How to Become a Global Barber Educator: Steps I’d Take Today

It’s one of the most sought-after positions people often ask me about.

I’ve been in the educational space since 2016, and by the end of this year, I’ll have been in it for 8 years. It feels crazy to think I’m approaching a decade in this field.

People ask, “Did you always want to be an educator?” Absolutely not.

“Nerve-racking” is how I would describe it as a whole. What to say, what to share, how much to share, and how much time I even have. How much of it should be about the technical aspect vs. what people want to know about me? Will they listen? Will they fall asleep? Am I entertaining enough? Do I even deserve this?

Most educators I’ve spoken to never knew they would end up in this space. It sort of “just happens” by luck or chance. That’s very true for me as well. I was sharing simple and short tips on my Instagram before I was asked to join a company. But now, it’s out there for everyone to see. This is a lifestyle that’s a lot more common today. The competition feels intense, but when I sit back and think about it, yes, it’s competitive, but what makes each educator special is who they are as people and how they uniquely approach it.

Let’s look at the types of educators that exist. There are those who work for companies, like myself, and then there are independent educators who represent themselves.

Before I worked with a company, I taught local classes at the barbershop and even offered one-on-ones. Working with a company broadened my travels to a state-wide scale, and if they really trust you, globally.

Here are some well-known educators in both lanes that we can study and learn from:

Brand-Affiliated Educators

1. @patty_cuts

2. @seancutshair

3. @frankdabarber

4. @papiblendzz

5. @hayden_cassidy

Independent Educators

1. @joshlamonaca

2. @barber.josh.o.p

3. @thaddeus.10

4. @andrea.amighetti.barber

5. @bossiocuts

Hybrid Educators (People that do both)

1. @arod23pr

2. @mrofficial

3. @los_cut_it

For a while, I was in the hybrid category, and I genuinely enjoyed the experience. The travel became more demanding as I took on more brand work the past few years, which led me to prefer working directly through a company for the added safety and streamlined process. While I don’t take on as many large independent bookings as I used to, those experiences were invaluable. They allowed me to explore different teaching styles, gain a wealth of knowledge, and have the creative freedom to custom design my seminars.

Brand-affiliated educators excel by aligning closely with a brand's identity and using their deep knowledge of the brand’s products to deliver consistent, high-quality education. They benefit from access to extensive resources, structured support, and the brand’s established platform, which amplifies their reach, credibility, and often leads to a stronger online following. Participation in branded events and collaboration with other ambassadors further enhances their visibility and professional growth, allowing them to focus on teaching while leveraging the brand's infrastructure to succeed in their roles.

Independent educators succeed as bookers by focusing on building a strong personal brand, actively self-promoting, and offering customized content that caters to specific industry needs. They embrace an entrepreneurial approach, cultivating direct client relationships and diversifying their income streams. This flexibility and creative freedom allow them to adapt quickly to industry changes, maintain relevance, and thrive without relying on brand affiliations.

Hybrid educators, who balance both independent work and brand affiliations, combine the best of both worlds. They leverage the creative freedom and personal branding of independent educators while also benefiting from the resources, credibility, and wider reach of brand partnerships. This dual approach allows them to maintain flexibility in their content and teaching style, attract diverse audiences, and build a robust presence both online and within the industry. By navigating both lanes, they can adapt quickly to opportunities, diversify their income streams, and achieve broader recognition in their field.

Whether you want to be independent or brand-affiliated, there are two essential elements you need: the drive to produce and an audience that’s ready to listen. Building your social media presence is a critical first step, as it not only strengthens your personal brand but also increases your chances of selling out classes and getting noticed by companies.

Start by consistently sharing valuable content—tutorials, tips, and insights—related to your expertise. Engage actively with your audience by responding to comments, asking questions, and fostering a community around your work. Collaborate with other creators to expand your reach and gain exposure to new audiences. Consider offering free or low-cost workshops to build credibility and gain testimonials. Additionally, investing time in learning about the business side of education—such as marketing, pricing strategies, and public speaking—will set you up for success. By combining these efforts, you’ll position yourself as a knowledgeable, trusted educator, whether you choose to work independently or align with a brand.

If you asked me today what I would do starting from zero, these would be the things that come to mind to help people grow faster and a little more fearless.

If you have 1000-10,000k following:

1. Post as much as possible—daily if you can—and share a tip about something that has worked for you.

2. High reps will teach you everything you need to learn.

3. Don’t worry about making posts perfect; just get them up.

4. Respond to all comments with thought, not just emojis.

5. Most of your posts can focus on your work since you’re still building your portfolio.

6. Don’t stress about making your grid look perfect. That’s old news.

7. Write thoughtful captions. Think about what’s in it for the person reading it.

8. Use 5 relevant hashtags; don’t just copy and paste.

9. Improve with each post. Your eye should develop as you go.

Idk why, but reaching 10k was the hardest place to get to, but once you get there, your growth will happen much faster.

10k-50k following:

1. You can slow down the quantity and focus on quality content.

2. Respond to ALL comments.

3. Learn to ask questions to your audience using platform features.

4. Improve your audio and clean up your shots.

5. Start paying attention to analytics and see what works.

6. If you’re ready, start doing voiceovers. This sets you apart online.

7. Continue improving your craft and your shooting style. By now, you should have a good understanding of what style you enjoy.

50k-100k following:

1. Voiceovers should be regular, or start speaking directly to the camera.

2. You’ll start gaining real traction in this stage.

3. Consistency matters. If you can only manage 3 posts a week, stick to it. But remember, the more you post, the better your reps and chances of being seen.

4. Follow and study analytics from each platform. Use tools like Socialblade.com.

5. Focus on the quality of your videos and the value you provide. How can you simplify things for your audience to understand? I always ask myself, “How can I explain this so that someone’s grandma could understand?”

6. Improving audio should be a priority. It enhances the video by about 50%, unlike great video with poor audio, which can be a major turn-off for people.

Everything I’ve mentioned above can be done with just a smartphone. Today’s phones have the quality needed to accomplish all of this with minimal equipment. Coming from someone who invests heavily in camera gear, I can tell you that your phone can do all of the above if you don’t have the means to afford high-end equipment yet. It’s the intention behind the post that matters. Remember that.

The content you need to become an educator must come from the work that you do.

You attract what you do most.

What you post directly influences what you attract. If you want to be an educator, it’s crucial to share tips, tutorials, and valuable insights regularly. Simply showcasing a portfolio of your work will attract clients looking for services, but it won’t position you as a go-to resource for learning. By consistently posting educational content, you demonstrate your expertise, engage with your audience on a deeper level, and build a reputation as someone who teaches, not just someone who does. This strategic approach will attract followers who are interested in learning from you, setting the stage for opportunities in education, workshops, and beyond.

Your page must reflect the direction you’re aiming for, even if it’s not perfect yet. It’s far better to start and iterate as you go rather than getting stuck in inaction.

I heard something today that really resonated: if you were lost in the woods, taking a step in any direction gives you more information than standing still and remaining lost. The same applies to your journey—take action, learn, and adjust along the way.

Start Your Journey Today

Becoming a global barber educator is a journey that requires passion, persistence, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Whether you choose to align with a brand, build your independent reputation, or find a balance in both, the key is to start now. Use the tools at your disposal, share your knowledge, and continuously engage with your audience.

Remember, the path may not always be clear, but with each step you take, you’ll get closer to your goal. Keep pushing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep creating. Your unique perspective and dedication are what will set you apart in this evolving industry.

Now is the time to take the first step. Your journey to becoming a global barber educator starts today.

Have a wonderful week!

Sof!