In recent years, barber shops in California have seen a rising trend in the demand for facial and shave services for men. This trend has been driven by a growing interest in self-care and grooming among men, as well as a shift in traditional gender norms that encourages men to take better care of their appearance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind the rising trend in facial and shave services for men in California’s barber shops.

One of the main reasons behind the rising trend in facial and shave services for men is the growing interest in self-care and grooming among men. Men are becoming more aware of the importance of taking care of their skin and overall appearance, and they are looking for ways to do so. This has led to an increase in demand for facial services such as cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Many men are also looking for shave services that provide a close, clean shave without causing irritation or razor burn.

Another reason behind the rising trend in facial and shave services for men is the shift in traditional gender norms. In the past, men were often discouraged from taking too much interest in their appearance, as it was seen as being too feminine. However, attitudes towards masculinity are changing, and there is now a greater acceptance of men who take pride in their appearance. This has led to more men seeking out facial and shave services as a way of looking and feeling their best.

Barber shops in California have also played a role in the rising trend in facial and shave services for men. Many barber shops have recognized the growing demand for these services and have started to offer them as part of their menu. This has made it easier for men to access these services and has helped to popularize them even further.

Finally, the rise of social media has also contributed to the trend in facial and shave services for men. Many men are influenced by the images they see on social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, which often feature well-groomed men with clear skin and a close shave. This has led to more men wanting to achieve this look for themselves, and they are turning to facial and shave services as a way of doing so.

In conclusion, the rising trend in facial and shave services for men in California’s barber shops is being driven by a growing interest in self-care and grooming among men, a shift in traditional gender norms, the availability of these services in barber shops, and the influence of social media. As this trend continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more barber shops across the state offering these services as a way of meeting the growing demand.

The barbering industry has been growing steadily in recent years, and the demand for skilled barbers is increasing. This trend is expected to continue as people prioritize self-care and grooming. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the current trends in the job market for barbers and what it takes to be successful in this field.

Specialization
One of the current trends in the barbering industry is specialization. Many barbers are focusing on a particular niche, such as beards, fades, or classic cuts. By specializing, barbers can become experts in their field and attract clients who are looking for a specific type of cut or style. Specializing can also help barbers stand out from their competition.

Personalization
Personalization is another trend that is becoming increasingly popular in the barbering industry. Many clients are looking for a personalized experience when they visit a barber. This includes things like personalized consultations, customized haircuts, and personalized grooming recommendations. Barbers who can provide this level of service are in high demand.

Diversity and Inclusivity
Another trend in the barbering industry is the focus on diversity and inclusivity. Many clients are looking for barbers who are able to work with a wide range of hair types and textures, including those that are traditionally marginalized. Barbers who are skilled in working with diverse hair types and who create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients are highly sought after.

Digital Marketing
With the rise of social media and online marketing, barbers who are able to promote themselves effectively online have a distinct advantage. Many barbers use Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms to showcase their work, build their brand, and attract new clients. Building a strong online presence is essential for barbers who want to stay competitive in today’s job market.

Continuing Education
Finally, continuing education is a trend that is becoming increasingly important in the barbering industry. Barbers who stay up-to-date on the latest trends, techniques, and products are better equipped to meet the needs of their clients and provide high-quality service. Many barbers attend workshops, take courses, or participate in online training programs to continue their education.

In conclusion, the job market for barbers is evolving, and staying on top of current trends is essential for success in this field. Specializing in a particular niche, providing personalized service, focusing on diversity and inclusivity, building a strong online presence, and continuing education are all important factors to consider for barbers who want to stand out in today’s competitive job market. By embracing these trends and continuing to hone their skills, barbers can build a successful and rewarding career in the barbering industry.

Do you love people who want to make the world a better place?  Do you love dogs, cats, horses, animals, people, nature, the ocean?  The leaders of Cosmoton, The Lompoc Barber Academy have always embraced a culture of giving back to the community they live in, the planet they live on and to the people in the industry they serve.

Since 2004 the staff of Cosmoton Academy have been lending support in a very personal way to a variety of causes. “Sometimes all it takes is a set of clippers, an open heart and an opportunity.” Is the battle cry of one of the learning leaders (teachers) at the Barber Academy.

In September 2018 Michael and Laura Funkhouser arrived in Lompoc and established a Barber Academy because they saw a need for well trained talent in the hair industry.  Once they had a physical location dialed in they immediately turned their attention to community outreach and in April 2019 volunteered at Lompoc Spring Fest doing braids to raise money for the Lompoc Flower Festival.  They have, with the help of their growing number of students, volunteered and raised money for the Lompoc Theater Project, Santa Barbara Old Spanish Days, Santa Barbara Alzheimer Research Foundation and Blue Sky Community Center.

“We love bringing our talents to festivals and events where the community is already congregated.  The guests enjoy the novelty of having a haircut in the park and our students get to have their lives touched by the joy they have just brought to someone else’s live.”

The Funkhousers have done events over the years to support The Childrens Miracle Network, The Gary Sinise Foundation, Food 4 Africa, Thirst Project, No Limits, Morris Animal Foundation, Best Friends and Haircuts From the Heart.

Since the start of Cosmoton Barber Academy in Lompoc, they have raised over $1000 toward charitable causes through Cut-a-Thons, Haircut Booths and Bake Sales.  Dollar by dollar, Cosmoton Barber Academy is making a difference in the lives of their community.

