Life & Work with Austin Arenz of San Diego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Arenz.

Hi Austin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 10 years as a licensed cosmetologist and barber. I originally went through cosmetology school, but like many stylists, I didn’t feel fully prepared when it came to cutting short hair or using clippers confidently. There was a noticeable gap in education when it came to barbering techniques, and at the time I didn’t fully understand which services were outside of my cosmetology scope. Because I wanted to make sure I was properly trained and legally able to perform barbering services, I made the decision to go back to school and earn my barber license as well.
Going back to school gave me a much deeper understanding of short hair cutting, fades, clipper control, and traditional barbering techniques. As I built confidence behind the chair, I started noticing how many other cosmetologists felt intimidated by short hair or avoided offering those services altogether simply because they were never properly taught.
That experience inspired me to create Barbering for Cosmos. I wanted to build an educational program specifically for licensed cosmetologists who want to feel more confident offering short hair services in a way that feels approachable, supportive, and structured. My goal is to help stylists expand their skill set, increase their income potential, and feel empowered stepping outside of their comfort zone.
Building this program has been incredibly meaningful to me because it combines my passion for education, creativity, and community. I believe learning new skills creates more freedom behind the chair, and I love helping other stylists realize they are capable of mastering techniques that once felt intimidating.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been stepping into the role of building something entirely my own from the ground up. I developed Barbering for Cosmos while working six days a week behind the barber chair, which required a lot of discipline, late nights, and consistency. For about a year, I was creating the curriculum, refining the structure of the program, and teaching while making little to no money for the amount of time and energy I was investing. It was very much driven by the belief that this type of education was needed and could genuinely help other cosmetologists feel more confident working with short hair.
There is still a noticeable gap between cosmetology and barbering education, and part of my mission with Barbering for Cosmos is to help bridge that gap in a supportive and structured way. Building this program has pushed me outside of my comfort zone as both a stylist and an educator, but seeing students gain confidence and realize they are capable of learning skills that once felt intimidating has made the entire process incredibly rewarding.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Something that is very important to me is the relationship I build with my clients. I pride myself on being very personable and creating a space where people feel comfortable, seen, and respected when they sit in my chair. I have clients who have been with me since the very beginning of my career and have followed me to different locations throughout San Diego over the years, which means so much to me. Building that level of trust and consistency has really shown me the value of community and connection within this industry.
In addition to working behind the chair, I am also an educator and the creator of Barbering for Cosmos, an educational program designed specifically for licensed cosmetologists who want to feel more confident offering barbering services. I specialize in breaking down clipper work and fades into a structured, approachable system that helps stylists overcome the intimidation that often comes with short hair. Because I experienced that learning curve myself, I understand how to teach these skills in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
One of the things I am most proud of is creating an educational environment where cosmetologists feel encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone and realize they are capable of learning new technical skills. Seeing students gain confidence, expand their service offerings, and grow professionally is incredibly rewarding. Many stylists have shared that they avoided short hair for years before taking my class, and now feel empowered to confidently offer those services to their clients.
What sets me apart is that I approach barbering education through the lens of a cosmetologist, while also having formal barber training. I focus not only on technique, but also on building confidence and helping stylists feel supported as they grow. My goal is to help cosmetologists feel more empowered in their careers, expand their opportunities behind the chair, and continue building strong connections with their own clients and communities.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would encourage anyone in the beauty industry to never feel limited by what they were or weren’t taught in school. There is always room to grow, expand your skill set, and explore new areas that can open doors professionally and creatively. Learning new techniques can feel intimidating at first, but confidence comes from education, practice, and being willing to step outside of your comfort zone.
Community has played such a big role in my journey, both with the clients who have supported me throughout the years and the stylists who trust me as an educator. I truly believe that when we share knowledge and support each other, the industry becomes stronger as a whole. There is space for everyone to succeed, and helping other cosmetologists feel more confident working with short hair has been incredibly rewarding.
I also remember earlier in my career feeling a little bit like a misfit in the industry and not always knowing where I fit in. Over time, I realized that there are so many stylists who feel the same way, especially those who are drawn to alternative styles, short hair, or simply want to carve their own path. Creating Barbering for Cosmos and the Razor Babe community has allowed me to build a space where people feel welcome, supported, and encouraged to be themselves while continuing to grow professionally. If someone has ever felt unsure about where they belong in this industry, I want them to know there is absolutely space for them here.
My hope is that more stylists feel confident offering services they may have once avoided, and in turn create more opportunities for themselves behind the chair. I’m excited to continue growing the Barbering for Cosmos and Razor Babe community and connecting with other stylists who are passionate about learning, evolving, and supporting one another.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barberingforcosmos.com
• Instagram: Barberingforcosmos

Image Credits
Reesie Anderson- @photograrrphy