BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Clippers buzzed, curling irons sizzled, and competitors raced the clock on July 12 as barbers and cosmetologists from across the region filled the Bossier City Civic Center for the first-ever Barber and Beauty Experience Expo.
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The event brought together rookies and veterans alike, who faced off in five battle categories for trophies and cash prizes.
Event founder Shawn “Bos-Man” Boston, who has held a barber license since 1993, said he got the idea after attending a similar show in Texas.
“It kind of put a spark back in me,” Boston said. “I wanted to bring life back into the industry, to the Shreveport-Bossier area. I decided to put together the Barber and Beauty Experience Expo with education, competition, music, comedy and vendors.”
Among the competitors was 14-year-old Ivan Luna, the youngest to enter the Student Battle competition.
Luna said his father, who has competed against Boston in past shows, is the reason he picked up clippers in the first place.
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Now both their sons are continuing that legacy, each one competing in their own battle. Shawn Boston Jr., a licensed barber, said the craft runs in the family.
“It’s just in my blood,” Boston Jr. said. “You know my daddy do it, I do it. I’m doing it right now, so I mean repetition now. Like you know, I’m steady going and getting better every day. I feel like that’s what sets me apart.”…