Shear Success: Long Beach HS, Nassau BOCES launch barbering classroom
Eleventh grader Esnayder Velasquez said the program is teaching him far more than haircutting techniques.
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Students at Long Beach High School are getting hands-on experience in a new career in a technical education program that teaches the art and business of barbering.
The school recently opened its first barbering classroom, where students are learning the skills needed to become licensed professional barbers.
The program includes lessons in haircutting and fading techniques, shaving, facials and sanitation practices, with the aim of providing real-world training.
Eleventh grader Esnayder Velasquez said the program is teaching him far more than haircutting techniques.
“I’m learning a lot from this program, teaching me how to be sanitary, teaching me how to cut hair, how to fade, how to use the scissors correctly,” he said.
For many students, working on their first clients can be intimidating.
“It was definitely a little nerve-racking,” said Nuri Ipce, an 11th-grader. “On the first day, I actually cut the principal’s hair, and after that I started to gain more confidence.”
The initiative is a partnership between Nassau BOCES Barry Tech and Long Beach High School.
“You always promote students to go to college and further their academics, but when you receive a barber license, you have it for the rest of your life,” said Daniel Wallace, of Nassau BOCES Barry Tech. “It’s always something you can do on the side, or you can do full time.”
The barbering class is in its first year at Long Beach High School and runs throughout the school year. Currently, 10 students are enrolled, with plans to expand the program next year.
“Next year, they’re hoping for two sessions, an a.m. and a p.m. session,” Wallace said.
After completing 500 hours of instruction, students are eligible to sit for the New York state barber licensing exam.
“I really like the barbering program,” said Aubrey Almanzar, an 11th-grader. “I’ve learned a lot here, and I can’t wait to get my license.”
Nassau BOCES also offers barbering instruction at Barry Tech in Westbury, as well as in-district programs in Uniondale and Valley Stream.
