What Tools Do Barbers Use?

Barbers are a type of hair professional that are trained to cut and trim hair as well as the beards and mustaches of men. They are licensed hair care professional who generally work in a barbershop. To successfully do their job, there are specific tools that nearly all barbers use.

• Clippers - Electric clippers are arguably the most important tool of barbers. They are used for all forms of hair cutting, including tapering and texturizing. Smaller clippers, called trimmers, are used for finishing haircuts and cleaning around necklines. These tools can be cordless or plug in. They come in different blades, and guards are available to control the amount of hair that is cut.


• Lather Receptacles - There are three lathering devices that could potentially be used by barbers. The most popular and sanitary is the electric latherizer which is used to dispense warm shaving lather. Can lathers are also sanitary, however they can be seen as less professional and are not pre-heated. The final lathering tool is the lather mug, which is considered the least sanitary and is the least used by modern barbers.


• Straight Razors - Razors are a tool for close, clean cutting. They are generally for shaving the face, neck and side-burns. Straight razors may also be used for certain types of haircuts and to complete a full head shave.


• Shears - Barbering shears are generally either the German type of shear or the French style. The French-style shear is made with a rest for the barber's little finger, while the German type is made without. The type of shear that the barber uses depends on personal preference. There are also various sizes when it comes to shears. Again, what the barber uses is based on preference, however, the most common sizes are six to seven inches. Thinning shears are a type of shear used for blending, texturizing and thinning the hair and are also a tool for barbers.


• Combs - Combs are an essential tool for barbers and there are different types that are used for various purposes. Most barbers will have an all-purpose comb that they use for cutting and styling. Taper combs are valuable for tapered cuts, trimming mustaches and blending around the ears. Other common combs that are found at barber shops are picks, rat-tail and wide-tooth combs.


• Brushes - Styling brushes can come with natural or synthetic bristles. They are used for styling purposes, such as adding fullnes or for scalp stimulation.


• Hair Dryers - As in hair salons, hair dryers are used to dry mens hair in the barber shop. Barbers may also use the blow dryer during the styling process.