UVA Student Barber Offers Haircuts on the Lawn Before Graduation[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTSHTUZoYmU[/embed]

Graduation Preparations: A Unique Haircut Tradition on UVA’s Lawn

As the University of Virginia gears up for its Final Exercises weekend, students are immersed in various preparations. The Lawn is abuzz with activities, from picnics and Frisbee games to the quintessential graduation photos. Amidst these celebrations, a unique tradition has emerged right in front of the iconic Rotunda.

Ishan Bhikha, a student majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering, has been offering haircuts in this historic setting. “I started giving haircuts in the fall of 2024,” Bhikha explained. “And then when I moved onto the Lawn, I started doing them here, and people would come up and ask me for haircuts, so I would do them on the spot or get their number and schedule them in.”

With exams concluded, graduating students are keen on looking their best for the upcoming ceremonies. Bhikha finds himself a part of this scene, offering fresh haircuts to his peers. On a recent Friday, he was busy styling the hair of his friend, Mark Piatko, whom he met through their involvement in UVA’s solar car team. Piatko, a regular client, appreciates Bhikha’s work and mentioned, “Ishan is the only barber my mom likes. I got my hair cut by him, and I think that’s the only time she said, ‘That was a good one.’”

Bhikha’s journey into hairstyling began during the 2020 pandemic when he became his father’s barber due to the closure of salons. After gaining practice with friends, he invested in professional tools and expanded his skills through YouTube tutorials. Today, he caters mostly to men’s hair but has also styled his girlfriend’s hair.

Living on the Lawn has allowed Bhikha to extend this service to his fellow residents, or “Lawnies.” He hopes to create a lasting tradition, envisioning his room as a potential “barbershop room.” This service offers students a convenient way to tidy up their hairstyles without venturing far from Grounds.