Much like any other industry, barbers strive to be viewed as the skilled, talented professionals they are. However, barbering is also a creative field, which begs the question: do clients care if barbers dress fashionably? Keep reading to find out what one UK-based barber and one Aus-based barber had to say...
Kyle Dickson
Kyle says: "Personally, I do think that clients care how their barber dresses – no one really wants to come in and be greeted by a scruff to say the least. Personal appearance and hygiene are important in the sense of advertising and branding; clients believe in you, so why not present your best self, hopefully doubling their belief in your abilities.
"That being said, I like to think that I can come into the shop dressed up or dressed down – either way, the client sees me at my most comfortable, in clothing that showcases my laid-back personality. I think this helps the client then have a laid-back experience and allows them to be themself.
"Image is huge in this industry, but dressing well gains respect and assurance wherever you go, no matter the industry. I believe dressing well can help with your credibility day to day, but ultimately your work is what can speak volumes.
"I wouldn’t say that fashion is outright a part of my brand as a barber, but at the same time I dress within what you could say is the ‘trending’ mainstream style. I’m not massive on branded clothing, which I suppose allows my clients to view me as a peer, rather than someone flashy and unrelatable. I have great client relations and treat them as though they are my friends so I think a laid-back approach to style personally helps me in that department.
"I think there is some pressure to ‘look the part’ in our industry, especially to newcomers – most barbers do appear similar to outsiders in terms of clothing, hair and tattoos, but I think it’s important to be yourself. However, you might not trust a doctor who turns up in joggers and a vest top, so I think it’s worth bearing in mind that how you dress might impact how people view you and your business – it’s about ensuring your style and ethos align."
Sam Squires
Sam says: "I think there are different clients for different styles of barber. I don’t think a majority of clients care too much about what their barber wears as long as they are presentable enough and hygienic. If a client wants a particularly fashionable barber, there will always be someone that fits that bill.
"Looking at my own experiences, I definitely get comments when I make more effort in the style of clothes I wear – people notice the change. Personally, my style changes between work and out of work, however there are other factors to consider – I’ve cut hair in shorts and t-shirts here in Australia for years because of the heat, for example.
"I definitely feel like dressing well and following fashion can add to your authority. Saying that, fashion isn’t a key part of our brand at Backbone Barbershop, but as we have had barbers that are particularly into fashion in the past, we notice that the clientele in the shop can change.
"I think the beautiful thing about the industry is that there are so many subcultures of barbers and barbershops, therefore not only can each barber find the place where they fit in, but they can attract the clients that are right for them, too.
"Ultimately, I don’t feel there’s a pressure to dress a certain way, but do feels it’s fair that a business wants the people working there to look presentable."
