This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

Lynell Hite believes strongly in the idea that a great haircut gives someone a boost of power and confidence. As a master barber, or someone who is trained specifically in the art of cutting hair, Lynell feels barbery is the way to achieve the best results.

After running a highly successful hair studio with her husband, Thamer, for many years, Lynell saw too many clients come into the shop in tears because of a bad haircut. She felt basic barbering was being neglected from cosmetology training in light of all the other skills cosmetologists are required to learn.

In April 2007, the Utah Legislature passed a new law creating the barber only license, thus separating it from the traditional cosmetology license. This allows an individual to become a barber without learning nails and hair color, as required in cosmetology. The new law gave Lynell the idea to start The Barber School.

The Barber School, located in Midvale, provides barber training for both mens' and womens' haircuts. Lynell says it's the first and only barber-exclusive school in the state. Students are given all the training necessary to receive their barber license, which takes 1,000 hours as opposed to the 2,000 hours cosmetologists must complete. All instructors are the finest platform and master barbers in the state. Many have trained internationally in the latest styles and techniques that are redefining the art of barbering.

Traditional barber work is in high demand. Even though the school only held its grand opening in February, Lynell has already been approached by more than 60 salons and shops interested in hiring her students. Other salon owners are seeking the expertise of The Barber School to provide advanced training for their stylists.

Many people have fond memories of Saturday visits to the barber shop while they were growing up. Lynell feels basic barbering has almost become a lost art, which she hopes to partially restore through The Barber School.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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