A barber is a highly skilled professional specialising in cutting, styling, and shaving men's hair and facial hair. Barbers provide precision haircuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves, and scalp treatments while delivering a high level of customer service. Working in barbershops, salons, or freelance settings, they blend technical expertise with artistry to help clients achieve sharp, stylish, and well-groomed looks.
ROBBY LIPPETT
Barber, Owner Attaboy & Boy oh Boy Salons, Entrepreneur
INDUSTRY ICON
/AT-AH-BOY/ – ‘a word given for a damn good job!’
ATTABOY is a unisex barber and hairdresser founded by local boy Robby Lippett in 2019.
Attaboy started with one shop on the west side of Adelaide, offering appointments only, neat cuts, and great coffee in a relaxed environment. Fast forward six years, and we’re now proudly operating four salons across South Australia (Hilton, Prospect, Kent Town, and Henley Beach) plus our sister barbershop brand, Boy Oh Boy, in Perth (Rockingham and Mandurah)
Additionally, we have LOXLEY Coffee, which Robby opened right next door to our Kent Town Attaboy. As Robby puts it, "It just makes total sense, especially after seeing how well this model has worked for us previously."
Details
What Does a Barber Do?
Barbers focus on men’s haircuts, beard grooming, and traditional shaving techniques. They offer expert styling advice, personalized services, and a high-quality grooming experience tailored to each client’s preferences and lifestyle.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide precision haircuts using clippers, scissors, razors, and other tools.
- Offer beard shaping, trimming, and full straight razor shaves with hot towel treatments.
- Style hair using modern and classic barbering techniques.
- Advise clients on hair and beard care, including styling products and maintenance.
- Perform scalp treatments and hairline detailing for a polished look.
- Maintain a clean, hygienic workspace and ensure tools are properly sanitized.
- Build strong client relationships to ensure repeat business and customer loyalty.
- Stay updated on the latest trends in men’s grooming and barbering techniques.
Work Environments:
Aestheticians can work in a variety of settings, including:
Barbers work in a range of settings, including:
Traditional & Modern Barbershops:
Offering specialised men’s grooming services.
Luxury & High-End Salons:
Providing premium barbering services to upscale clients.
Freelance & Mobile Barbering:
Traveling to clients’ homes, events, or corporate settings.
Film, TV, & Fashion Industry:
Styling celebrities and models for photoshoots and productions.
Barbering Education & Training:
Teaching the next generation of barbers in schools and academies.
Skills & Qualifications
Skills & Qualifications Required:
- To work as a Barber in South Australia you must complete a Certificate III in Barbering as an apprentice barber or institutional training at a registered Training Provider.
- Strong technical skills in cutting, fading, beard shaping, and shaving.
- Creativity and precision to achieve sharp, modern, or classic styles.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills.
- Knowledge of men’s hair and skin types to recommend proper care.
- Business and marketing knowledge for barbershop owners or independent barbers.
Career Growth & Opportunities
Aestheticians can advance their careers by specialising in areas such as:
Master Barbering:
Developing advanced skills in traditional and modern cutting techniques.
Beard & Grooming Specialist:
Focusing on facial hair styling, beard care, and skincare for men.
Barbershop Ownership & Business Management:
Running or managing a successful barbershop.
Freelance & VIP Client Services:
Providing exclusive barbering services for high-profile clients.
Barbering Educator & Trainer:
Teaching at barber schools or offering private mentorship.
Product Development & Brand Representation:
Working with men’s grooming brands in product research, marketing, or sales.