Local Cosmetology Academy to Offer Barbering Program

Increasing interest in hair cutting and styling for men has spurred the South Gate to launch a barbering program that begins on March 20.

The program was created in part to meet the rising popularity of a certain style of boys' and men's haircuts, said Angie Cornell, the academy’s owner.

“If you see the boxers, the Lakers, some of these athletes, they have that clipper cut,” said Cornell, referring to styles cut with a hair clipper.

“It’s a trend. It’s back again,” she said.

The barbering program takes 1,500 hours to complete and will be the latest addition to the school, which primarily focuses on cosmetology.

The barbering courses will concentrate on the use of a clipper, a marked contrast to the cosmetology program in which students train mostly with scissors. 

The cosmetology program requires a commitment of 1,600 course hours. It includes sessions on skin and nail care, but its main focus is on hair, said Cornell.

Tuition is $7,150 for the cosmetology program and $6,795 for the barbering program, not including materials. Scholarships are available for some students.

Students who complete the programs receive a certificate from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology that operates under the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

The program does not guarantee a job upon completion. However, Cornell reminds students that it is up them, using their talents, to find employment.

“This industry is an art,” said Cornell. “No matter how much education you have, you can’t [always hope to be] that person [that wows people].”

Hair care has been seen by some as a growing industry, despite the recession. However, in South Gate, some veteran barbers view the local market as difficult, with the supply of barbers .   

“In this kind of industry, everyone will need a haircut, so the jobs are there,” said Cornell, answering local barbers who say South Gate has too many hair cutters.

Usually, older students tend to stay in town and face a tougher time finding jobs, while younger students are mobile and able to move to bigger cities by the beach or out of state, said Cornell. 

One of the youngest students in the program, 17-year-old Monica Sanchez from South Central, entered the program after cutting hair for fun.

For Sanchez, the cosmetology industry is plan B in case her plan to become an aerospace engineer does not work out.

“I see it as a backup plan to bring in money for college,” said Sanchez.

Those interested in enrolling at the academy can call 323-249-0270. Evening and day schedules are offered for interested students.