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Are Barber Schools Really Failing You, or Are You Failing Yourself?

thecolecutz

Barbering is a craft of precision, passion, and perseverance. Yet, many barbers fresh out of school feel robbed by their barber colleges, citing issues like lack of proper training, insufficient foot traffic, and too much time spent on bookwork. While these complaints may carry some weight, the bigger question is: are you letting these perceived shortcomings dictate your future?


The truth is, barbers who constantly blame their school for their lack of progress often fall into a dangerous cycle of externalizing failure.

Once they’re in a shop, they start blaming the owner. When their chair stays empty, they point fingers at the town or city for lacking clientele. This mindset has a name in psychology: external locus of control—the belief that external factors, rather than personal actions, determine outcomes. This mindset can cripple a barber’s career before it even starts.


The Dangers of the Blame Game


An external locus of control robs you of personal accountability and leaves you stuck in a state of powerlessness. When you’re always blaming others, you’re essentially saying, “I can’t change my situation because someone else is in control.” In barbering, this mindset is detrimental. A barber with this attitude will struggle to adapt, learn, and grow because they’re too busy pointing fingers instead of looking in the mirror.


This mindset leads to stagnation. You stop seeking solutions, stop pushing your craft, and ultimately stop growing. The result? Your chair stays empty, your skills stay average, and your reputation takes a hit. On the other hand, barbers with an internal locus of control—those who take responsibility for their results—find a way to succeed, no matter the circumstances.


My Personal Experience in Barber College


When I was in barber college, I faced many of the same challenges that barbers complain about today. My school wasn’t busy, and there were days when I barely saw any foot traffic. Instead of sitting around complaining like many of my classmates, I took matters into my own hands. I bought my own clippers and started cutting outside of school, bringing my own foot traffic into the building. While many guys sat back, saying the instructors weren’t teaching them anything, I was grinding to teach myself. What I learned is that two people can go to the same place and have completely different experiences based on their mindset. Some of my classmates left barber college feeling unprepared, while I walked away with confidence and clientele. That mindset of ownership is something I carry with me to this day. If you’re waiting for someone to hand you success, you’ll always be waiting. You have to go out and take it.


Take Matters Into Your Own Hands


If you’re serious about becoming a great barber, it’s time to stop blaming your school and start taking control. Maybe your barber college doesn’t provide enough foot traffic, but what are you doing to create your own? Here’s a winning strategy: invest in your own clippers and start cutting outside of school.


Turn your home, garage, or a friend’s living room into your training ground. Let your friends, family, and neighbors know you’re learning to cut hair and offer them a discount or free cut in exchange for being your model. Then, when you’ve built some confidence, invite them to the school so you can log hours on the floor. If you’re not cutting, it’s because you’re not trying hard enough—not because the school isn’t giving you clients.


Create Your Own Foot Traffic


Waiting for foot traffic at your barber college is like waiting for rain in a drought—it might come, but it won’t be enough to keep you growing. Instead, build your own clientele while you’re still in school. Use social media to showcase your journey, even if you’re just starting out. Post every cut you do, share your progress, and let people know you’re hungry to perfect your craft. The clients will come, and when they do, you’ll be more than ready.


If you’re worried about the instructors not teaching you enough, find another mentor. The internet is packed with tutorials, live demos, and advice from top barbers like myself at: http://www.instagram.com/colecutzbrand and prestige Barber game in my ebooks at: https://payhip.com/colecutzbrand Invest in workshops, attend expos, and shadow experienced barbers who inspire you. In today’s digital age, your education doesn’t have to end in the classroom.


The Barber’s Success Formula


Barbering success isn’t about the perfect school or the perfect shop; it’s about the perfect attitude. It’s about taking ownership of your journey, even when things aren’t ideal. The barbers who make it are the ones who adapt, hustle, and refuse to let circumstances hold them back.


Your school might not have enough foot traffic. Your instructors might not be top-tier. But if you’re passionate about cutting hair, none of that matters. You’ll find a way to learn, practice, and build your skills. The only person standing in your way is you.


Closing Thoughts


If you’re in barber college and feeling shortchanged, ask yourself: are you blaming the school, or are you failing to take action? Break free from the victim mentality and embrace the mindset of accountability. Start cutting today—anywhere, anytime. Success in this industry isn’t handed out; it’s earned. So, grab your clippers, create your own opportunities, and prove to yourself that no obstacle can stop a determined barber.

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