Sport Clips Haircuts recognizes Keenan Pattwell as winner in “Battle of the Hair: Student Edition” competition

Sport Clips Haircuts 2022 “Battle of the Hair: Student Edition” brought out some of the best and brightest cosmetology and barbering students to compete in its annual competition.  This year, Keenan Pattwell, a student of barbering and cosmetology, took the title with the tailored pompadour he trimmed and styled to win a $5000 scholarship, a $2500 prize pack, a trip to Nashville for the Sport Clips National Huddle, as well as a private class with Jason Reyes, an award winning Paul Mitchell international trainer.

This achievement, and Pattwell’s choice to start a career in cosmetology and barbering, really began with an unwanted haircut. “It all started when my mom was trimming my hair and she kept cutting off my sideburns,” Pattwell said. “After that, I decided to buy a pair of clippers and cut it myself. I guess it must have looked nice because once my friends saw my hair, people began to ask me to style and cut their hair too.”

Pattwell was a health science major who also studied Spanish and political science in college. However, after graduation his passion for hair was still alive in the back of his mind. So, Pattwell changed trajectories and decided instead to enroll in cosmetology and barbering school at Paul Mitchell The School in Boise, Idaho. Once enrolled, Pattwell’s skills grew. Fast forward to today, he was one of the six students chosen from submitted videos to attend the Sports Clips National Huddle to compete in the “Battle of the Hair” competition.

Outside of his well-rounded education, Pattwell is no stranger to success in a competitive environment. Once a successful high school athlete, he again was able to use his skills in sportsmanship, determination and his natural ambition to get the W. To take the win, Pattwell completed the pompadour he created with a rounded back and used MVRK™ by Mitch Grooming Spray and MVRK™ by Mitch Dry Paste to finish the look.

Altogether the Sport Clips Haircuts “Battle of the Hair: Student Edition” offers new artists an incredible chance to launch their careers in the world of hair. For Pattwell and the five other finalists, they now have exposure and experience with one of the industries leading brands. “This opportunity has really allowed me to see the industry,” Pattwell said. “I’ve also learned how to do my cut my way and what it feels like to be an artist at this skill point.” He says he’s also very thankful, and this scholarship is really going to help finish his education. Perhaps his story will help others to step out and chase their dream.