Key Takeaways: The barbering world has an exciting array of avenues for barbers to explore and specialize in. But two of those avenues–old-school barbering and men's grooming–tend to feel synonymous. This blog explores the differences between these niches so every barber can know where they stand and what services they'd prefer to offer.
When we think of the word barbering, a whole host of images swarm into our heads. From the earliest days of classic barbering to modern shops with trendy twists–there's a wide variety of wiggle room that makes its way into the industry.
So, what exactly is the difference between old-school barbering and new-school grooming? And further, is there any overlap between the two that we need to be aware of?
That's precisely what this blog is all about.
The term barbershop (or barbers) probably stirs up a few different images for the clients – and even the barbers – who hear it.
For some, the term barbershop conjures up a classic picture of a red and white barber pole where a classic-looking man (with a mustache to die for, surely) lathers up the necks of well-dressed, suited gentleman while they recline in an oiled, leather chair.
For others, a barbershop takes on a more modern meaning with images of a hipster-esque barber perfecting an ideal fade.
Surely, there are plenty of other images that arise somewhere in between these two – either way, though, it’s often noted that there’s a distinct difference between old-school barbering and men’s grooming services.But aside from an old-timey classic mindset and a heavy dose of nostalgia, what exactly is the difference between these two?
We’re here to set you straight.
Check out our dissected analysis of what’s different, similar, and totally unique to each of these practices.
The Ins and Outs of Barbering & Grooming
What Exactly is and Old-School Barber, Anyway?
Try not to let your brain do a total time warp when we start talking about old-school barbering.
Before we dive into this, we want to note that we don't mean to peg the style of "old-school barbering" as a hipster-comeback-of-the-barber. We don't mean that old-school barbering has anything to do with the interior design trend of making a barbershop look old-school.
When we talk about old-school barbering, we specifically mean the style of barbering, the services offered, and what you can expect from a professional trained in the ways of old-school barbering.
Now that that’s settled, let’s dive right in.
What Are Barbering Services?
An old-school barber is someone who is classically trained in the art of traditional barbering. Traditionally, old-school barbers will focus primarily (if not entirely) on men’s services, like cutting, grooming, and styling hair and facial hair. You can expect old-school straight razor shaves, neck massages, classic haircuts, (potentially) trendier hairstyles, hot lather facials, and beard or mustache trims.
Mind you, what we refer to as “old-school barbering” isn’t exactly based on all the services barbers used to perform.
Want to know a fun fact about barbers?
In the middle ages, barbers often performed surgeries and dental procedures (think leeching, bloodletting, teeth extraction, and more!) – nowadays, barbers are (quite obviously) not qualified for such tasks. Honestly? We’re not all that upset about it.
Typically, an old-school style barber (in this century) won’t offer color services (not even for gray hairs or beard services), likely won’t invest in continuing education for product-specific treatments (like deep conditioning, chemical relaxing, etc.).
So, to break it down, old-school barbering can be defined as a traditionally-trained barber who places an emphasis on men’s styles and services, and a professional who doesn’t typically get involved in the hip and trendy types of barbering (hair coloring, beard dyeing, eyebrow waxing, etc.).
What Are Men’s Grooming Services?
Men’s grooming services might have a little overlap, but overall, they're a whole different ballgame.
While they likely perform a lot of the same services as barbers (straight razor shaves, haircuts, beard care, mustache trims, and more), there’s typically a much longer list of services on a men’s grooming service set-list.
Typically, men’s grooming services – sometimes even called men’s grooming salons – will offer additional services you wouldn’t likely find at an old-school barbershop.
"Men's grooming services might have a little overlap, but overall, they're a whole different ballgame."
For example, while a barbershop typically just covers basic hair and facial hair needs, a men’s grooming salon likely will offer services like waxing, plucking, facial peels, deep tissue massages, manicures, pedicures, cuts, styles, scalp treatments, corrective color, highlights, toners, and more!
To break it down and make it even more basic, barbers who have men’s grooming services training take an ambitious stab at providing their clientele with as many services as they can with their certification and licenses, unlike a classically-trained barber who’s focusing on perfecting a few, traditional services.
Think of a barber who specializes in men’s grooming services as a more modern, open-minded, and flexible professional who’s trying to expand their repertoire as much as possible!
Where do your services in your shop lie? Do you find your more of an old-school barber of a new-school men's grooming kind of barber? Perhaps you're a fun mix of both–that can happen! Ultimately, your foundation is up to you–and as a barber, there's plenty of room for creativity in the industry.
The only non-negotiable? Investing in a reliable and affordable barbering liability insurance so you can safeguard your career, yourself, and your future. And, by the way, NAOB is pretty darn good at that. Check out our insurance options and how we can help you protect your career!
