The low buzz of clippers hums through the room, cutting through laughter, music, and the snap of the cape. The smell of aftershave fills the air. These are the sights and sounds of a fresh cut.
Barbers have been essential for decades in every part of the world. The barber industry has been booming since people constantly need haircuts, giving opportunities to new barbers rather than proficient ones.
There are many reasons teenagers and young adults choose to become barbers. One major reason, according to IBMC College, is that barbering is at its highest demand. Plus, barbering appeals to creative people; barbers enjoy designing haircuts, creating detailed fades and recommending current styles. Instead of getting bossed around, many barbers become their own boss, whether they work in a home studio or a barbershop.
There are several West Chicago Community High School alumni who became barbers and achieved their goals, including Erik Hernandez (erik.blendz), and Israel Milazzo (milazzo.cutz).
Senior Rodrigo Hernandez is one of Hernandez’s clients.
“The idea of becoming your own boss and having your own schedule is what makes a young person become a barber,” Rodrigo Hernandez said. “I wanted to become a barber, but I never got the chance since I’m really busy.”
Barbering has gained popularity on social media platforms, especially on TikTok, where many new barbers post short videos showcasing their work. Instagram also serves as a marketing tool where they build their client base.
However, some people question whether the market is becoming oversaturated.
“I feel the barber industry has become overpopulated,” senior Marcos Estrada said. “I always see new barbers in my social media.”
Perhaps the belief that there are “too many” barbers – at least locally – comes from the mentoring programs that have launched at shops like West Chicago’s Art of Fadez, where Brandon Magana, whom the Chronicle has written about numerous times, helps young barbers find their footing.
Freshman Maximiliano Magana Lopez (an acquaintance of Brandon Magana) is a current barber.
“Ven que se gana buen dinero haciendo bien o mal el trabajo, muchos nada más lo hacen porque ven estos ‘influencers’ entonces piensan que van a ser como ellos, pero en realidad esos no son barberos — son estafadores. Otros también lo hacen porque no encuentran trabajo que los acepten porque son menores de edad, y tercero porque en verdad les gusta o le encontraron gusto a cortar pelo y ven el potencial,” Maximiliano Magana said.
(“They see that you can make good money doing the job well or even poorly. Many just do it because they see these ‘influencers’ and think they’re going to be like them. But in reality, those people aren’t real barbers — they’re scammers. Others do it because they can’t find jobs that will hire them since they’re minors. And third, some truly do it because they enjoy cutting hair, they’ve developed a passion for it and see the potential.”)
Future of the trend
One thing is certain: the barbering industry shows no signs of slowing.
“I wanted to become a barber because I wanted to try something new and different as inspired by seeing how barbers build real connections with people and turn their passion into something meaningful,” junior Brandon Perez said.
Whether the industry is becoming crowded or not, those who treat barbering as more than just a trend — who invest time, build relationships and refine their craft — may be the ones who last. In a field built on skill and connection, talent still matters.