Resilience in the Face of a Pandemic: How Barbershops Continued to Serve Clients During COVID-19 Shutdowns
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to businesses around the world, and barbershops were no exception. For an industry rooted in face-to-face interactions and personal services, the shutdowns threatened not only the livelihoods of barbers but also the essential grooming routines of millions of clients across the United States. Yet, despite these obstacles, barbershops proved to be remarkably resilient, adapting to new realities and finding innovative ways to continue serving their communities.
In this post, we’ll explore how barbershops across the country navigated the challenges of COVID-19 shutdowns, from pivoting to mobile services and virtual consultations to embracing new health and safety protocols. We’ll look at the creativity, determination, and adaptability that helped barbershops survive—and in some cases, even thrive—during one of the most difficult periods in modern history.
The Initial Impact: Shutting Down and Staying Afloat
When the pandemic first swept across the U.S. in early 2020, non-essential businesses were forced to close their doors to help prevent the spread of the virus. Barbershops, which rely on close physical contact between barbers and clients, were among the first businesses to face mandatory shutdowns. For many barbers, this meant an immediate halt to their income with no clear timeline for reopening.
The sudden closure left barbershops scrambling to cover expenses, from rent and utilities to the maintenance of equipment and supplies. Some barbers were fortunate enough to qualify for government relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or unemployment benefits, but for many, these funds were insufficient to cover all costs. Despite these challenges, the barbering community quickly mobilized to find ways to continue serving clients safely, even in the face of uncertainty.
Pivoting to Mobile Barbering Services
One of the most notable ways that barbers adapted during the pandemic was by pivoting to mobile services. As clients found themselves unable to visit their local barbershops, many barbers began offering house calls, bringing their tools and expertise directly to the client’s doorstep. Mobile barbering allowed barbers to continue earning an income while also providing clients with much-needed grooming services during the lockdown.
Mobile barbering came with its own set of challenges, however. Barbers had to navigate varying state and local regulations, which often restricted the types of services they could provide. Additionally, they had to adhere to strict health and safety protocols to protect both themselves and their clients. Many barbers invested in personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves, and face shields, while also implementing rigorous sanitation measures to ensure that all tools and surfaces were disinfected between appointments.
Despite the logistical hurdles, mobile barbering proved to be a lifeline for many barbers and clients alike. For clients who were unable or unwilling to leave their homes due to health concerns, the convenience and safety of a mobile service were invaluable. Meanwhile, barbers were able to maintain relationships with their clients and keep their businesses afloat.
Embracing Virtual Consultations and Tutorials
With in-person services severely limited, some barbers turned to technology to stay connected with their clients. Virtual consultations and tutorials became a popular way for barbers to offer advice and guidance on at-home grooming. Platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Instagram Live allowed barbers to conduct one-on-one consultations with clients, providing personalized tips on how to maintain their hair and beard between professional visits.
For clients who were attempting to cut or style their own hair at home, virtual tutorials offered a helpful (and often humorous) solution. Barbers created step-by-step video guides, teaching clients how to trim their beards, fade their hair, or even cut their kids’ hair—all from the safety of their own homes. These tutorials became a creative outlet for barbers and a source of engagement with their client base, helping to maintain a sense of community during a time of isolation.
Some barbershops even took their virtual services a step further by hosting virtual grooming classes or workshops. These paid sessions allowed barbers to generate income while sharing their expertise with clients who were eager to learn how to manage their hair during the shutdown.
Health and Safety: Adapting to the New Normal
As states began to ease restrictions and allow businesses to reopen, barbershops were among the first personal service providers to resume operations. However, reopening didn’t mean a return to business as usual. Barbershops across the country had to implement strict health and safety protocols to ensure the safety of both their staff and clients.
New regulations required barbershops to limit the number of clients in the shop at any given time, enforce social distancing measures, and enhance sanitation practices. Many barbershops adopted appointment-only models to avoid overcrowding, while others installed plexiglass barriers between workstations to reduce the risk of transmission. Frequent cleaning and disinfection of tools, chairs, and surfaces became the norm, and barbers wore masks and gloves throughout the day.
Clients, too, were required to wear masks during their appointments, and many barbershops provided hand sanitizer at the entrance for customers to use upon arrival. Some barbers even went as far as offering contactless payment options to minimize physical contact.
While these measures were necessary for the health and safety of everyone involved, they also required significant investments in time and money. Barbershops had to purchase additional cleaning supplies, PPE, and, in some cases, make physical modifications to their spaces. Despite these challenges, barbers were determined to prioritize safety without compromising the quality of their services.
The Importance of Community Support
Throughout the pandemic, one thing became clear: barbershops are more than just places to get a haircut. They are community hubs where people gather, share stories, and build relationships. For many clients, their barbers are trusted confidants and friends, and the absence of these regular interactions during the lockdowns left a void.
Recognizing the importance of supporting local businesses, many communities rallied around their barbershops during the pandemic. Clients purchased gift cards, left generous tips, and spread the word about mobile services and virtual consultations. Some barbershops even launched crowdfunding campaigns to help cover rent and other expenses, with loyal customers contributing to keep their favorite shops in business.
The outpouring of support from communities across the U.S. underscored the deep bond between barbers and their clients. It also highlighted the essential role that barbershops play in fostering connection and providing a sense of normalcy during difficult times.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Barbershops Post-Pandemic
As the world slowly returns to a sense of normalcy, barbershops have emerged from the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever. The adaptations made during the shutdowns—such as mobile services, virtual consultations, and enhanced safety protocols—have become valuable additions to the way barbershops operate today. In some cases, barbers have chosen to continue offering mobile services and virtual appointments as part of their regular offerings, providing clients with more flexibility and convenience.
The pandemic also reinforced the importance of innovation in the barbering industry. Barbers who were able to pivot quickly and embrace new technologies, products, and services were better equipped to navigate the challenges of COVID-19. This spirit of adaptability will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of the industry, as barbershops look for new ways to enhance the client experience in a post-pandemic world.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested the resilience of barbershops across the United States, but the industry’s adaptability, creativity, and dedication to community allowed it to not only survive but thrive. From mobile services and virtual consultations to the implementation of new health and safety protocols, barbers found innovative ways to continue serving their clients in a time of crisis.
The pandemic also reinforced the essential role that barbershops play in our communities. They are not just places to get a haircut—they are places of connection, conversation, and care. As the world moves forward, the lessons learned during the pandemic will continue to shape the future of barbering, ensuring that barbershops remain a vital part of our lives for years to come.
