WHAT IS A BARBER-STYLIST

Licensed as a Barber in the state of Louisiana my Barber-Stylist training began in 1981. Honored by our head instructor Mr. Sal, when he had the confidence with my hands on skills in the classroom and acing all the written exams, I was the first student from our graduating class to be advanced to see customers for hair services. 

Mr. Sal Coronado was a Master Barber of 45 years & his teaching assistant, an established beautician, Ms Sheila Collins provided so many students the tools to the exciting and ever-changing career I have loved being part of ever since. 

When I began my education, Barbers had already long taken on cosmetology skills such as hair color theory, and chemicals such as permanent waves and wrapping techniques, yet in the early 80's cosmetology schools weren't yet training with razors, scissor over come and clippers. I was also familiar with the course of a friend going to cosmetology school about 6 months ahead of me, and she'd complained the ladies going to have their hair done at the beauty schools to have their hair washed, set and teased or mani-pedis.. neither of which I was interested in. I wanted to focus on hair cutting, coloring and of course, it was the 80's.. perming. The only (unless to me) skill I had to learn was shaving with the straight razor for the barber licensing exam.

While still in training, I applied and was hired as a shampoo assistant at Percy Solars Beauty Salon. Once licensed, I signed a 4 year contract with the beauty salon and began advanced training as Percys assistant for the first 2 years until my own clientele built up. A very large salon, I met such a variety of fresh out of school, like me to highly seasoned stylists, many who worked part-time and I learned so much from my time there. It was at Percy's that I knew I'd have a private place of my own one day.. 

By 1987, I found a great location with the help of a friend in real estate.. the building had been recently remodeled by it's first tenants, into a high end dress boutique.  With another barber-stylist friend, I co-founded a 6 chair salon, Illusions Hair Salon. 

After 7 years in business, we lost the lease when the building was sold. Oct 1995 began a new chapter as an independent barber-stylist and over the next 4.5 years I worked at 3 salon locations, never quite finding the happy home, but overall it was great meeting many new co-workers and new client friends along the way.

The winter of 1999, a former co-worker wanted to open a salon and found the former Illusions was again up for lease, which had a new life as Salon Chateau for the next 23 years..  

May of 2023 I found and opened this perfect (for me) private studio and it is truly is a dream come true!

Licensed Barber Leigh Anne. Photo (circa 1987) about 7 years in the beauty salon business.

The term "barber-stylist" is often used to describe a professional who has obtained training, combining the skills of both a barber and a hair stylist, allowing them to offer a comprehensive range of services to both men and women, from cutting and designing hairstyles, hair coloring, and re-texturizing services such as straightening, smoothing and perming. Barber-stylists can work in barbershops, salons, or operate their own businesses.

STATE BOARD LICENSING
A barber license and a cosmetologist license have many similarities, and both require state board testing and licensing but there are also key differences between the initial training of the two. The main distinction is that cosmetologists spend time during training learning updos, skincare, makeup, and basic nail art and maintenance whereas, the profession of barbering is considered an art form that requires skill using razors and clippers. Both professionals have what in the industry is referred to as the "license to touch" and with advanced training in areas of interest each licensed professional can gain skills outside of their initial training, lash and hair extensions.