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School Leaders

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Michael Funkhouser – Educator, Cutting Specialist, and Style Pro

Our cutting, styling and theory specialist, Michael Funkhouser made a name for himself early in his career working high-profile events. He got his start in hair in 2004, and since then, his career has followed an astronomical upward path: from LA Fashion Week to the Miss America Beauty Pageant to the Miss Chinese International Pageant to American Idol, Teen Idol, and Chinese Idol. Specializing in Japanese and Curly hair cutting techniques, he is certified in the DEVACHAN cutting style. He also holds his barbering license.

Previously, Michael worked as a Paul Mitchel School Educator throughout San Diego, Pasadena, and Santa Barbara. He traveled throughout the country, passing on his skills to others and even running a series of events that culminated in a teaching role at Cosmoton Academy. He himself is a graduate of The Cao Institute of Aesthetics a Paul Mitchell Partner School.

A natural leader, Michael also does speaking and mentoring work. He is the author of Mentorship Portfolio, and he currently works at both Cosmoton Academy and Napoleon Blonde. He cares deeply about his students and takes an active interest in their education, an attitude that shines through in his work as an educator. Believing wholeheartedly about the value of style and beauty, he applies himself enthusiastically to sharing his skills and experience with others.

https://lompocvision.com/wp-content/Issues/October%202019/files/assets/basic-html/page-26.html

Title

Laura Funkhouser – Color & Color Correction Specialist / Educator

A color and color correction specialist, Laura Funkhouser got her start in style in Studio City. Trained by Master Colorist Joseph Ledda, a major figure in the field, she honed her skills for several years before taking a position as a colorist and instructor at Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica and Vidal Sassoon Salon in Beverly Hills. Equally passionate about styling and teaching, she has made it her mission in life to give others the benefit of all the experience and knowledge that she has accrued over the course of her 18-year career.

In addition to teaching at Vidal Sassoon, Laura has also taught at Wella and Paul Mitchell, and she has competed on multiple occasions in the Wella Trend Vision, NAHA, and California Stylist Magazine competitions. She champions low-maintenance colors in her work, helping her clients to achieve their ideal looks with a minimum of effort and budget.

Laura was a finalist in the high-profile Trend Visions Competition for Southern California, and she has collaborated with such luminaries as Tim Hartley and Annie Humphries. She believes in following her dreams, and she has done so time and again, pursuing her career all the way from San Diego to San Francisco.

https://lompocrecord.com/business/local/lompoc-barber-school-s-santa-maria-booth-benefits-new-cuyama/article_ae863078-c193-5b83-9aa9-fbb42af15b4a.html

Personal appearance has always been at the core of an individuals representation of themselves to the world.  Since ancient times The Barber has been the person that civilizations have looked to as a means of maintaining that personal appearance.  In Ezekiel 5:1 the Bible references Barbers, haircuts and beard grooming all in one verse.  Even farther back than that we have pictoral representations and tools of “cavemen” (and women) who used sharpened rocks to shave their faces and presumably their heads and bodies as well.

Fortunately for us we no longer need to use rocks to shave or cut our hair.  Especially since Cosmoton (pronounced Cosmo Ton) the new Barbering College located in the “City of Arts and Flowers” Lompoc, California is providing education to students and services to the people of Lompoc and the surrounding areas.  The Mission of Cosmoton Barbering Academy is one of providing a strong base of education in all aspects of hair and barbering for future barbers. Cosmoton Barbering Academy is a barbering college teaching the new, talented, future barbers while providing excellent, low cost services to the public.  All services are performed by students who are preparing to take their California licensing exam for Barbering.

The Cosmoton education team is led by Michael and Laura Funkhouser, former Paul Mitchell School Educators and Directors.  “We have left the day to day management decisions to this duo.  We have seen their commitment to their craft and the excellence they instill in the people they train.  This decision was a no brainer.” says Peyton Shaw, investor and venture capitalist.

At Cosmoton the commitments and dedication to helping people ranges from Students, learning and growing, to Guests, receiving the best service a learning student can provide, and Staff. “We know people have lives outside of school” Michael says, “we want our team to be able to have a life outside of work.”  The Cosmoton regular work week for students and staff is a 3 day 10 hour shift.  This allows for plenty of time for spending time with family, going grocery shopping or doing chores.  “People who come into this industry are hustling all the time.  We don’t always have free time to see you mom or hang out with your family and that’s important.”

The name Cosmoton comes from “Kosmos” which means ordered or orderly and refers to the structure of ornamenting or designing anything from the universe to hair.  The second half of the name is a nod to an ancient way to refer to a person who cut the hair, beards and tonsors of the monks.   Those people were called Tonsoral Artists.  Thus we have KosmoTons or Cosmoton.  The slogan “21st-Century Barbering” refers to the fact that Cosmoton uses new technology to teach classes in a way that the modern student understands and relates to.  “We teach everything a modern day appearance worker would need to be successful and make a good living in whatever capacity they decide to use their licenses.”  says Laura.

The Barbering program consists of all aspects of hair including:

• Hair coloring and Hi-lights
• Blow-dry and Styling
• Perm and Relaxer
• Women’s and Men’s Haircutting
• Men’s face and beard grooming including hot towel shaves

The Barbering Crossover program consists only of the things that barbers do that Cosmetologists do not do:

• How to cut a fade haircut
• How to perform a hot towel shave and facial
• How to build your business as a Tonsorial Artist
• State Board Crossover Examination preparation

The Crossover program costs just $ 5,005 and the Barber program costs

$ 15,000 including application fee, books and classroom supplies and student tuition fee.