Grooming, styling, and cutting hair has always been more of an art form than a skill. Techniques on how to properly cut men’s and boys’ hair must be learned with precision, and barbers take years to perfect their craft. For James Macklin, the practice has come early and easy.
A senior psychology major, is doing just that by providing haircut services out of his house. Originally, he started cutting hair while he was in high school and his father often cut his hair for him. His father eventually grew tired from working a full-time job and pushed Macklin to trim his own hair.
After practicing on his own hair, Macklin took his skills to college. Being a part of the men’s basketball team he began cutting some of his teammates hair. Branching off after transferring to Southeast James cut his friends’, fraternity members’ and other students’ hair.
Macklin credits most of his interest in cutting hair to his love of art and drawing.
“I used to be good at drawing while in school and I always gave the person a nice hairline or haircut,” Macklin said. “Once I actually started cutting hair I began to see it as an art form and started to add designs and different things.”
Macklin also does not see cutting hair as just a hobby or extra source of cash, but part of his future. He hopes to obtain his barber license shortly after graduation and go into barbering full-time.
“It’s so many benefits such as making my own hours, I can use my artistic flair and I can also help the community,” he said. “Making them feel better because it’s more than just haircuts, it’s more about the feeling they get after the haircut.”
A majority of Macklin’s clients are Southeast students, who reach out to through the Facebook page “Living At Southeast.” He began first using word of mouth among his friends, and eventually someone suggested online promotion. After that his number of clients doubled.
The growth of his clientele list also has improved his expertise. Having clients of various ethnicities, Macklin has gained knowledge on unique techniques for different hair types and textures. However, with his growing skills he still said he is a perfectionist.
“I critique myself often. At times, I don’t feel like I’ve done a good job or feel like I could’ve done better. I do keep it positive though and just push myself to do better,” Macklin said.
For anyone interested in his services can contact him via Facebook at James Macklin or on Instagram at mack_blessedblades.
