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Cutting straight Hair vs Cutting Curly Hair; Why Barbers Should Master One

thecolecutz

Barbering is one of the oldest professions, deeply tied to culture, identity, and community. For many barbers, cutting hair goes beyond technique—it’s about understanding their clients and meeting their needs. However, some barbers feel pressured to cater to all hair textures, often swayed by misconceptions about profitability or prestige. The truth is, success in barbering is not about cutting every texture but about mastering your craft, serving your community, and leaning into your strengths. There is absolutely nothing wrong in specializing in a specific set of needs. That's actually a practice of highly successful people.


The Beauty of Specialization


Every barber has unique strengths, and every community has specific needs. If you’re a barber who specializes in cutting straight hair, don’t let anyone shame you for not focusing on over-curly hair textures. Likewise, if your expertise lies in cutting over-curly hair, don’t feel the need to shift gears to straight hair to seek validation or perceived financial gain. True success comes from honing your craft and serving the people in your chair.


A barber who leans into their strengths and builds a reputation within their community—whether it’s diverse or focused on one hair type—will naturally see more success. Clients value expertise, consistency, and care over versatility alone. Instead of chasing validation by trying to cut all textures, focus on excelling in what you’re great at and meeting the specific needs of your clientele.


Cutting All Textures Doesn’t Guarantee Higher Earnings


There’s a common misconception that being able to cut all hair textures automatically translates to higher earnings. Let’s break that down mathematically. A barber, no matter how skilled, has a daily limit on how many clients they can serve—typically between 10 to 15 clients, depending on appointment length and complexity. Whether you’re cutting straight hair, over-curly hair, or a mix of both, your earnings are capped by the number of heads you can reasonably cut in a day.


Instead of focusing on cutting every type of hair, focus on the clients who value your work and are willing to pay your worth. For example, a barber specializing in Black professionals may serve clients who prioritize frequent, high-quality haircuts. This can lead to consistent bookings and repeat customers, which is more valuable than simply offering a wide range of services.


The Psychological Dilemma in the Black Barbering Community


In the African-American barbering community, there’s a lingering psychological dilemma: the belief that cutting straighter hair leads to greater success or that White clients pay more. This mindset stems from a deeper issue rooted in systemic biases and historical stereotypes that suggest whiteness equates to higher value.


Barbers who fall into this trap often neglect the wealth of opportunity within their own communities. In reality, serving the needs of Black clients can be just as profitable—if not more so—when you consider the cultural significance of haircuts within the African-American community. Breaking free from this mindset allows barbers to focus on providing exceptional service to the clients who value and trust their expertise.


In terms of the psychology of leadership it has been debunked that a person must master "all areas" and work hard on their weaknesses. In reality, people who specialize on their strengths and learn how to cope with their weaknesses. This is called "capitalizing on your strengths" rather than diluting your efforts in areas that may yield little gain for your progress and success.


The Cultural Importance of Haircuts in the Black Community


For African-Americans, a haircut is more than just grooming—it’s a cultural tradition. Historically, Black people needed to present themselves in a certain way to gain acceptance in spaces where they were often marginalized. This emphasis on presentation became deeply ingrained, making haircuts a vital part of self-expression and professionalism.


As a result, Black clients often get haircuts more frequently than other groups. A fresh fade or lineup is part of the culture, not just an occasional service. For barbers specializing in African-American hair, this means a steady stream of clients who prioritize regular maintenance. In terms of frequency and loyalty, cutting Black hair can be more profitable than catering to clients who only get haircuts occasionally.


It’s About Mastery, Not Race


Ultimately, barbering is not about race—it’s about mastery. The most successful barbers are those who embrace their craft, focus on what they’re best at, and serve their community with excellence. Whether you specialize in straight hair, over-curly hair, or something in between, your success will come from leaning into your strengths and building a reputation for quality and care.


Barbers don’t need to cut every texture to prove their worth. They need to deliver exceptional results to the clients they serve. By understanding your strengths, valuing your work, and staying true to your craft, you can build a fulfilling and profitable career.

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