Back in the ’80s, a trip to the barbershop was more than just a haircut. It was where blokes caught up, swapped stories and left feeling fresh, inside and out. You didn’t just walk out with a clean cut. You walked out with a laugh, some advice, maybe a bit of sports banter and the feeling that someone actually listened.
Then things changed. Unisex salons took over, quick cuts became the norm, and the old-school barbershop started to disappear from the weekly routine. In-and-out cuts at high-turnover salons were faster, sure—but it wasn’t the same.
Now? That old-school barber vibe is back. And this time, it’s bringing something even bigger—connection, conversation and care that goes way beyond the clippers.
“The barber chair is a sacred place,” says Jay Matai, barbering trainer at Demi International and successful barbershop owner. “I’ve had clients tell me things they wouldn’t share with anyone else. They don’t just come for the cut, they come to feel seen, to talk, to reset.”
Jay shares his perspective on why barbering is booming again—and how this shift is changing lives, one conversation (and haircut) at a time.
The barber’s chair: where real talk happens
Let’s be honest—most men won’t call a mate just to have a heart-to-heart. But get them in the barber’s chair and it’s a different story.
“It’s a space where they sit and let their guard down,” says Jay. “I think it’s because we’re at arm’s length from their lives. We’re not involved in their work, their family stuff. It’s a judgment-free zone.”
This mix of routine, trust and a relaxed setting creates space for real talk. Jay’s had clients open up about everything from work stress to relationship breakdowns, sometimes mid-shave. And while barbers aren’t therapists, active listening and a safe space go a long way.
And it’s not just in Jay’s barbershop, studies show men often find it easier to open up in casual, non-judgmental spaces rather than in formal settings. That’s why initiatives like US-based The Confess Project have gained traction. This movement trains barbers to recognise mental health struggles and direct clients to support.
At Demi International, building client relationships is part of the course guide, because sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to make a difference.
The power of a fresh cut, beyond just looks
Gone are the days when a haircut was a five-minute buzz and out the door. Men are showing up regularly, asking for proper styling, beard trims and yes, even the hot towel treatment.
“I’ve got FIFO clients who come in every time they’re home, even if their hair hasn’t grown much,” Jay shares. “Barbering bridges communities together. We all want to look good, feel good and connect with others in our community, regardless of our lifestyle, job or background.”
Self-care isn’t just candles and bath bombs. For many men, it’s that 45 minutes in the chair: the conversation, the clean-up, the confidence boost. It’s walking out feeling seen, sharp, and more in control of life. In fact, research suggests that grooming routines can help reduce stress and improve self-esteem.
“It’s that moment where you sit back, switch off and let someone else take care of you,” Jay says. “That’s rare for a lot of blokes.”
Why barbershops are bringing back real connection
Step into any good barbershop, and you’ll feel it. The vibe. The banter. The easy, in-between moments.
“There are times when two clients are in the chairs next to each other, and they realise they went to the same school or grew up on the same street,” says Jay. “That’s powerful. That’s what creates community.”
It’s also what keeps clients coming back. With so much online now, barbershops are one of the few places left where real face-to-face connection happens, with no phones and no filters.
“I’ve got 18-year-olds chatting to 70-year-olds about life, work, footy—you name it,” Jay says. “It’s old-school connection, and we need more of it.”
Some barbershops are taking it even further, running mental health awareness nights or creating spaces where men can get together and talk about the stuff that actually matters.
Does barbering sound like the right career path for you?
Jay’s not just passionate about barbering. He’s seen firsthand the kind of impact a great barber can make.
“A barber plays a huge role in the community,” he says. “But it’s not just about cutting hair. You’ve got to know how to hold space, have good conversations (and be an active listener), and make someone feel like they matter.”
At Demi International, we train future barbers with exactly that mindset. Our SHB30516 Certificate III in Barbering Course sets you up for success. We know that barbering is about skill, yes, but it’s also about people.
Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of a career change, becoming a barber is easier than you may think, and it offers something many jobs don’t: creativity, flexibility, and the chance to genuinely help people feel better.
Just ask recent trainee John, who swapped life as a tradie for clippers and conversation. His story proves that with the right training and support, meaningful change is possible. Then there’s Cooper—at just 15, he’s already finding purpose behind the chair.
More than a trend, it’s a movement
From modern fades to meaningful chats, barbering has grown into something bigger than a job title.
As Jay says, “It used to be just about getting through haircuts quickly. Now it’s about the service, the skill, and how you make someone feel.”
And that’s what keeps this industry growing. Whether you’re in the chair or behind it, barbering is a place where confidence is restored, stories are shared, and small talk often turns into something much more real.
Keen to be part of it? Chat with our friendly Course Advisors to learn more about this rewarding career.
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