East Lansing Native Alex Flit Opens Spartan Cuts Barbershop, Blending Craft, Culture and Community

Alex Flit beams with pride at his recently opened barber shop, Spartan Cuts Barbershop. Located in the heart of downtown East Lansing, the shop represents the longtime barber’s entry to the world of business ownership. 

The 2000 East Lansing High School graduate spoke with ELi after his shop’s Aug. 23 grand opening. We asked him the difference between a good barber and a great barber.

“To me, I feel like it’s paying attention to detail,” he said. “Barbering is a very detail-oriented profession. Because small, small details, they can either make or break a haircut. It’s important to take the time to perfect your craft. It takes years, a lot of trial and error.

“I also feel like what makes a great barber is the overall customer service,” he continued. “Making sure that, when a person comes in, there’s proper communication. You make them feel welcome, make them feel comfortable in your chair.”

For eight years, Flit worked at another East Lansing shop, building a sizable clientele and, as he said, doing well for himself. He explained that barbers will often rent chairs on a weekly basis at an established barbershop, existing in a kind of limbo in which they aren’t employees of the shop, but still dependent on it.

“The last couple years, I just kind of realized that the longer you are in this profession, the more ownership becomes very important,” he said. “Being in control of your career, in control of your situation.”

He left that barbershop in February and within six weeks, had Spartan Cuts up and running. While his grand opening event for Spartan Cuts was this past weekend, Flit has been operating the business for nearly five months.

Flit said approximately 85% of his client base are MSU students and it was important he stay in East Lansing.

“The thing with me is that I believe you never stop learning,” Flit said. “Hair styles change so often. You have to always be open to learning and improving your skills. Take your craft seriously.”

Flit’s passion shines through during our interview, as he talks excitedly about the Egyptian origins of barbering and the evolution of the craft.

“Some barbers will treat barbering like it’s a hustle,” he said. “But don’t treat it like a hustle. Respect the craft. Learn the history, because, believe it or not, it’s one of the oldest professions. They would sharpen up rocks and make them knife-like for cutting and trimming and whatnot. It’s a profession that’s been around for thousands of years.”

Flit said he specializes in trimming beards.

“I kind of always have a beard,” he said. “I enjoy doing beard work, from the shorter ones to the lumberjack-style.”

Outside of his work, Flit said he’s very much a family man. He has a 21-year-old daughter who has followed in his footsteps.

“She actually happens to be a hair stylist,” he said. “I guess it runs in the family or whatnot. She’s very good.”

Where does he stand on barber smalltalk?

“When I went to barber school,” he said, “they told us there were certain topics that are considered taboo in the barber world: religion, sex, politics. The instructor told us not to bring up those topics. So I usually ask about school or work or hobbies or day-to-day life.

“I enjoy working so close to campus. There are so many different people, not only from different states but actually different countries. I’m a history guy myself and I feel like I’m learning more about their background, their food. It’s amazing. There is never a dull moment in the barbershop.”