X-QUISTE CUTZ LLC

First in Butler County

X-Quisite Cutz School of Barbering holds a distinct place in regional history: Butler County’s first Black-owned barber school.

Founded during the pandemic by Rodriguis Hampton, the Middletown-based institution emerged from a clear need: people searching for stable careers, reliable income, and practical trade skills during economic uncertainty.

According to WCPO Cincinnati, Hampton launched the school to provide accessible pathways into a recession-resistant profession. No four-year degree required. No crushing student debt. Just hands-on training, licensure preparation, and career placement support.

22 Years of Excellence

The school didn’t appear overnight.

X-Quisite Cutz built its reputation over 22 years as a trusted barbershop in the Greater Cincinnati area. Master barbers at the West Chester location continue serving clients daily: men, women, and children across all demographics.

That professional barbershop foundation informs every aspect of the Middletown school’s curriculum. Students learn from instructors who’ve built careers behind the chair. Real-world techniques. Real-world expectations. Real-world results.

The numbers prove it:

• 51 graduates
• 100% now licensed barbers
• 90% first-time pass rate

These metrics aren’t marketing claims. They’re verified outcomes tracked internally and reported to the Ohio State Barber Board.

Why Barbering?

Recession-resistant. Pandemic-proof. Always in demand.

People need haircuts whether the economy expands or contracts. Barbering provides consistent income through skilled, hands-on work that can’t be outsourced or automated.

Hampton recognized this during the pandemic’s economic disruption. While many industries faced layoffs and closures, barbers remained essential workers. The profession offered stability when stability mattered most.

The school’s mission reflects that practical reality: train students for licensure, employment, and entrepreneurship in a trade that supports families and builds wealth.

Comprehensive Texture Training

X-Quisite Cutz prepares students to serve all clients, all hair types, all textures.

The 1,800-hour curriculum includes dedicated Texture Training: cutting, styling, and chemical services for straight, wavy, curly, coily, and textured hair. Students graduate shop-ready for diverse clientele across race, gender, and age.

This training isn’t an add-on. It’s embedded throughout the program:

• Clipper techniques for fade variations on different hair densities
• Shear work for layering and texturizing across curl patterns
• Chemical relaxers, texturizers, and thermal straightening safety protocols
• Beard grooming and edge-up precision for all facial hair textures
• Color theory for melanin-rich skin tones and natural hair

Instructors emphasize cultural competence alongside technical skill. Students learn to communicate professionally with clients from different backgrounds, understand styling preferences across communities, and build reputations as inclusive professionals.

That multicultural approach reflects the school’s student body: men and women of diverse backgrounds training side-by-side in Middletown.

Accessible Pathways to Enrollment

X-Quisite Cutz removes common barriers to entry.

GI Bill for Veterans

Veterans can use education benefits to cover full tuition. The school is VA-approved for GI Bill recipients, offering a clear transition path from military service to civilian career.

No four-year commitment. No unrelated general education requirements. Just focused trade training that leads to licensure and immediate employment.

In-House Financing

Students without VA benefits can access in-house financing options. No bank approvals. No credit checks. Payment plans structured around individual circumstances.

This approach ensures financial constraints don’t prevent enrollment for motivated students.

Low-Cost Student Services

Community members benefit while students gain experience.

The Middletown location offers discounted haircuts performed by students under instructor supervision. Clients receive professional services at reduced rates. Students build confidence, speed, and client-interaction skills in a real-shop environment.

This model creates mutual value: accessible grooming for the community, practical training for future barbers.

What Students Learn

The 1,800-hour Ohio State Barber Board curriculum covers:

Technical Skills

• Clipper cutting (guards, fades, tapers, blends)
• Shear cutting (scissor-over-comb, layering, texturizing)
• Razor techniques (shaves, edge-ups, design work)
• Chemical services (relaxers, perms, color)
• Sanitation and infection control protocols

Business Operations

• Client consultation and communication
• Appointment scheduling and time management
• Retail product sales and inventory basics
• Booth rental vs. commission employment models
• Shop ownership fundamentals

Licensing Preparation

• Ohio State Barber Board exam format and requirements
• Written theory review (anatomy, chemistry, laws)
• Practical skills testing under timed conditions
• Mock exams and performance feedback

Graduates leave ready to sit for state licensure and begin employment immediately.

The Middletown Advantage

Location matters.

The school operates in Middletown: strategically positioned between Cincinnati and Dayton with easy highway access. Students commute from Butler County, Warren County, Hamilton County, and beyond.

Middletown hosts:

• Barber school and student training floor
• Continuing Education classes for licensed professionals
• Career services and job placement support
• Enrollment consultations and financial aid guidance

The West Chester location serves a different purpose: professional barbershop services from master barbers. That’s where clients go for premium cuts, shaves, and grooming. Not student services.

Understanding this distinction prevents confusion. Need training? Middletown. Need a professional cut? West Chester.

Continuing Education for Licensed Barbers

Ohio requires licensed barbers to complete Continuing Education (CE) hours for license renewal.

X-Quisite Cutz offers State Board-approved CE courses at the Middletown school:

• 3-hour Infection Control & Safety (meets Ohio requirements)
• Flexible scheduling for working professionals
• Affordable rates compared to conference-based CE
• On-site instruction from experienced educators

Licensed barbers can fulfill renewal requirements locally without travel or excessive cost.

Building Legacy, Creating Opportunity

Butler County’s first Black-owned barber school represents more than business expansion.

It’s legacy-building through education. Rodriguis Hampton transformed two decades of industry success into a structured pathway for the next generation. Students who might have faced limited options now access a proven training model backed by verified outcomes.

The school serves multiple populations:

• Veterans transitioning to civilian careers
• Young adults seeking alternatives to traditional college
• Career-changers pursuing stable, skilled trades
• Entrepreneurs planning future shop ownership
• Licensed barbers from other states seeking Ohio licensure

Each student enters with different goals. All leave with the same foundation: technical competence, professional ethics, and state licensure.

Enrollment Information

X-Quisite Cutz School of Barbering accepts students year-round.

Middletown Campus
1688 Central Avenue
Middletown, OH 45044

Enrollment consultations available. Schedule a visit to tour the training floor, meet instructors, and discuss financing options.

Phone: 513-604-6803 (Middletown school/student services)

West Chester Barbershop (professional services only)
9061 Cincinnati-Dayton Road
West Chester, OH 45069
Phone: 513-779-6059

Visit www.x-cutz.com for program details, tuition information, and student success stories.

---

First in Butler County. Built on 22 years of excellence. Training the next generation of licensed barbers.