You can’t hide imperfections,” said Hazlett. LoBionco said men today are religiously taking care of their beards.Ĭhaz Hazlett, co-owner of Stache Barbershop in Union agrees, noting that beard service can sometimes take longer than the actual haircut. The importance of facial shaves has increased as customers embrace the trend of meticulous self-care. Barbers are true artists and the skills they learn take time to master, he said, skills such as shaping a beard. This movement began drawing people back to the barbering industry. “It’s clean, modern, and vintage at the same time,” he said. Comb Barber Shop, for instance, features subway tile, indoor brick walls and Carrara marble stations. They no longer appeared drab, but instead embodied a clean, hip look, said Capriglione. Ten-plus years ago, barbershops were just a thing of the past, not something real attractive to the younger, hipper group,” said Capriglione. “There definitely has been a huge demand. Over the last decade or so, more modern vintage-style shops began springing up in cosmopolitan cities such as Los Angeles and New York and began providing hot towel shaves, pampering, relaxation, along with traditional services using comb, clippers and scissors, said Vito Capriglione, owner of Comb Barber Shop in Montclair. It’s that kind of service you know men appreciate.” “Some of the shops are even bringing back the shoe shine. “Whether it’s a small camaraderie, laid-back and very cool, or if it’s something like some of the spa types where you not only get a shave, but an hour-long facial if they want it,” she said.

Now, shops that cater solely to men have come back with force because “men want that environment.” But that is no longer an attractive option for many. In the past, would-be barbers had to earn a cosmetology license, which involves 1,200 hours of facials, waxing, hair perms and other services whereas now the requirement is 900 hours.Īccording to Scali-Sheahan, unisex shops exploded in the 1970s through the 1990s. In New Jersey, the state has made it easier to get a barber license. “That’s not to say the trend is going to permeate all sectors of our industry, but the men now have more choices.” “There are all types of shops out there, some that are catering to the more affluent male customers, where it’s almost spa-like,” said Scali-Sheahan. Bright Outlook measures occupations that are expected to grow faster than average (employment increase of 10 percent or more) over the period 2016-26.īut what’s noteworthy is that not just the number of shops are growing, but also the types of services offered. In addition, this year, the barbering occupation received a Bright Outlook designation from O Net Online, she said. Statista, an online statistics research source, reports the men’s grooming industry was worth $20.3 billion in 2015 and is expected to increase to more than $26 billion by 2020.Ī limited comparison of 17 states from 2008-18 showed an increase in the number of barber schools in 14 states that ranged from 6 percent to 300 percent, for an average of 106 percent per state, according to Mara Scali-Sheahan, chief executive officer of the National Association of Barber Boards of America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 13 percent increase in employment for the decade 2016-2026, and that does not even account for self-employed barbers. This is the new era of barbering, and it’s growing by leaps and bounds. Some barbershops offer mani-pedis, facials, eyebrow waxing and beard dyes. “You don’t leave with wet hair.”Īppointments.

“What people appreciate here is we don’t just cut your hair and kick you out the door,” said LoBiondo.

Without taking his eyes off his client, styling his hair with laser-like precision, LoBiondo banters with the new arrivals and offers the usual: “You want coffee or anything? Whiskey shot?” Nick Grosche, manager, happily obliges and pours a shot for clients who want one. A walk-in will turn into an appointment.” They want to plan,” said owner Mark LoBiondo. “Barber shops used to be, you walk in only. No one flinches at the $40 haircuts, $40 shaves and $25 beard trims. No one waits endlessly for their turn because their time slot has been reserved. No empty barber chair in sight, customers keep streaming in for their scheduled appointments.

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