Triton Barber Students Claim Top Spots at Chicago-area Barber Competition

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Cutting a client’s hair can be a stressful experience when it comes to helping them look their best. Now imagine the pressure of doing that live on stage in front of 100 spectators.

Despite the spotlight, Triton College barber students Francisco Machuca and Alex Rodriguez didn’t let it undercut their performance when they competed in the Student Barber Freestyle contest at the Big Beauty & Barber Expo on Sept. 27. The students, both in their first semester in Triton’s Barber Certificate program, swept the competition, with Machuca winning first place and Rodriguez following close behind in second.

Machuca’s first-place performance earned Triton College an additional trophy for its Barber program, according to Donita Mitchell, head of the Cosmetology and Barber programs.

“When they announced the results, I was like, ‘Are those my students on stage?’” Mitchell said. “I was yelling and screaming because it was just a great feeling to see them smiling up there and being honored for their hard work. The excitement just went through the roof.”

Contestants were given 45 minutes to style a model’s hair on stage at the Revel Super Club in LaGrange while a large crowd looked on. The results were particularly meaningful for both students because this was their first major barbering competition. Machuca said winning made him feel that his hard work had paid off, while Rodriguez said he had long wanted to become a competitive, award-winning barber and that earning his first award affirmed that he was on the right path.

Machuca, who assists in a Belmont Cragin barbershop while taking classes at Triton, brought a co-worker as his model and gave him a burst fade, with a design incorporated into one side of the haircut. He dressed his model in a chainsaw-themed outfit inspired by the television show Dexter, with the overall look designed to complement the haircut.

“It was just such a big moment for me, you know,” he said. “This is what I’ve been preparing for.”

Machuca hopes to open a Chicago barbershop one day and sees Triton’s program as a stepping stone to achieving his goal. After earning his certificate, Machuca will be eligible to take the Illinois Licensed Barber Exam and unlock a future of helping clients feel confident.

“I feel accomplished whenever my clients look in the mirror and like the haircuts,” he said. “Achieving your clients’ goals and helping them feel better about themselves is the best part of the job.”

Rodriguez is a junior at West Leyden High School taking Triton’s barber courses through the College’s dual enrollment program, which allows high school students to take credit classes at Triton College while simultaneously finishing their high school diploma. During the contest, he brought out a friend dressed in a zombie-prisoner-themed getup and gave him a burst fade with designs on both sides.

“I’ve always had this idea that I wanted to be an award-winning barber and be recognized for my work,” Rodriguez said. “And I think that’s starting to come true. This was my first competition and my first award. It felt really good.”

Triton College’s Barber Certificate helps aspiring barbers unleash their creativity and turn their passion for style and grooming into a rewarding career. Instructors provide hands-on training, industry knowledge and personalized support in a cutting-edge learning facility to prepare students for success. For more information, visit triton.edu.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.