A common question I hear from behind the chair at my barbershop in Mandeville, LA is, “What’s the difference between a barber, a stylist and a cosmetologist?” Understanding this can help you make the right choice for your grooming needs and save you from an awkward chair experience.
Training & Licensing: Not All Shears Are Created Equal
In Louisiana, barbers are specially trained in men’s haircutting techniques—fades, tapers, scissor cuts, straight razor work, beard detailing, and more. Many barbers are also licensed in color, women’s haircuts, and certain chemical services, but most choose to specialize in men’s grooming. One standout feature? Barbers can legally use straight razors on the scalp, face, and neck. This is a skill that adds precision and polish to any service.
Cosmetologists, on the other hand, receive very little training on men’s styles and clipper work. Their schooling focuses more on color, long-layered cuts, hair treatments, and a wider range of beauty services including nails and waxing. They’re not licensed to use open blades, meaning no straight razor shaves.
It’s true some cosmetologists can absolutely crush a men’s cut—but they still can’t legally put a blade to your skin. And while some barbers are total color wizards, they better keep their hands out of the wax pot unless they’re licensed for that too.
Important Note: Training and experience isn't enough to authorize services, only proper licensing does that. This distinction protects both your look and your safety.
But let’s be real—a license doesn’t guarantee a great cut.
Experience vs. Skill: Who’s Holding the Clippers Matters
I’ve seen new barbers come out swinging with sharp, clean fades, while 20-year veterans cut like they’re blindfolded. Skill, consistency, and attention to detail is where it’s at.
If you’re serious about your cut, do your homework. Check reviews. Look at their portfolio. Ask around. And if someone only posts skin fades but you want a classic scissor cut? You might not be in the right chair.
"Stylist" Is a Title, Not a License
The term stylist sounds elevated, but here’s a little secret: it’s just a job title. Most stylists are cosmetologists, but barbers can call themselves stylists too. What counts is their license and skill set, not the title on their Instagram bio.
So which One Should You Choose?
- Want a clean fade, beard lineup, or traditional cut and hot towel shave? → Go to a barber.
- Looking for balayage, long layers, or a total color transformation? → Book a cosmetologist.
- Not sure? Ask what they’re licensed in and check out their work.
