New barber college opens in Meridian

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Exclusive Cuts Barber College is the new addition in the Meridian area. Owner Dermaine Johnson officially opened the doors to his new barber school this week and already has 13 students enrolled.

“They’re learning how to cut, they’re learning how to fade and they’re also learning the book as far as the physical and also the theory part of barbering," said Johnson.

Students pay $6500 each to take the course. They must learn the sense of barbering from a mental and physical standpoint. After hitting the books, it’s time for practicum. Each student has the choice of bringing in their own client for safety reasons.

“All students must wear a mask as well as have their temperature taken when they enter," said Johnson. "We’re only doing one client at a time--one person per barber so we’re keeping it very safe and everyone is spaced out six feet apart at their stations."

After completing 1500 hours in the school, graduates can officially call themselves barbers. At 20 years old, Makiah Key is excited about showing off her skills in a male dominant profession.

“I’m feminine-I’m gently being feminine and me being a woman. There’s so many male barbers out here, there’s hardly any female barbers," said Key. "I’m just used to seeing women do what they do and I want to be a part of that.”

Johnson says he plans to expand his business after seeing success of the school.

“I definitely plan on continuing to grow and continue to help out the community and give people opportunities of growing and advancing as far as schooling and job placement," said Johnson.

Exclusive Cuts is also a salon and barbershop. The business is located at 1732 North Frontage Road, Meridian, MS. For more information on the new barber college, contact Dermaine Johnson at (334) 505-7628.