Young Windsor barber impresses with skills beyond his years

17-year-oldYousif Youhan hasn't let his young age get in the way of becoming a great barber.

Youhanentered theWincityPremiere Barber Battle more than a week agoand to his surprise he won second place.

"I tied the seven-year champion for first place," said Youhan, who later won second place based on a crowd vote.

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The Catholic Central High School student has been gaining a lot of attention since the battle took place in mid-November.Youhan told CBC News he has even attractedpeople from Michigan looking to get a hair cut by him.

"People keep calling me asking for a hair cut", said Youhan."For my age, that's good."

Beginnings

Youhanfirst received attention because of his popular fades and sharpdesigns -- which he learned fromhis cousin whoowns a barbershop in Toronto.

The young barber, originally from Iraq, works at The Man Cave Barbershop on 1398 Ouellette Avenue where he sees about 15clients a day.

"I see different kinds of people everyday. It's just fun to do", he said

.While he is gaining recognition for his talents now, Youhan's age initially created challenges for him.

"At first when clients came, they didn't trust me," he said."But once I finish their haircut they're surprised."

Moving forward

The teen is taking his career seriously by going to school duringthe day and working at the barbershop during the evening.Healso enrolled in a co-op program and a cosmetology course at his school.

Youhan saidhis goal is to continue to masterhis craft and eventually open is own barbershop.