Several students and local community members offer their services to cut and style hair at BYU–Hawaii.
“A person’s hairstyle says a lot about their personal style, lifestyle or even priorities,” said Vicki Hext, a senior graduating in hospitality and tourism management from Arizona. “You can say a lot of different things with your hair,” she continued, “and it is the only accessory you wear every day.”
Brooklyn Grossharth, a freshman from Arizona majoring in business management, attended cosmetology school for two years and received her license in July of this year, but said she is “pretty new to the game.” She said she liked doing her own hair while growing up, and the idea of helping others feel good about themselves was very appealing.
Grossharth explained how she attended East Valley Institute of Technology, a vocational school in Arizona, at the same time she was attending high school. She usually had long days, starting with seminary, cosmetology school for four hours, then high school for three hours, and then two hours of sports after school.
Eventually she gave up tennis to focus more on cosmetology school, where she would spend eight to nine hours per day. “It was physically and emotionally taxing being on my feet 12 hours per day. I did it to better myself as a stylist and I feel very comfortable with what I’m doing now,” said Grossharth.
Skills USA is a competition for high school age students who don’t have their license yet in the field they are studying. For the competition, Grossharth had to do an updo, a haircut for a guy, one for a woman, and one for a woman with just a razor. She also had to take a written exam along with an oral exam. Overall, there were 55 competitors, and whomever placed first went to the national championship. All of the winners from the state competition this year were from her school.
For participating in the competition, Grossharth received additional training on pivot point cutting. She explained, “Usually it would cost money to be trained by someone outside of my school to teach additional techniques.” She said she appreciates the new skill sets she has because of her participation in the competition. When asked if there was something she wanted to say to all BYUH students, she said, “Come see me!”
Amber Blair, a senior studying elementary education and music from Utah, gets her curly hair from her dad’s side of the family. To style her hair she uses coconut oil. She started using it this semester after talking to a Trader Joe’s cashier who had “amazing curls” and used it to style her hair.
Her roommate Kendall Pefley, a senior in intercultural studies from California, said ,“It’s so curly. She can twist and turn it however she wants and it will just stay there, which is kind of the type of person she is. She has so much going on and does so many things for others and no matter how you twist her, she’s still so awesome.”
Calista Cappuccio, a sophomore from Arizona majoring in vocal performance, said she has had long hair ever since 7th grade. She got her bangs cut and said it was awful. She said, “I have never liked a haircut I have gotten. A lot of people have short hair where I am from because it’s so hot.”
Capuccio said long hair is “surprisingly low maintenance.” She washes it and trims it regularly and likes how it looks. “I don’t understand bangs,” she explained. “People who have them are tucking them behind their ears every 5 seconds.” She said her best friend cuts hair back at home and she never let her cut more than 2 inches off.
BYUH hair stylists
Brooklyn Grossharth
- Experience: Arizona cosmetology license; placed third in a state wide competition; few months’ experience
- Cost: Guys $5 Girls $10
- Contact: Call or text 480-395-8111
- Location: in front of Hale 7
Karissa Maughan
- Experience: Cosmetology License; 4 years experience; does eyelashes
- Cost: $10-$15 guys and girls or cookies/dinner.
- Contact: Facebook
- Location: her house or she can come to you
Vicki Hext
- Experience: 2 + years of experience; Paul Mitchell school
- Cost: Guys $15 Girls $20
- Contact: Facebook or 928-241-3697
- Location: her house on Naniloa Loop
Sara Johnson
- Experience: 4 years experience; runs a full service salon; Certified Permanent Makeup Artist and Cosmetologist
- Cost: Guys $10 Girls $15-25
- Contact: 801-989-2384Location: 55-133 Kulanui St., Laie
Tivarn Tipoki
- Experience: 4 years
- Cost: $10 for guys only
- Contact: Facebook
- Location: TVA G135
Ana De La Fuente
- Experience: Almost 5 years of experience; colors hair; does facial waxing and ear piercings
- Cost: Guys $16-18 Girls $18-19
- Contact: 808-293-2223
- Location: Haircut Store, Laie Shopping Center
Mz. Zynfia
- Experience: 5 years experience; Cosmetology License in State of Hawaii; Forte-Bridal Updo’s/Fantasy Hair & Makeup/Sassy Bob Cuts for the ladies
- Cost: $15 trims/$20 layered cuts/$25 specialty cuts (Bobs & Pixies). Girls only
- Contact: Facebook
- Location: House Calls & In Home Services
Kenji Sato
- Experience: 4 years
- Cost: $10 for guys only
- Contact: Facebook
- Location: “I come to you.”