Inklingo

How to Say "barber" in Spanish

English → Spanish

barbero

/bar-BEH-roh//baɾˈbeɾo/

nounA1general
Use 'barbero' when referring to a professional specifically for men's haircuts and beard trims, often implying a traditional barber shop setting.
A friendly barber in a white apron cutting a man's hair in a classic barber chair.

Examples

Mi barbero siempre me deja el pelo perfecto.

My barber always leaves my hair perfect.

El barbero usa una navaja tradicional para afeitar.

The barber uses a traditional razor for shaving.

Había tres personas esperando en la silla del barbero.

There were three people waiting in the barber's chair.

People vs. Places

Use 'barbero' to talk about the person who does the cutting, but use 'barbería' to talk about the physical shop where they work.

Profession Gender

Even though 'barbero' is masculine, it is the standard way to refer to the profession. If the person is female, you change it to 'barbera'.

Confusing the person with the shop

Mistake: “Voy a la barbero.”

Correction: Voy a la barbería (the shop) or Voy al barbero (the person).

peluquero

/peh-loo-KEH-roh//peluˈkeɾo/

nounA1general
Use 'peluquero' for a hairdresser, which is very common for men's hair styling and cuts, but can also refer to hairdressers for women.
A friendly person holding professional styling scissors and a comb, standing next to a salon chair.

Examples

Mi peluquero siempre me corta el pelo muy bien.

My hairdresser always cuts my hair very well.

Mañana tengo cita con el peluquero a las cinco.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with the barber at five.

Busco un peluquero que sea experto en tintes.

I'm looking for a stylist who is an expert in hair dyes.

Male vs. Female professionals

In Spanish, job titles change depending on the person's gender. Use 'peluquero' for a man and 'peluquera' for a woman.

The Person vs. The Place

While 'peluquero' refers to the person, the shop where they work is called the 'peluquería'.

Using the wrong word for the salon

Mistake: “Voy al peluquero para comprar champú.”

Correction: Voy a la peluquería para comprar champú. Use 'peluquería' for the physical building and 'peluquero' for the person cutting your hair.

Barbero vs. Peluquero for Men

Learners often wonder if 'barbero' or 'peluquero' is correct for a man's hairdresser. While 'barbero' is traditionally more specific to shaving beards and men's cuts, 'peluquero' is widely used and understood for men's hair in most Spanish-speaking countries today. If you want to emphasize the traditional barber role, use 'barbero'; otherwise, 'peluquero' is a safe and common choice.

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