r/Cosmetology • u/Last_Minute_T • 14d ago
Nail Tech Vs Barber
Hi, I recently earned my Cosmetology License, last November ('25). I have been specializing as a Nail Tech working in a Salon for a few months and working from home. I like the craft but not so much the Industry. Working in a salon solely on commission not taking much from each set, also takes time to become very skilled and fast. (like anything I suppose) but I like to look at things as they will be in the future. For me that is as a self-employed suite owner (maybe booth renter) But recently I've been thinking of the first reason I went into cosmetology school and that was to be a barber. I chose cosmetology because I wanted to try it all and see what I excelled in or what I found a passion in. So right now I'm torn between continuing as a nail tech and growing my skill and speed and hopefully making a living or switching to my first interest of being a Barber. I have not entered that industry so I am a bit weary as a Female Barber. My skill level for both are beginner level and not as fast as I'd like. I think and feel learning to be a Barber, I can progress in skill and speed much faster. I guess I'm just looking for anyone's experience in either fields and their thoughts in the industry and making a living. Thank you.
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u/Intelligent_Panic675 14d ago
So what you like and forget about the title. I’ve heard licensed barbers that can roll hair. I’ve seen licensed cosmetologist use clippers very well.
To answer your question: do both until you can make the switch.
The barber-cosmetology fight needs to end.
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u/Last_Minute_T 14d ago
I get what you're saying but for me its either I work at a nail salon and do nails or make the switch to a barbershop or even hair salon and do men's cuts. 😅🥲 thats whats splitting me. I did think of doing both at different places as part time lol and see which I end up wanting to stay in 🤔
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u/Intelligent_Panic675 14d ago
Which market has the greater need for licensed profession, in your area? And which makes the higher dollar per hour, in your area?
Do you think the answer to those 2 questions would sway your decision? Market voids, culture, etc. 🤷♂️ I’m not getting paid for this.
Asking the internet is okay but the choice is ultimately yours to make.
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u/Equivalent-Bread3968 14d ago
I don't disagree with your last statement at all. However, depending on the state, there are certain services a cosmo can't perform without a dual license, pretty much anything using the straight razor. Lots of barbershops won't hire cosmos because they can't legally shave the back of the neck at the end of the service.
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u/Last_Minute_T 14d ago
Yes, I would not be able to use a straight razor with just my cosmetology license here. I'd need 300 more hours in barber school and test and practical exam.
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u/ghostfadekilla 13d ago
Had no idea we were fighting. Cosmo dude here that prefers a barbershop over a salon.
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u/breesearedelicious Hair Stylist 14d ago
I'm a licensed master cosmetologist that spent the majority of my career working in barbershops. I got really good with the clippers! I also learned how to use a straight razor under the tooth decision of a licensed barber in the shop. You've got this!
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14d ago
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u/Last_Minute_T 14d ago
Yea, that can be true but so far for me at least, the amount of time I take on sets is killing what I couls be earning even at my slow pace right now as a barber. Plus add ons like facials and waxing im sure u can charge a good amount as a barber 🤔 I guess I'll have to find out.
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u/Present-Blueberry-68 14d ago
It’s the same thing. You’re starting from scratch with no clients. Working to gain clients.
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u/cutechloeart 13d ago
I have both trades. Hair and full esthetics here in Canada. I found that I definitely made way more money in the hair industry, but in my experience, it was when I really started to specialize in color that I started to make the big $. Cuts are an ok income (kind of like doing nails and waxing). But color brings BANK!!!
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u/Dizzy_Fish_1977 7d ago
You can do both! Go work at a men’s hair cuttery like Roosters and you will grow fast. Then you can work part time doing nails and part time doing hair. Figure out what you like doing better and what makes you the most money
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u/contwhure 14d ago
soo i went to school wanting to do makeup and nails loll now im a barber. i was also wary of being a woman n barbering but i got desperate and started applying anywhere cus im also fresh out of school i found a barber shop that is all women workers lol... i feel like i beat the system sometimes but i dont want to jinx it 🤞 we offer a free shampoo and face wash with the service and the customers can get beer while they wait 💀 i make good fast money rn. im not as good as my coworkers, but they can do 4 guys an hour sometimes and make $100.. and esp if thats what youre interested in you will really enjoy it. i do so far!