Rory Purnell has dedicated his life to the art of barbering, sharing his wealth of knowledge with aspiring barbers in Minneapolis. With years of hands-on experience, he engages with students, guiding them through the intricate techniques of hair cutting and styling. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical skills, creativity, and the confidence needed to excel in this dynamic industry.
Melt City Barbering School of Craftsmanship (MBSC) was founded by visionary barber Rory Purnell. What began as Rory’s journey of personal redemption has grown into a school that empowers individuals to transform their lives through the art and business of barbering. Rory’s unique experience—cutting hair in prison and later becoming a trusted barber for NBA players—has shaped MBSC’s mission to uplift underserved communities and create a new generation of barbers who lead with skill and purpose.
At Melt City, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to craft their future, regardless of their background.
Our commitment centers on empowering aspiring barbers through comprehensive education and quality grooming services. We strive to cultivate a community of professionals who are passionate about their craft.
Our mission is to empower individuals through barbering education, providing them with the technical skills, business acumen, and personal development needed to succeed in their careers and in life.
We envision a future where every student has the opportunity to reshape their destiny, create a lasting impact on their communities, and master the craft of barbering with confidence and integrity.
Craftsmanship: We believe in honing the art of barbering with passion and precision.
Empowerment: We empower our students to take control of their future and achieve their goals.
Community: We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve, offering opportunities to those often overlooked by traditional education.
Rory Purnell’s path wasn’t an easy one. Growing up in challenging circumstances, Rory found himself incarcerated at 21. It was within the walls of a prison cell that he discovered his passion for barbering. With nothing but a pair of clippers, Rory started offering haircuts to fellow inmates. That passion turned into a calling, and after his release, Rory honed his craft, cutting hair for NBA stars like Kevin Love and Randy Foye.
Today, Rory is committed to giving back by offering others the opportunity to learn a craft that transformed his life. Melt City isn’t just a barbering school—it’s a place where dreams become reality.
“I want people to see that their past doesn’t define them. At Melt City, we craft futures, one haircut at a time.” – Rory Purnell
We offer a 1,500-hour program that not only teaches the art of barbering but also provides the business skills you need to thrive.
Gain real-world experience by providing supervised haircuts and grooming services to clients at our on-site barbershop.
We believe in making education accessible. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans to accommodate your financial needs.
We’re deeply rooted in the community and committed to uplifting underserved populations by providing education, mentorship, and opportunity.
“Melt City isn’t just a school—it’s a family. The mentorship and skills I’ve gained here have opened doors I never thought possible.” – Mike D.
Once you submit your enrollment form, our admissions team will reach out with the next steps. We look forward to helping you craft your future!
Once you enroll, we’ll provide you with a list of required tools and materials, such as shears, razors, and clippers. You’ll need to have your own barbering kit, but we offer recommendations for high-quality tools at affordable prices.
After you submit your enrollment form, our admissions team will reach out to confirm your application, discuss your program choice, and provide details about the next steps, including payment and start dates
Yes! We welcome you to visit our campus and meet with our instructors. Please contact us to schedule a visit, or mention it in the enrollment form, and we’ll be happy to arrange a time for you.
The Full Course Program typically takes 12-15 months to complete, depending on your schedule. The Refresher Course takes approximately 4-6 months.
