Alfred Ross, owner and instructor of the Jean Percy School of Barbering in Cypress, welcomed his first student in 2023 and has since graduated 16.

Opening the school was a dream for Ross and another chapter in his search for redemption.

How it started

Jean Percy School of Barbering is named after Ross’s mother and mother-in-law, who were both educators. Ross, a former drug addict, said he opened the school to share his knowledge of haircutting with anyone seeking a second chance in life.

“[Barbering] is considered a second chance industry,” Ross said. “Did some things we’re not proud of, but after that, got my life back on track. ... I’ve always loved hair, so I began to barber in my neighborhood.”


Ross’s wife, Zelda, noticed his passion and encouraged him to pursue an education and get his barber license. Since then, Ross’s career has flourished, as he now has over 30 years of experience.
Jean Percy School of Barbering Owner Alfred Ross performs a practice shave on a student during a Jan. 14 class. (Ryan Reynolds/Community Impact)
Jean Percy School of Barbering Owner Alfred Ross performs a practice shave on a student during a Jan. 14 class. (Ryan Reynolds/Community Impact)Jean Percy School of Barbering Owner Alfred Ross performs a practice shave on a student during a Jan. 14 class. (Ryan Reynolds/Community Impact)
What they offer

Students must be at least 16 years old and have a seventh-grade education to enroll in one of the school's two program tracks:
  • Class A Barber (1,000 hours of instruction; $6,500 tuition)
  • The Cosmetology to Barber Crossover (300 hours of instruction; $2,500 tuition; requires a cosmetology license)
Both programs include theory classes, practical mannequin work and hands-on clientele practice. The courses prepare students for the state board licensing applications and evaluations, according to the website.
Jean Percy School of Barbering students David Martinez (left) and Daniel Cruz (right) practice shaving with a straight razor during a Jan. 14 class. (Ryan Reynolds/Community Impact)
Jean Percy School of Barbering Owner Alfred Ross performs a practice shave on a student during a Jan. 14 class. (Ryan Reynolds/Community Impact)Jean Percy School of Barbering students David Martinez (left) and Daniel Cruz (right) practice shaving with a straight razor during a Jan. 14 class. (Ryan Reynolds/Community Impact)
What’s special about it?

Ross said the Jean Percy School of Barbering is different because it emphasizes financial education, marketing and real-world experience through field trips. The school prepares students to run their own businesses, not just to become barbers.

“A paycheck is what they give you to forget your dreams,” Ross said. “If anybody’s out there who has any kind of creative bone in their body, especially when it comes to hair, go for your dreams. Bet on yourself, bet on you. That’s one of our slogans for our students.”