LATTC Hosts First Barber Battle!
LATTC Barbering students during the competition.
On Monday, December 11, 2023, LATTC’s Cosmetology Pathway was excited to host its first Barber Battle. 33 of the college’s Barbering students faced off in a competition across six categories, including Best Haircut & Style, Most Creative, The GOAT (greatest of all time), Fastest Fade, Crispiest Lineup, and Best Beard Style. The competition began in the college’s Cosmetology Building where students had 2 hours to complete the styles on their models.
LATTC Barbering students during the competition.
Following the competition, looks were scored by guest judges and industry experts throughout the region, including Ajene Davis, Steve Ellis, Kendra Hopson, Cynthia Nishi, Isaac Plascecia, Matthew A. Primero, Carlos Spivey, and Dave Warren.
Industry professionals throughout the region served as judges for the competition.
Following the competition, the evening hosted an official program with featured guest speaker, Mr. Elton Robinson. Mr. Robinson was a Cosmetology instructor, and eventual department chair, starting at LATTC in 1997 before retiring just two years ago. He was instrumental in founding the Barbering program at LATTC in 2015, which became one of the first Barbering programs established at a California community college. Mr. Robinson’s legacy continues to course through the halls of LATTC, as demonstrated by the sounds of the competition’s active clippers and snipping scissors.
Cosmetology Pathway Chair, Ms. Lidia Ley; LATTC President Dr. Alfred McQuarters; Academic Affairs Dean, Dr. Ayesha Randall; former Cosmetology Pathway Chair Mr. Elton Robinson; Dean of Pathways and Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Marcia Wilson; and former Cosmetology Pathway Chair, Ms. Marilyn Maine.
After Mr. Robinson’s words, the student competitors and their models had a chance to walk the catwalk before final winners were announced to a gathering of friends and families.
Left to Right: Mr. Elton Robinson; barbering student and winner of the GOAT category, Hansel Esquivel with his model, Omar Gomez; Dean of Pathways & Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Wilson; and guest judge and sponsor Mr. Matthew A. Primero from the Underground Shaving Parlor
Congratulations to all of the college’s barbering participants! It was an evening to remember!
Best Haircut & Style (Senior Class)
1st Place: Kevin Bueno
2nd Place: Elijah Padilla
3rd Place: Brian Mateo
Best Haircut & Style (Junior Class)
1st Place: Ramiro Acevedo
2nd Place: Samuel Elizalde
3rd Place: Jonathan Harper
Most Creative (Freestyle with Design)
1st Place: Ramiro Acevedo
2nd Place: Elijah Padilla
3rd Place: Jose Soto
Best Beard Style: Jonathan Harper
Fastest Fade: Brayan Ramos
Crispiest Lineup: Jonathan Harper
The G.O.A.T. (Student choice award): Hansel Esquivel
The growth and success of these students is dependent upon their instructors who work steadfastly alongside of them. Kudos to Barbering Instructors Ms. Jacquelyn Glover, Mr. Benjamin Hernandez, Ms. Jacqueline Monge, and Mr. Ruben McCain.
LATTC’s current and past Barbering faculty, along with Academic Affairs Dean, Dr. Ayesha Randall and LATTC President, Dr. Alfred McQuarters (far right).
Special thanks to Ms. Jacqueline Monge, Cosmetology/Barbering Instructor and Artistic Director of LATTC's Barber Battle!