Rodrick Samuels is a Wahl educator, platform artist, Director of Education at Hair Lab Detroit Barber School, and an Advisory Board member for the National Association of Barber Boards of America. He was recognized by the North American Hairstyling Awards in 2023 as its Educator of the Year.
American Salon chatted with him recently about the broader social impact of barbering beyond trends and aesthetics, and why the conversation about the power of Black barbershops needs to be heard year-round.
AS: What inspired you to become a barber?
RS: Failure in college led me to barbering, but that failure wasn’t an ending, it was a reset. I realized that success isn’t just about following a traditional path; it’s about creating one.
Barbering wasn’t just a career choice, it was a gateway to entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact.
From the start, I saw the power of Black-owned barber businesses — not just as places to get a fresh cut, but as community hubs, cultural institutions, and economic engines.
These businesses are where young professionals get career advice, where entrepreneurs connect, and where generations share wisdom. They are more than businesses; they are legacies.
Can you talk about the practical need for hair-care professionals who are knowledgeable about the specific needs of textured hair and beards?
One of the biggest challenges in the industry is the lack of comprehensive education on textured hair and beard care. It’s unacceptable that in 2025, barbers are still leaving school unprepared to serve all hair types.
That’s why Black-owned barber businesses have been setting the standard for decades. We didn’t wait for permission. We mastered the craft, passed down the knowledge, and built an industry within an industry.
As a school director and educator, my mission is to change the game. I train barbers not just in technique, but in business, professionalism, and ownership. Because real success in this industry isn’t just about cutting hair, it’s about creating opportunities and building generational wealth.
It’s time to move beyond just celebrating Black barbers during Black History Month. Our influence is year-round, our contributions are undeniable, and our skills deserve recognition at every level of this industry.
So, let’s make sure that when we talk about barbering, we’re talking about all of it. Not just the aesthetics but the culture, the business, and the future we’re building.
Let’s talk about the culture. Why are Black barbershops so instrumental in building community?
Black barbershops have been the original social media — where news is shared, business deals happen, and young folks get life lessons from elders. We’re not just cutting hair; we’re passing down wisdom.
In most shops, we have created a space for that, whether it’s mentorship, business advice, or just a place to decompress.
The barbershop is where people come as they are, but leave as their best selves.
How has being a barber shaped you as a man?
Barbering taught me accountability, leadership, and the value of consistency. It showed me that when you show up for people, they show up for you.
Being a barber means being a role model, not a role player. It’s about more than just giving someone a clean fade — it’s about giving them confidence, guidance, and a space where they feel valued. That’s the impact I strive for every day.
What challenges have you faced, both when starting out and in your current experience as a barber?
One of the biggest challenges? Getting the industry to recognize the power of Black-owned barbershops and barbers as professionals, not just cultural icons.
We drive trends. We influence global style. We create businesses that uplift entire communities. Yet, when it comes to industry investment, education resources, and leadership opportunities, we’re often left out of the conversation.
That’s why ownership matters. That’s why education and mentorship matter. Because when we control our businesses, we control our future.
What are some of the hottest style trends you’re seeing today among Black clientele? What are your pro tips to other barbers for pulling them off?
We’re seeing a real appreciation for precision — sharp fades, defined beards, intricate designs. The "natural but polished" look is in, with a lot of emphasis on hair health.
My advice? Learn the fundamentals, then push the boundaries. Don’t just copy trends. Innovate. And above all, get your clients on a hair-care regimen and ensure you incorporate a functional clipper.
I prefer Wahl's Five-Star Black Cord/Cordless Magic Clip. It’s perfect for texturized cuts. A fresh cut means nothing if the hair and scalp aren’t healthy.
What advice would you give to aspiring Black barbers?
First, respect the craft. This isn’t just a hustle — it’s a profession. Study it, learn the business side, and take education seriously.
Second, understand your value. Black barbershops are powerful. We influence culture, we set trends, we build businesses. Don’t let anyone downplay that. Walk in every room like you belong there, because you do.
Lastly, build community. Don’t just cut hair. Educate, mentor, and uplift. The best barbers don’t just make people look good, they make them feel empowered.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want my legacy to be about education, empowerment, and ownership. I don’t just want to be known as a great barber, I want to be known as someone who helped build the next generation of barber entrepreneurs.
My goal is to make sure that future barbers don’t have to fight for a seat at the table — because we’re building our own.
To my allies in the industry who understand that Black-owned businesses deserve respect, investment, and recognition, I see you.
Black History Month isn’t just about looking back, it’s about pushing forward. And together, we’re going to keep shaping the future of this industry.
What are some of your most memorable professional highlights?
Man, there have been a lot. But every time I see one of my students or mentees killing it in the industry, that’s a win for me.
I’ve won the North American Hairstyling Award for Educator of the Year, I’m currently nominated for America's Favorite Teacher, and I’ve had the chance to work with top brands, teach on major platforms, and shape the next generation of barbers.
But nothing beats the feeling of a client looking in the mirror after one of my students nail a haircut and saying, “Damn, you got me right!”