Tre Elder: Shaping the Future of Northeast Ohio’s Barber Scene
- Kelly Coyne
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
The Northeast Ohio barber scene is thriving, with talented professionals making their mark in the industry. One barber leading the charge is Tre Elder, a licensed barber and cosmetologist whose journey from hobbyist to full-time professional is nothing short of inspiring.
Elder has been cutting hair professionally for nearly eight years, but his passion for the craft started earlier. At just 13 years old, he picked up the clippers for the first time, experimenting on his brother and father. Over time, Elder’s confidence and talent grew, and he realized that barbering was more than just a side interest—it was a potential career.
Following high school at Canton McKinley, Elder attended Timken High School to pursue cosmetology.
Currently, Elder cuts out of North Canton. His services range from facial hair trimming to a haircut, between $35 and $45.
The Road to Success
Breaking into the barbering industry isn’t easy, but Elder believes that passion and perseverance can make all the difference. He emphasizes the importance of dedication, learning, and being open to mentorship.
The barber scene is not easy to break into. One must soak up all information to make it. Elder emphasized, “This field can definitely make you feel defeated starting out — seek a mentor, be coachable…Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions…Remember this is your new craft, so you have to dive all into it… Building something meaningful in any industry is never an easy task. Overcoming struggles, navigating challenges, and establishing a solid foundation are just the first steps. But beyond that, it’s about finding yourself-your true purpose, vision, and passion within the work you put out. The real growth comes when you not only build a strong clientele and reputation but also discover what you truly want from your career. You have to define your values, your goals, and your unique place in the industry. Once you find that, everything else starts to fall into place, the journey transforms into something more fulfilling and rewarding than you ever imagined.”
As a barber, Elder can make a lasting impact on his clients. “The best part of what I do is helping people look and feel their best. I truly love knowing that my clients trust me to enhance their appearance, and in turn, boost their confidence. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them walk away feeling better about themselves.” Elder said.
Elder understands firsthand how valuable guidance can be. Throughout his career, he has looked up to and learned from some of the best in the industry. One of his biggest inspirations is Marcus William’s “Burger Brown”, a highly respected barber from Massillon, Ohio. Burger Brown has built an impressive resume, cutting hair for major celebrities such as 50 Cent, Julius Erving and Ice Cube “BIG3". Seeing Burger’s success has motivated Elder to push himself further and strive for excellence in his craft.
Northeast Ohio’s Unique Barbering Trends
As fashion and grooming trends evolve, the barbering industry continues to adapt. Northeast Ohio has its own unique flavor when it comes to hairstyles. The most requested styles in his chair are the mullet, crew cut, and crop cut.
The resurgence of the mullet, in particular, has been a standout trend. Once considered a relic of the past, the modern mullet has made a strong comeback, blending classic and contemporary elements. Crew cuts and crop cuts, known for their clean and structured appearance, remain timeless choices among clients looking for a sharp, low-maintenance look.
Looking Toward the Future
While Elder has already made a name for himself in the Northeast Ohio barbering scene, he has no plans of slowing down. In the future, he hopes to expand his career by instructing courses and competing in barbering contests.
With nearly a decade of experience under his belt and a strong vision for the future, Elder is well on his way to leaving a lasting impact on the barber industry. His passion, dedication, and commitment to his clients make him a standout figure in Northeast Ohio’s thriving barbering scene.
Follow Elder:
On Instagram: @tresaidhihair
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