Howard University, the prestigious 159-year-old institution in Washington, D.C., has joined a growing number of historically Black colleges and universities establishing professional beauty and grooming services on campus. The university recently launched two new salon and barbershop operations designed to meet the grooming needs of its student body while maintaining the high aesthetic standards the campus has long been known for.
The initiative comes from C. Alan Bennett, a Howard alumnus and founder of the nationally accredited Bennett Career Institute, a cosmetology and barbering school that has trained thousands of beauty professionals over three decades. Bennett, who earned both his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and a master's degree in educational administration from Howard, brings more than three decades of industry expertise to the project. His vision reflects a deeper understanding of what student life on an HBCU campus entails and the importance of accessible professional grooming services.
The two new facilities opened their doors on August 11 for the 2026-2027 academic year. The C. Alan Barber Salon at Drew Hall occupies the first floor of the residence building and features four stations dedicated to barbering and natural hair care services. The same location includes a dedicated nail services area staffed by licensed manicurists offering manicures and pedicures. The second location, the C. Alan Hair Salon at The Quad, operates from the lower level of that residence hall in a three-chair salon space designed for quick, appointment-based services.
The salons address a practical reality of campus life that many may not immediately recognize. While informal hair and grooming services have long occurred informally in dormitory rooms, the new professional spaces provide students with access to quality, licensed services in dedicated facilities. The Quad location specializes in efficient appointments lasting under an hour, offering shampoo and blowouts, conditioning treatments, braid preparation and silk wraps. This time-conscious approach allows students to maintain their appearance without sacrificing study time or class attendance.
Bennett emphasized the strategic focus on efficiency when discussing the service model. By completing most appointments in 45 to 50 minutes, the salons can serve more students while keeping prices accessible. This operational philosophy reflects Bennett's recognition that his clients are primarily full-time students managing academic responsibilities alongside personal care needs.
The salon spaces carry historical significance as well. The Quad location was created during a major 2019 renovation of that residence hall undertaken by the university's Student Affairs division. Drew Hall previously operated a barbershop, though that service closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new collaboration began after Bennett's broker initiated contact with Howard about available salon space, ultimately resulting in the partnership that launched this year.
Howard has a documented legacy of influencing broader culture and style trends. The university has produced notable fashion and beauty figures, including designer and influencer Kahlana Barfield Brown, costume designer Marci Rodgers and entrepreneur Tahir Murray. The new grooming facilities continue this tradition of cultivating style consciousness while providing tangible support for student success.
Students can pay for services using Bison Bucks, the campus payment system, making transactions seamless within the university's financial infrastructure. The initiative has also created employment opportunities, with recent Howard graduates already staffing both locations. Looking ahead, Bennett Career Institute plans to host educational programs focused on beauty and grooming on campus and will engage Howard students in planning events and outreach activities.
The launch of these professional salon spaces represents more than just a convenience addition to campus life. It demonstrates institutional commitment to supporting student wellbeing in comprehensive ways while creating economic opportunities and reinforcing Howard's position as a leader in Black excellence and professional development.
Source: Essence | Published: Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:53:27
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