Local barber aims to bridge experience gap with professional development courses
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CHUBBUCK – When Josh Argueta opened Fadeaway J Barbershop inside the Pine Ridge Mall in 2023, he was full of dreams and possibilities.
Two years later, he’s established a regular clientele and is getting ready to launch a series of classes for new barbers, as well as teach parents how to cut their children’s hair.
Argueta reflected on the last several years during a conversation with EastIdahoNews.com.
“When I started here, I had no clients,” Argueta says. “I started it right out of the barber program I went to. It’s been a good place to build up my clientele and it’s been pretty good for me.”
The end of February will mark the barbershop’s two-year anniversary. In addition to haircuts, Argueta offers straight razor shaves and hair tattoos.
Employees have come and gone during that time, but he’s thrilled to have a thriving business. He’s still trying to figure out how to celebrate.
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Beginning Feb. 24, he’ll start teaching 8-week professional development courses for young barbers and cosmetologists. The goal, Argueta says, is to bridge a gap between what’s taught at cosmetology school and cutting client’s hair.
Lots of cosmetologists come out of school with knowledge and experience of women’s hair, Argueta says, but what’s lacking is the ability to provide the same experience for men.
“We’re going to teach about all the different types of men’s haircuts and how to improve quality and efficiency,” says Argueta. “Even if you work in someone else’s shop, you’ve got to be able to market yourself. I want to help them think about themselves as their own business … and hopefully increase their revenue.”
Argueta says some of his new hires who are fresh out of school struggle with fading and blending hair. Some also struggle with setting up their tools properly.
Practice on some of the basics will help improve the overall experience for customers, he says.
Argueta is working with local public schools to provide referrals for free haircuts. K-12 students, along with teachers and staff can sit in the chair and get a haircut while Argueta’s class practices.
Financing is available to those who’d like to participate.
He also wants to teach families basic skills and techniques so they can save money and give haircuts at home. That will be an ongoing, one-night class for anyone who’s interested.
“If they feel like they need more help, they can come back in,” Argueta says. “If they don’t want to buy expensive tools or do cleanup at home, they can do those haircuts in here (at a convenient time).”
To sign up or learn more, visit the website. You can also call the shop at (208) 643-2002.
Fadeaway J Barbershop is open varying hours Monday through Saturday.
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