Before the new school year began, Joseph Pouncy, principal of Skyline High School, took a seat in the barber chair and put his trust, and his facial hair, in the hands of his students.
For students in Skyline’s barber program, cutting their principal’s hair was another opportunity to sharpen the skills they practice each week on classmates and teachers.
“The barbering program gives students an opportunity to not just have something to do in school, it can open a door for them,” Pouncy said. “Whether it’s a side skill they build on or a way to provide for their families, they can also do this while putting themselves through college and making a name for themselves. It’s valuable because anybody can, if they put it in the time and work, truly get an outcome and it’s a skill that never goes away.”
Victor B.’s path to become a barber is personal. In eighth grade, he transformed his bad haircut to a new style, sparking a passion and job at a local barbershop.
“Hair grows back, nails grow back, and everybody wants to look good,” he said. “You learn how to present yourself professionally for the rest of your life. It’s the best program at Skyline, hands down.”
He, along with his classmate, Liliana L., are in the barbering program at Skyline. The program started in 2022, growing from six students to 14 in just four years. After completing a thousand hours of cosmetology education, students earn a Class A barbering license by the start of senior year. As seniors, half their day is spent in class and the other half working at a professional salon.
“I feel like I’m actually helping people,” Victor said. “I love my job so much that sometimes if a client is having a really tough time, I’ll give them a haircut for free just to help them out.”
Students spend their day in a salon-style classroom and have access to top-of-the-line equipment, complete with manicure tables, salon chairs, and washers and dryers.
A junior, Liliana learned to cut hair by practicing on her uncles and cousins. Through the program, she is on track to earn her barbering license this year. Her goal is to do hair full-time, build a large clientele, and open her own business.
“Before I joined, I was practicing hair cutting at home by watching video tutorials,” she said. “My family told me I was getting good at it and encouraged me to find a program. Back then, almost nobody knew about it. Now we’re much more well-known.”
Led by Manzell Robertson, the program blends technical training with lessons in professional hospitality and chemistry. Students learn to greet guests, consult on desired looks, and build strong interpersonal skills. They also analyze the chemistry of dyes and developers while maintaining strict tool sanitation to prevent disease.
“I designed this program so students treat this trade like a real business. I teach them the real experience of barbering. Everybody thinks that when you get in the program, you’re just going to be cutting, and that’s not the case” he said. “With me being in the industry for as long as I have, I want to make sure these kids get it so when they go out in the real world, they’ll be prepared for what’s really going on out there.”
The cosmetology program is just one of Skyline’s hands-on magnet, early college, and career pathways.
Learn more about the A-rated campus and how to enroll.