By Leslie Fuentes
Public Communications
Humble ISD’s Barbering Academy started at Humble High School during the 2022-2023 school year as part of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. It provides juniors and seniors from Humble, Atascocita, Kingwood, Kingwood Park and Summer Creek High Schools with hands-on training in the art of barbering.
On Thursday, the Academy held its second annual Student Barber Battle, showcasing the skills of about 100 students from Humble ISD’s Barbering Academy, Cleveland High School, Westfield High School and Five Star Elite Barbering School.
The Battle featured categories in the high taper fade, burst fade, men's shear cut, freestyle haircut with design and color and the fastest bald fade. Local professional barbers judged the students’ work based on appearance, style, technique, and cleanliness.
“Having an event like this gives students real-world exposure to the standards of competition,” Humble High School Principal Dairus Cosby said. “When students see incredible competitors alongside them, it pushes them to strive for greatness as well.”
Some competitors this year had only joined the Barbering Academy this fall. Humble High School Barbering Instructor Elizabeth Moranchel noted how her competing students have come a long way, making progress on their technical skills as well as their social skills.
The event also served as inspiration for underclassmen, giving them the opportunity to watch the upperclassmen compete and spark their interest in the program.
Javian Turrubiartes, a senior at Humble High School and a second-year competitor in the Barber Battle, says that he has learned discipline through his competitive experiences.
“The Barber Battle is about doing what we love and showcasing our best techniques and skills,” Turrubiartes said. “It’s fun getting to compete with others who share the same passion and have a similar skill set. It’s a great way to enjoy some fun, friendly competition.”
The ultimate goal of the Barbering Academy is to prepare students for certification as licensed barbers upon completing the two-year program, ensuring they are ready to enter the workforce immediately after high school.
“Once our students become barbers, they can take that skill anywhere,” Moranchel said. “Their hands are their tools, so if they have the talent in their hands to fade, cut hair and to do all that the beauty industry requires, it gives them the opportunity to start working right after graduation.”
Cosby emphasized how the Barbering Program gives students alternative career options to consider when they leave high school.
“College isn’t an option for everyone, and sometimes students have to learn a skill right now,” Cosby said. “So we try to give them skills to help them make their own money right out of high school.”
Looking ahead, Cosby and Moranchel envision the Barber Battle becoming a staple event for Humble ISD and making it bigger and better every year.
“Our goal is to expand every year—bringing in more parents, students, and professional barbers,” Moranchel said. “We’d love to see more barbershop owners speaking to our students and inviting them into their shops once they’re licensed.”