About
 Derek E. Davis is an award-winning barber, dedicated instructor and a passionate advocate for maintaining a high level of excellence and education within the barbering community. He has been a practicing barber and certified barber science instructor for over 40 years. His dedication to the industry has lead to many hours serving on committees, participating in industry events, and promoting education, growth and value for professional barbers and the trade.
Davis has served as site evaluator for the District of Columbia’s Education Licensure Commission and was appointed by the Chair of the Barber and Cosmetology Board to research continuing education for licensure renewal. In his capacity as consultant, Davis assisted with writing for the D. C. Barber Handbook and wrote the Barber Instructor Practical Exam. Davis served on a panel lobbying the D. C. Council to benefit barbering students and the industry by changing the age requirements for the certification exam from 18 to 17.
In 2007, Davis worked in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to organize a forum held at Galludet University for the purpose of informing barbers and cosmetologist of new and existing laws that govern their licensing and business operations. He also worked with the planning committees for the National Association of Barber Boards of America 2008 conference and the Barber and Cosmetology Forum 2007 event. Davis actively participated in the Career Expo for Barbering 2007 for the D. C. Public Schools (DCPS).
In 1976, Davis gained a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Communications and completed graduate studies in education at Trinity College, George Washington University, the University of the District of Columbia, the University of Maryland and Catholic University from 1984 through 2007.
Davis wrote the first curriculum for barbering science for DCPS in 1982 and was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award for the 1982-83 school year. In 2001, he designed, implemented and managed the first state-of-the-art barbering program in the District’s school system. He initiated the program and directed every aspect including developing the budget and the floor plan expansion, overseeing construction, procuring equipment and supplies and designing the curriculum. Davis prepared exercises to introduce students to real-world work experiences and managed the classroom for maximum participation and cooperation. He often supervises students in providing free haircuts to homeless veterans.
Under Davis’ leadership, three former students have become members of the Barbering and Cosmetology State Board and two of his students have become teachers in the DCPS. Davis also assisted several students in securing employment with barber shops and in becoming business entrepreneurs. He is credited for his students having a 98 percent first-time pass rate on the written and practical barber exams.
A special education certificate, attained from the University of the District of Columbia in 1999, afforded Davis the proficiency to instruct students with special needs in attaining barber licenses. As instructor for the Mamie D. Lee Special Educations Center, Davis designed and customized curriculum for students with learning disabilities. He worked to analyze the level of development for each student and set goals for their achievement. Also in his capacity as an instructor, Davis taught barber science to adults at the Armstrong Adult Education Center for more than 13 years.
A licensed barber himself since 1973, Davis owned and operated his own shop, Derek’s Barber Service, from 1991 to 2002. In 2002, he partnered with his brother to take over ownership of his father’s shop, Davis Barber and Beauty Services. Employing up to five staff members, Davis properly supervises the establishment to maintain an excellent level of quality control and customer service through proper training, direction, and management.
Prominent in the industry, Davis maintains professional alliances with organizations like Cosmetology Educators of America, the Association of Career and Technical Education, the District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology and the National Association of Barber Boards of America.
Davis furthers his own education by participating in seminars and programs offered by the International Barber and Beauty Trade Shows. He has served as a platform artist at the Bronner Brother Hair Show, won first place in a haircutting competition, and judged several haircutting competitions.
Davis’ military career spanned 18 years in the United States Army where he served as captain for the military police in 1988 and as commander for a military police company from 1989 through 1991. The decorated veteran was awarded the Bronze Star, a Distinguished Service Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
In 2001, Davis became the executive director for Happy Tot Child Development Center in Washington, D.C. Taking over for the childcare center his parents founded, Davis successfully managed the programs, the staff, and the facility to care for 40 to 60 children. He supervised the curriculum, monitoring and evaluating the performance of teachers and assistants on a daily basis.
Through various roles in the military, education, and business, Davis has developed successful leadership skills and demonstrated his dedication to the barbering industry.
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