The barber industry looks a lot different today than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic.

For decades, most barbershops operated the same way. Customers walked in, sat down, talked sports, politics, and life while waiting their turn in the chair. The barbershop wasn’t just a place to get a haircut—it was a community gathering place.

Then COVID happened.

When barbershops were forced to shut down during the pandemic, many barbers had to find new ways to survive. Once businesses reopened, appointment-only scheduling became the new normal. What started as a safety measure quickly turned into a business model that many barbers preferred because it eliminated long wait times, reduced no-shows, and helped them better manage their day.

At the same time, haircut prices began to rise. The cost of supplies increased, inflation affected nearly every industry, and many barbers realized the value of their time and skill. Haircuts that once cost $15 or $20 can now easily range from $35 to $60 or more depending on the service.

The style of barbering has also evolved. Social media has played a major role in changing customer expectations. Sharp fades, beard work, razor lines, and enhancements have become increasingly popular. Some barbers now use color enhancements, fibers, sprays, and other techniques to create a more polished look that photographs well for social media.

While some traditionalists prefer natural cuts, others see enhancements as simply another tool in the barber’s toolbox. Love it or hate it, one thing is clear: the barber industry has changed dramatically since COVID. The question now is whether these changes have improved the profession or taken away some of the old-school barbershop culture that made the industry special in the first place.

I caught up with local barber Andrew Gilmore to discuss the evolution of barbering, the impact of COVID, rising prices, social media, and where the industry is headed next.

 

How long have you been cutting hair, and what first got you interested in becoming a barber?

I’ve been cutting hair since the age of 14 … transitioned into cutting professionally in barbershops since 2011.

 

How different is the barber industry today compared to when you first started?

Very different. This industry is constantly changing and growing. New hairstyles … new prices…. Social media has made a major presence in the industry also. For example, when I came up, it was “hitting the pavement,” passing out cards, word of mouth, taking walk-ins … now you can get on an app and get booked lol. And the hairstyles are changing drastically. People want so many enhancements. No one gets normal haircuts anymore lol. They want a chalk outline after. But I love it. I love to elevate with the industry and learn new things. It keeps things interesting and not repetitive.

 

Do you think COVID permanently changed the barber business? If so, how?

Absolutely… people don’t like to wait in barbershops anymore… prices have gone up …. more barbershops are appointment only. We live in an instant gratification society. Everything is at your convenience. Same goes for barbering.

Before COVID, most shops welcomed walk-ins. Now appointments seem to be the norm. Why do you think that shift happened?

 

Do you prefer appointments or walk-ins as a barber?

I do both. I take walk-ins if I have the availability.

 

Many customers complain that haircut prices have gone up. Why have prices increased so much over the last few years?

To keep up with the cost of living. Bills went up. Groceries are up. Our tools have gone up. Gas is up.

 

What’s your response to people who say today’s haircuts cost too much?

There’s a barber for everyone. There is a barber who cuts hair for $20 somewhere.

 

Social media has changed almost every profession. How has Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook changed barbering?

Barbers have turned into personalities off of social media with a fanbase since the early days of YouTube with guys like 360 Jeezy, just to name a few. Now barbers rap, do comedy, sell merchandise, give advice … you name it.

 

Do social media platforms create unrealistic expectations for customers?

I would say for both the clients and the new barbers. Most of the stuff you see is clickbait and for likes … and tons of editing. No knock on the hustle. It’s all a part of marketing and branding. And social media is a tool if used correctly!

 

Enhancements have become a huge part of modern barbering. What exactly are enhancements, and why are they so popular?

Enhancements give haircuts that extra UMPH! Takes a nice cut to a GREAT cut. You are guaranteed to stand out when used properly.

 

Some people love enhancements, while others feel they create a fake look. Where do you stand on the debate?

Like I stated previously, if used properly, enhancements are great. When you use too much, well, it’s noticeable. The more natural, the better. And the haircut has to be flawless before you apply enhancements. A problem I see with new barbers is they haven’t mastered how to do a great haircut or perfected the fade. They’d rather cover up an OK haircut with enhancement. The problem lies when they wash their hair or the enhancement fades away. The real haircut will be visible, and they will notice the difference and get upset.

 

What’s the biggest mistake clients make when it comes to their hair or grooming?

Neglecting it … not taking care of it, letting it get dry and damaged. Not feeding the hair with nutrients and moisture. Basically, having no hair regimen.

 

Has the younger generation changed the way barbers approach their craft?

Yes. I notice lots of them learn from YouTube and chase social media fame.

 

What trends in barbering do you think are here to stay, and which ones are just fads?

The industry is constantly changing. Hairstyles are changing. That’s the way it’s always been.

 

What do you miss most about the old-school barbershop culture?

I miss learning how to be a man in a manly environment. Having good conversations, sports debates, ripping (cracking jokes), learning how to ask the barber when you’re next or you’ll get skipped lol. Every Black barbershop has someone selling something, from CDs, DVDs, clothing, you name it.

 

What has improved about the industry since COVID?

The prices are better for the barbers lol, and appointments are more of the norm, which I prefer, and most clients do nowadays.

 

How important is customer service in an era where clients can easily find another barber online?

Very important. It’s a part of your brand and helps with your business. You have to be likable and make people want to stay. They have a million other barbers they can choose from.

 

What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming a barber today?

It’s a beautiful lifestyle. It’s not for everyone. Trust the process. Time management and money management are key. Take care of your health. A lot of standing and moving. Very physical, so you need to be able to function to the best of your ability.

 

What separates a good barber from a great barber?

A good barber is good at cutting hair. A great barber knows the ins and outs of the industry and is gonna deliver the whole package. From professionalism to knowledge and culture.

 

Where do you see the barber industry five years from now?

To the moon. This industry is constantly growing. I see it getting less popular as well. Everyone is not fit to be a barber. I think they are more infatuated with the fame and celebrity of barbering due to social media, not knowing the work they put in to gain that status.

 

Is there anything about modern barbering that you think people misunderstand?

They don’t understand our pricing. They expect haircut prices from when they were 14 years old 🤣🤣🤣. Times have changed. It’s OK to let the barber grow and elevate. You have options. It’s not personal; it’s business.

 

Any final message for your clients and the Pittsburgh community?

I love all my clients and supporters. It’s an honor to be your barber.