Barcos D&D Report: Honoring Michigan Barber School's Legacy and Our Path Forward

Michigan Barber School in March 1950

A message from the CEO of Michigan Barber School in Detroit MI

The Barcos Foundation notes with sadness the closing of the Michigan Barber School, an institution with a legacy of over 75 years that is deeply intertwined with the history of Detroit and the Black community. This news is felt deeply by the countless alumni who, as Licensed Professionals, built their careers and communities on the foundation of the education they received there.

The Barbering Profession's Enduring Value 🎓

The extensive education required to become a barber instilled a strong work ethic in its graduates. This foundation provided the tenacity needed to build successful careers, with many alumni combining their trade with further education and entrepreneurial ventures. The skills developed as a barber are considered a recession and pandemic proof profession, demonstrating the power of a solid trade education combined with business acumen.

The Crisis in Michigan's Barbering Community 💈

The closing of the Michigan Barber School highlights a crisis that threatens the very future of the profession. Data shows a systemic imbalance in Michigan, with only a handful of barber colleges compared to over 100 cosmetology schools. This has led to a scarcity of schools and a critical shortage of licensed barber instructors. These challenges are not static; the closure of institutions like Lansing Barber College has already left many students without a clear path to certification.

How the Barcos Foundation is Taking Action ✂️

The Barcos Foundation was founded to directly address this crisis. We're working hard to protect the barbering profession's legacy and ensure its future.

• The Barcos Institute was accepted into TechTown, Wayne State University's business incubator, in April 2025.

• We became a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor in February 2025.

• We successfully obtained IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for the Barcos Foundation in April 2025.

• We are advocating for legislative changes like House Bill 5786, which aims to reduce the training hours for barber licensure to make the profession more accessible and practical for aspiring barbers.

• We've established strategic partnerships with organizations like NERDS Rule Inc. and the World Kindness Movement.

Honoring the Legacy and Looking Forward

The Barcos Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of barbers has the same opportunities as the alumni of the Michigan Barber School. We need to work together to build strong, vibrant communities and support the future of this essential trade. We invite you to join us as we continue to fight for the future of barbering in Michigan.