5 Things You Need to Know Before Opening a Barbershop

Before you jump into opening your own barber

shop, understand this — it’s not just about cutting hair anymore. It’s about leadership, systems, and building something that can stand on its own.

Here are 5 things I’ve learned that every barber should know before opening their doors.

5. Branding matters — a lot.

Strong branding is everything. It needs to appeal to your target audience while staying balanced. And remember, you’re marketing to two audiences: customers and barbers. They both want different things. For example, a name like “Cheap Cuts” might attract clients, but most barbers wouldn’t want to work there. “Awesome Cuts” hits a better balance for both markets. Take time to understand logos, visuals, and tone — because branding is the first step in marketing.

4. Learn how to market your business —

Don’t know how to shoot a video? Learn. Don’t understand social media? Learn. Delegate if you can afford to, but if you can’t, you need to know these things. Don’t ask yourself “should I do this or that?” — if it can be done within reason, do it. Social media, handing out cards, word of mouth, physical ads — it all works, and adds up to more clients and barbers in the door.

3. Create balance for everyone.

At the end of the day, you’re building an environment that makes both clients and barbers happy. Without that balance, business will never truly run right. Foster happiness, but hold firm boundaries with both clients and barbers. It’s essential for maintaining a positive environment.

2. Stick to the script.

Once you’ve got things running, stay consistent. Don’t allow anyone — not outsiders or staff — to pull you or the business off course. Don’t listen to people who aren’t doing it. There have been times I second-guessed myself because of others’ opinions. If you give in, that’s on you. Remember — opinions.. everyone’s got one. You are the one who’s taking the risks, it’s easy for people give opinions, but you are the one who will suffer the consequences.

1. Master your skill set.

This is the first, and most important thing here. You can have the best brand, the best marketing, and the most beautiful shop — but if you can’t deliver quality work, none of it matters. The shop needs to be able to run with or without staff. If you can’t train barbers, why would they want to come work there? And if barbers feel like the shop needs them more than they need the shop, that’s an imbalance. Master your craft.