comb, working on longer classic shapes. They are naturally more comfortable working with scissors-over-comb, rather than clippers and utilise a variety of layering techniques. Barbers are taught to apply a clipper-over-comb technique, working with fades and tapers to achieve their client’s desired style. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to attending male clients and there are pros and cons to both applications. To be successful and achieve a variety of looks for your clientele, you have to be proficient in both skill sets, making you a men’s grooming expert and not just a hairdresser or barber.”
Tom Hoffman owner of Diligents shares: "I define myself as a men’s hairdresser. I worked my way through the ranks of hairdressing before choosing to specialise in men’s hair. I’ve always felt that the term “barber” doesn’t fully capture what we do. Barbering is an art in itself - no doubt - but bringing a hairdresser’s training and perspective into the men’s grooming space creates a more well-rounded experience for the client. When you’ve trained as a hairdresser, you don’t just learn how to cut - you learn how to understand hair on a deeper level. It’s about technical knowledge, salon-based styling, problem-solving, and offering tailored advice based on each client’s hair type, lifestyle, and needs. You can become a barber fairly quickly through short courses, but hairdressing, especially when it comes to men’s styling, demands broader skills and a much deeper toolkit. It’s not something you pick up overnight. It’s that combination of barbering precision and hairdressing depth that allows us to truly elevate the service for men."
The Shop Environment
Barbershops are usually more casual and male-focused, often offering beard services, product retail, or even extras like coffee or clothes. Salons, where men’s hairdressers often work, usually have a more open layout to allow for services like colour, styling, and backwash areas.
Ian Tucker, former American Crew National Education Manager, says: “Now barbershops have created a one-stop shop environment, where men can order a tea or coffee from a barista, shop for clothes and get their hair cut all under one roof. Most barbershops take walk-ins, but by creating this one-stop shop makes the service more enjoyable if it's a long wait." Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional Global Brand Ambassador, adds: “Some men feel more comfortable in a barbershop, which is generally more suited for men, whereas salons tend to be unisex. However, there is an influx of men’s grooming and hair trends which is blurring the lines between the two trades, making the differences less and less.”
So, Barber or Men’s Hairdresser?
At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Some professionals connect more with the tradition of barbering, while others prefer the creative and technical side of hairdressing. Many now combine both to offer a full range of services.
Our sister magazine Hairdressers Journal supports the barbering community through the British Hairdressing Business Awards and British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, and both include a category for Barbershop/Men's Grooming Salon of the Year and Men’s Hairdresser of the Year respectively.
Wherever you work, from a buzzing barbershop to a cutting-edge salon, you’re part of an evolving, exciting future in men’s grooming.
Barber or men's hairdresser looking for inspiration? Check out our gallery.
