
Our mission is to empower and nurture a skilled community of barbers by providing comprehensive education and training in a licensed facility. We aim to instill a deep understanding of barbering, safety, and professionalism, enabling our graduates to excel in their craft and uphold the highest standards of service.

Ali Alhashemi, barber, entrepreneur, influencer, and founder of UC Barber School, grew up as a son of immigrants in an under-resourced community in Southeast Michigan. After the devastating loss of his father as a teenager, Ali defied the odds and opened Uppercutz Barbershop at just 19, proving that passion and grit can break any barrier. Over the years, Ali’s talent and business acumen gained more traction and demand leading him to open Uppercutz Barbershop 2 and Uppercutz Hair Factory. His success sparked a deeper purpose within him: empowering young, aspiring barbers from similar backgrounds. Recognizing the growing demand for quality education within the barbering industry, Ali founded Uppercutz Barber Academy, offering training and mentorship to help the next generation thrive in the barbering industry. Ali is an active member in his community and sits on the Michigan State Board of Barber Examiners and the Dearborn Downtown Development Authority.
Our vision is to establish a licensed facility that provides comprehensive barbering education and training, promoting equal opportunities for all aspiring barbers. We are dedicated to empowering young individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering financial stability, and making valuable contributions to their communities. At our school, we recognize the power of providing opportunities for students, regardless of their background, to pursue a positive and lucrative career.
With a keen eye on the future, we are committed to meeting the rapidly increasing demand for skilled professionals in the growing barbering industry. As we equip our graduates not only with barbering skills but also with entrepreneurship and financial literacy, we ensure they are well-prepared to excel in their careers and contribute to the dynamic field of barbering. Through community engagement and social responsibility, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change, fostering social upliftment, and enhancing the overall well-being of the communities we serve. The UC Barber Academy strives to inspire and support all aspiring barbers in their journey to achieve excellence, find fulfillment, and contribute to a thriving and interconnected society.
The Uppercutz Barber School is dedicated to serving underprivileged individuals in the Southeast Michigan region, with a primary focus on young people. Uppercutz Barber School is especially committed to reaching out to marginalized communities, including immigrants and children of immigrants, and people of color who face occupational, educational, and economic disadvantages. The program will actively engage with low-income individuals and those currently receiving some form of public assistance or participating in workforce development initiatives. By providing accessible and comprehensive barber training, mentorship, and job placement support, the academy seeks to uplift the lives of its participants and contribute to their personal and professional growth. Special consideration will be given to applicants with only a high-school level education or high-school dropouts, as well as individuals facing additional challenges such as disabilities, homelessness, or lack of access to stable employment opportunities. Uppercutz Barber School endeavors to create an inclusive and supportive environment to ensure that all participants have an equal opportunity to thrive.
Our barber school is dedicated to addressing the need for comprehensive education and training in the barbering industry. By providing a licensed facility and expert instruction, we aim to empower aspiring barbers from underserved communities. However, our program is open to all individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in barbering.
We developed a comprehensive curriculum which offers a wide range of benefits to our students, ensuring their success in the industry, and contributing to workforce development and job creation.
Student Focus/Description School Offerings:
Meeting Licensing Requirements
Under Michigan state law, all aspiring barbers are required to complete 1,800 hours of approved training before becoming eligible to sit for the state barber licensing exam. Through our academy, students will complete these required training hours, preparing them to successfully pass the exam and obtain the credentials needed to work legally and confidently in the barbering profession.
Business Management Skills
Our curriculum includes essential business management training, equipping students with the knowledge and tools needed to stay competitive in high-earning job opportunities and to confidently operate their own small businesses in the future.
Social Media Marketing
Students are trained to leverage social media—particularly Instagram—to grow their clientele and personal brand. Instruction includes photography, lighting, video editing, and content creation, empowering students to showcase their work, build a strong online presence, and attract new customers.
Hands-On Experience and Traditional Techniques
Students receive hands-on training from experienced instructors, focusing on mastering both traditional and modern barbering techniques. Training includes burst fades, mohawks, tapers, mullets, custom hair designs, precise lineups, beard fades and trims, sharp beard detailing, eyebrow threading and waxing, facial cleansing, and professional hair styling techniques.
Equipment Support
Each student is provided with an equipment kit containing the essential tools needed to practice and refine their skills throughout the program.
Professionalism and Customer Service
We emphasize professionalism and exceptional customer service, training students to build strong client relationships, generate referrals, and effectively network within the industry.
Human Skills Development
In addition to technical training, we place a strong emphasis on developing essential soft skills—including effective communication, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork—to prepare students for long-term success in both their professional and personal lives.
Mentorship Program
Through our Barber Brother Initiative, students have the opportunity to be mentored by licensed barbers, receiving personalized guidance, ongoing support, and valuable industry insights to further develop their skills and professional knowledge.
Cleanliness Standards
Students receive thorough instruction on cleanliness and sanitation practices such as handwashing, glove changing, preventing cross-contamination, wound sealing, equipment disinfection, and proper product selection to promote a safe and hygienic work environment.
Barber School Student Interest Form
Have you always wanted to learn the art of barbering? Look no further!
Please fill out the following form to indicate your
interest in participating in the Barber School.
Our Admissions department will contact you with more information and to schedule your appointment!

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