Setting up a barbershop — or a barbering station as a new or mobile barber — comes down to a core toolkit, the consumables that keep it running, and a few client-comfort essentials. This checklist covers everything you need to start cutting, and how to buy it at trade prices.
The essential barber kit checklist
Cutting tools
- A fading clipper — your main machine for cutting and blending, such as the Cordless Magic Clip.
- A workhorse or power clipper for bulk and thick hair (many barbers run two clippers).
- A trimmer for lining, edging and detail, like the Cordless Detailer.
- A foil shaver for skin finishes — the Vanish shaver.
- Barber scissors and a comb for scissor work and clipper-over-comb.
Guards, blades and maintenance
- A full set of clipper guards (see our guard size chart).
- Spare blades for your clippers and trimmers.
- Clipper oil, a cleaning brush, blade wash and disinfectant — see how to clean and oil your clippers.
Client comfort and hygiene
- Cutting capes and gowns.
- Neck strips and a neck brush.
- Disinfectant and a tidy, hygienic station setup.
Styling and finishing
- Pomade, clay, wax or cream for finishing.
- A spray bottle for dampening hair.
- Hand mirror to show the back.
You'll find most of this across the barbering range, clippers & trimmers and barbering accessories.
Building your kit with combo sets
If you're starting from scratch, combo sets bundle a clipper, trimmer and accessories together at better value than buying separately — for example the Wahl Cordless Barber Combo or the Cordless Super Taper Combi set. Pair a fading clipper with a workhorse and a trimmer and you've got the heart of your kit. For help choosing, see our best clippers for barbers guide and our Wahl clipper comparison.
Buying for a new barbershop
Hairco & Beauty is a trade-only wholesaler, so a barber account gives you trade pricing on clippers, blades, consumables and styling — with fast, tracked UK delivery. Registration is free and open to salons, barbers, mobile and home-based stylists and students. You can also earn Club Hairco points on everything you order.
FAQs
What do you need to start barbering?
At minimum: a clipper, a trimmer, guards, scissors, a comb, a cape, and clipper oil and disinfectant for maintenance and hygiene. A foil shaver is added for skin finishes.
What's the best clipper and trimmer setup for a new barber?
A common starting setup is a fading clipper (such as the Magic Clip), a second workhorse or power clipper, and a T-blade trimmer for lining. Combo sets bundle these together at better value.
Can a new or mobile barber open a trade account?
Yes. Hairco & Beauty welcomes salons, barbers, mobile and home-based stylists and students, with free registration and trade pricing.
What's in a barber starter kit?
Typically a clipper, trimmer, attachment guards, oil and a cleaning brush — and often a foil shaver or accessories. Combo sets are an easy way to get the essentials in one purchase.
Kit out your barbershop at trade prices
Browse the barbering range at Hairco & Beauty, or open a free trade account to start ordering at trade prices.
Written by Charlotte Read, Content Writer at Hairco & Beauty. Charlotte has over six years' experience in professional hair and beauty, and our guides are informed by colleagues with 100+ years of combined salon experience and by insight from the trade customers we supply. More about our content.
