Author: Pulse Staff
Getting a fresh haircut is more than routine maintenance. It is an art form, a confidence booster, and, for students at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), a launching pad for a lifelong career.
On this episode of Eye On EVIT, General Manager Michael Mallace sat down with second-year barbering instructor Stacey Wheeler, second-year student Tristan Powers, and first-year student Joshua Flores to explore what makes EVIT’s barbering program one of the most valuable vocational opportunities in Arizona.
Humble Beginnings: How the Passion Started
Before finding their way to the state-of-the-art facilities at EVIT, both students got their start in the most relatable way possible: necessity, trial by error, and practicing on anyone brave enough to sit in the chair.
For second-year student Tristan Powers, the journey began as a way to save money. After a bad barber experience where his hairline was pushed back—forcing him to cut all his hair off and pay $40 for the trouble—he took matters into his own hands. Armed with a kitchen chair and a pair of Walmart clippers, he started cutting his own hair in his bedroom. Soon, friends noticed and asked for cuts too, turning a DIY solution into a passion for the craft.
First-year student Joshua Flores had a similar start during his freshman year of high school. Wanting to help out his family financially while playing football, he bought a $60 Amazon clipper set. His very first client was his older brother. Sitting in a bedroom chair late on a school night, the cut took over two hours and ended up a bit rough, but his brother was happy to trade a bad haircut for “free cuts for life.” After tearing his ACL during his sophomore year, Joshua used his recovery time to refine his skills, buying a three-way mirror to master cutting the back of his own head. Becoming his own walking billboard gave him the confidence and clientele to take barbering seriously.
High School Hours, Professional Licensing
The EVIT barbering program is an intensive 1,200-hour course designed to take students from the basics all the way to state board licensing. What sets EVIT apart is the ability for high school juniors and seniors to earn their professional license before they even walk across their high school graduation stage.
Private barbering schools across Arizona can easily cost anywhere from $18,000 to $25,000. At EVIT, high school students take the program as an elective, paying only a modest fee for their professional tool kits, clippers, shears, mannequins, and scrubs.
“How amazing is it that a junior and a senior can come to EVIT during high school hours and be a licensed barber by the time they graduate high school?” said Stacey, a 30-year industry veteran. “They’re coming here and going to be licensed professionals when they graduate.”
Beyond the Fades: Mastering the Craft
While many aspiring barbers enter the program dreaming of perfecting the ultimate fade, EVIT ensures students master the full spectrum of hair and skin care.
During their first year, students focus heavily on theory, health, safety, and core fundamentals. After accumulating the required 300 foundational hours, students advance to the practical shop floor, where they perform services for fellow students, staff, and the public.
Services taught in the program go far beyond standard hair trims, including:
- Precision shear work and long-hair layering
- Hot lather shaves and 14-point razor shaves
- Beard and mustache sculpting
- Hair braiding and cornrows
- Facials, shampooing, and scalp massages
“Anybody could fade,” noted Joshua during the conversation. “Not a lot of people can create shape on the hair. Shear work honestly will take you further than any clipper can.”
Building Business and Relationships
For Tristan, barbering is as much about human connection as it is about technical skill.
“Everybody needs a haircut. Therefore, you could really meet anyone,” Tristan shared. “Sometimes people need someone to talk to… my main thing is just connecting with new people.”
Instructor Stacey Wheeler echoes that sentiment in her classroom instruction, teaching students that technical ability gets clients in the chair, but professionalism, cleanliness, and genuine human connection keep them coming back.
Catch the Show & Book Your $10 Haircut
👉Listen to this episode of Eye On EVIT right here:
Eye On EVIT episodes are broadcast on Sunday mornings at 7:00 on 88.7 The Pulse. You can also stream episodes anytime at 887thepulse.com or on our free 88.7 The Pulse AZ mobile apps.
Support EVIT barbering students while enjoying quality services at an unbeatable price—EVIT Barbering is home to the $10 haircut!
Barber Shop Details & Location
- Location: EVIT Main Campus1601 West Main Street, Building 1Mesa, AZ 85201
- Barber Shop Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Appointment Hours:
- Morning Sessions: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Afternoon Sessions: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- How to Book: Visit evit.edu/haircuts or call the EVIT scheduling line at (480) 461-6717.
