From beard trimming to waxing, these are services every barbershop should add to their menu
The modern barbershop is so much more than the “shave-and-a-haircut” days of yore. Services previously deemed “not manly enough” and relegated to beauty salons and spas are now widely embraced — and expected — in premium barbershops across the country.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most trendy barbershop services currently available. If these services aren’t on your menu, stop leaving money on the table and get them added immediately.
Barbershop services
Beard and mustache trim and servicing
While haircuts are certainly the focal point of the barbershop experience, it’s essential not to neglect facial hair services.
Offering trimming services is just the start — facial hair services should also include oil treatments, shaping, and conditioning to keep beard and mustache hair clean and vibrant. Many barbershops even offer hot-towel massages to open up the pores and provide a premium luxury treatment.
Cuts and fades
Men’s barbershop services may come and go as tastes change, but the haircut is the foundation of any barbershop worth its salt. Haircuts and fades are staples, and barbers should stay on top of the latest styles and trends for men and boys to anticipate client needs.
Of course, client needs will vary — some men embrace the hippie look and keep long hair, while others may want to save their entire head — so provide a range of price points depending on the time requirement and complexity of the service. And if your barbers are exceptionally creative, consider offering customized designs to give your shop a unique hook.
Facials
Facials aren’t just for spas — they’re a new yet vital barbershop service for pampering clients. Moisturizing and exfoliation improve skin health, reduce acne, repair sun damage, and open and cleanse the pores, which helps barbers provide a smoother shave. Take a chance and add facials to your menu; you’ll be surprised by how well they catch on.
Hair coloring and gray blending
Whether it’s a way to mask the gray or simply a way to make a bold statement, hair coloring services for men have grown increasingly popular over the years. Barbershops would do well to offer bleaching and hair dye services to accommodate their clients. Plus, it’s easy to set up recurring appointments for a root refresh as hair grows out and natural color comes back in.
Clients who want to embrace the distinguished look of gray hair can opt for gray blending services. Sometimes gray hair color appears uneven and patchy across the scalp. Or gray color can grow in too light, which can wash out certain skin tones. Gray blending provides more balance and body to the natural color and can be applied with a permanent dye or temporary stains, depending on how committed the client is to the look.
Professional braiding
Braids are a hotly-demanded request from clients looking for cornrows, box braids, locs, or more intricate custom styles. Barbers who know how to braid are in demand right now, so ensure you have staff available — or willing to train up — to provide this service for your clients and give your shop a competitive edge.
Scalp massage and conditioning treatment
Often provided as a combo, scalp massages and conditioning treatments are a great way to pamper clients while generating additional revenue. The scalp massage provides relaxation and stress relief while stimulating blood flow to the scalp, while the conditioning treatment will make hair silky and ready to cut. Just make sure clients don’t fall asleep in the chair!
Shoeshine
Men’s barbershop services don’t have to rely solely on haircuts or beauty treatments. A shoeshine is just as valuable as for the businessman on the go. Offering shoeshines can boost add-on sales and help your barbershop stand out from the competition.
Straight razor shave
Straight razor shaving services should be a core, defining offering on the menu of any premium barbershop. Why? There are a few reasons:
It’s a better quality shave: Unlike standard, off-the-rack razors, a straight razor can shave hair closer to the root within the skin, providing a sharper, more defined look without the razor burn.
It’s hard to do: Shaving facial hair with a straight razor takes a ton of practice without incurring nicks or scratches, let alone making it look good. It’s a dedicated skill that requires proper training that many simply don’t have the time or patience to learn — and people will pay for someone to do it right.
It’s an experience: Straight razor shaves harken back to a time of rotating barbershop poles, sharpening razors with a leather strap, and applying shaving cream with a horsehair brush. There’s a certain romantic nostalgia in the straight razor shave, and making it a memorable experience will draw in the curious and make them repeat customers.
Quality straight razor shaves are hot and show no signs of cooling off. Staff with shaving experts who know how to make this offering special for clients to reap dividends.
Waxing and hair removal
Hair removal doesn’t have to be limited to shaving. Many barber shops offer waxing services to clean up unwanted eyebrow, nose, and ear hair. Offer them alongside your regular haircutting and shaving services, or bundle them into a full-service package to boost revenue.
Think you know what clients truly want? We surveyed 800+ beauty patrons to discover what matters most to potential clients. Here's what we found
