Rich in tradition and specialized in skill, barbering is a diverse and engaging industry. From the skillset and training it takes to perfect various techniques to the social hub function of a barber shop within a community, there’s no shortage of rewarding challenges for a barber to tackle.

To build a truly inclusive and well-rounded barbering community, it is important for barbers to flex their creative, artistic, and technical abilities by getting hair certification for different textures and types of hair. Not only does this ensure you are capable of producing stellar results for your local clientele, but it also expands your barbering services to include anyone who visits your shop.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to hair care and styling. Barbers should be well-versed in all types of hair texture and types, ideally receiving hair certification for each of these specialties.

Hair Certifications for Hair Types and Textures

Different types and textures of hair require different barbering techniques to cut and style properly. From hair coloring to hair design, many of the techniques you should know have hair certifications associated with them, demonstrating that you are proficient in that particular craft.

Natural Hair Certifications 

With a spectrum of curl patterns and textures, natural hair provides barbers with a range of opportunities to grow their skills and dive into their creativity. The technical ability needed to care for and style natural hair is immense, with many requiring substantial training and practice to perfect.

Evaluating the texture of natural hair, including its coarseness, as well as the curl pattern that is present is the first step to proper styling and care. The more you learn about natural hair and practice with a diverse clientele, the better your ability to identify natural hair’s characteristics and hone your techniques will become.

Straight Hair Certifications

Known for its uniform texture and the absence of any curls or waves, straight hair may seem easy to manage. In truth, it comes in a variety of thicknesses and can be challenging to work with. With issues like frizzing and lack of volume as hallmarks of straight hair, learning how to cut precise lines, achieve symmetry, and utilize layering is key.

Straight hair that is barbered with excellence can project anything from sophistication to edginess. It’s all in the hands of a skilled barber executing their client’s vision with deft expertise. But natural straight here isn't the only certification you should consider. From an education perspective, working with chemical relaxants, keratin treatments, and other avenues to achieve straight hair are all worth considering. 

Curly Hair Certifications 

Curly hair is prone to frizz and can easily be cut or thinned excessively, giving even the best barbers pause from time to time. Rather than aggressive styling, curly hair tends to respond well to layering and shaping. In other words, most curly hair techniques focus on enhancing the natural bounce and texture of this hair type.

Remember, not all curly hair is the same. Some exhibit loose curls, and others are characterized by spiraling coils. It can also be fine or coarse, making it a difficult hair type to master. When styled and maintained correctly, however, it is full of flair and personality. 

On the flip side, getting certification in achieving curly styles–especially on those who don't have curly hair naturally–are other certifications to think about. From perming to heatless curling techniques, there are a variety of curly certifications barbers can consider.

Wavy Hair Certifications 

Sitting between straight and curly hair on the spectrum of hair types, wavy hair tends to grow in distinct patterns. As a barber working with wavy hair, understanding these patterns is essential to providing your clients with good-looking and flattering styles. Additionally, wavy hair is likely to frizz, so being familiar with the techniques and products required to achieve a desired look is a must.

When cut properly, wavy hair can prove to be a low-maintenance look that oozes effortless style. However, this outcome hinges starts in the barber’s chair.

Other Techniques and Hair Certification to Consider

With mastery of multiple hair textures and types under your belt, there are a handful of other hair certifications to consider pursuing. Becoming proficient in these important skill sets can expand your client base, grow your business, and keep your barbering journey interesting and inspired.

• Braiding: Equal parts art and technical ability, braiding is an impressive skill that requires a tremendous amount of training and practice to learn. The reward, however, is worth the effort, and the creative flair it allows is enough to inspire many barbers to dive into braiding.
• Hair coloring: Unlike the kits that come in boxes from the drug store, proper hair coloring at a barber shop is an involved and technical process. From mixing dyes to applying them correctly to making adjustments for different hair types, perfecting your hair coloring approach is a must if you want to offer this service at your shop.
• Beard service:. Offering beard services is a phenomenal way to round out your barbering biz. Trimming, blending, shaping, grooming, beard product sales, and more are all excellent ways to integrate beard-focused services into your barber shop offerings.

Adapting to different hair types and textures is an essential skill to learn as a barber. The more adept you become working with a variety of hair, the more complete you will be as a barber, the more diverse clientele you will be able to service, and the more growth potential your shop will have. To go above and beyond, be sure to obtain hair certifications in applicable fields.

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