MYB-type transcription factor involved in epidermal cell fate specification. Acts as a negative regulator of trichome development, by mediating lateral inhibition. Promotes the formation of hair developing cells in H position in root epidermis, probably by inhibiting non-hair cell formation. Expressed in developing trichomes and non-root hair cells. Overexpression of ETC1 results in the suppression of trichomes and overproduction of root hairs, as observed for CPC, TRY, ETC2 and ETC3.