LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Winburn Middle School now has a fully-functional barbershop in its building, offering students weekly haircuts and mentorship during school hours.
The barbershop is part of the Sharp Futures Foundation program, designed to provide young men with confidence boosts and guidance through one-on-one conversations with barbers.
“This is a space where these young men can come in and feel seen, they can feel valued and also feel supported,” said C.J. Carter, Founder of Sharp Futures Foundation.
Master Barber Vincent Davis will cut students’ hair once a week, creating what he calls a therapeutic space for open conversation without judgment.
“A lot of men themselves look at the barbershop as like a therapeutic place or a place of peace, so I hope the kids look at it the same way,” Davis said.
Program aims to boost academic performance
Davis said proper haircuts help students perform better in the classroom by increasing their energy and self-confidence.
“Look good, feel good, play good,” Davis said. “It gives you more energy. It makes you feel better about yourself. A good haircut, clean clothes and then you can have a great day.”
The program also exposes students to career opportunities like entrepreneurship that they may not have previously considered.
Carter said the investment in young men can make a difference in future generations through quality conversation and guidance that accompanies each haircut.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than when the haircut is complete and you pass them the mirror and you see them light up,” Carter said.
Expansion across Kentucky schools
Winburn Middle is the second school in Lexington and fourth in Kentucky to have an in-school barbershop. Tates Creek Middle School opened one last year.
Another Sharp Futures barbershop is scheduled to open at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in two weeks.
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