Students all around LHS are getting their haircuts with senior Xavi Sandino-Taylor. Xavi started cutting hair only two years ago. He started on his club soccer team trip, where his friends would let him cut their hair.

But this isn’t a hobby anymore; this is a full-on job for Xavi. He has grown into a full-on business. After gaining more attention on Instagram, Xavi now has over 50 clients, cutting hair almost seven days a week. 

What fuels Xavi’s success? After interviewing some of his clients, I learned why they loved getting their haircuts from him. It was often said that they could connect with him because they were similar in age, which is unusual when getting a haircut elsewhere.

“During the haircut, I really like it when we get to talk about stuff we both love, like soccer. I feel more of a connection with him than I would with any other barber,” said senior George Keulks.

But it’s not only the connection between client and barber that makes Xavi’s cuts amazing, it is also his low fades, tapers, mod cuts, and everything in between. 

“I like it when I tell him to give me whatever looks good, and he gives me the best cut ever,” said senior Nico Belcik. 

But why does Xavi cut hair?  Xavi fell in love after his friends bravely let him experiment, and he realized this could be a way to make connections and earn a little extra cash. 

“I love connecting with my other classmates and making new friends, but I do really love the money,” said Sandino-Taylor.

With Xavi graduating this year, everyone is begging to know whether he will stay and keep cutting hair in Lake Oswego. 

“I plan on going to barber school and staying around the area to fulfill the needs of my peers,” said Sandino-Taylor.