6 minute read
THE DYNAMIC WORLD OF ROBERT BRAID
MASTER BARBER, ACCOMPLISHED PHOTOGRAPHER AND... MARTIAL ARTS EXTRAORDIARE!
By Rex Silver.
Embark on a thrilling journey through the life and artistry of Robert Braid, a name synonymous with avant-garde barbering and audacious creativity.
If you’ve been a part of the barbering scene for even a short while, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the iconic stories and collections of Robert in previous issues of barbershop, a mastermind in the world of hair.
Recently, he dazzled Australia as Artistic Director for Heiniger during their grand Australian launch shows, showcasing the Swiss-made high-end machines anddemonstrating their unique capabilities to amazed audiences alongside our homegrown maestros of hair AMBA Modern Barber of the Year Matt Clarke and 3 x AHIA Best Men’s and 5 x AHIA Best Educator Jules Tognini.
I stumbled upon Robert’s genius about five years ago while scouting for extraordinary talents to spotlight in my articles. It’s rare to find artists whose work is instantly identifiable, but Robert Braid is a standout in this elite group.
In 2021, his work was selected by the esteemed publishers of the Barbering Bible, which celebrated the top 12 barbers globally at the time. This illustrious list included industry titans like Sofie Pok, Robert-Jan Rietveld (The Bloody Butcher), and Roberto Ferrel (Rob the Original), whose creations are also recognised in the blink of an eye.
Since his rise to fame, Robert has graced stages worldwide, rubbing shoulders with these legends and imparting his unique techniques to eager barbers keen on honing their craft.
So, who is Robert Braid, you ask?
He’s a prominent figure in both the UK and US barbering industries, a recipient of the British Barber Association Judges Choice Hall of Fame, and a man born with a pair of shears in his hand. Alongside his brother David, he co-owns ‘Braid Barbers’ across two locations, continuing the legacy started by their father, Phillip, who opened the first Braid salon in Birmingham in 1976.
But wait, there’s more to Robert than just his clippers!
Robert has also made his mark in the world of martial arts, clinching a World Championship Title in Stick Fighting (Kali) at the WEKAF World Championships in 2008. The fact that Robert had the focus and determination to perfect his skills to that level and then have the confidence to fly to the Philippines and beat them at their own ancient fighting discipline speaks volumes about him.
And his talents don’t stop there:
For commissioned work, his partner in crime is world-renowned hair photographer Liam Oaks, but in Rob’s own time, he captures his creations through his own lens, a style he refers to as ‘Street,’ his efforts have graced the covers and pages of global magazines.
Let’s check that out!!
Prepare to be captivated as we present 10 of Robert Braid’s most cherished individual images from the past four years, accompanied by his very own personal comments and insights.
IMAGE #1. This is one of my favourites and the most complicated haircuts I’ve ever done; Aztec symmetry is perfectly spaced and angled, and the planning and design of this cut was akin to an architect designing the blueprints of a building…I thoroughly enjoyed it.
IMAGE #2. I love this as it shows the texture in silhouette form on one side and true form on the other. We also had heaps of fun experimenting with this shadow effect in the studio; It was a great day. This is the only image in this selection shot by Liam Oakes (Roberts’s long-time collaborator for commissioned work)
IMAGE #3. This was the image that won me the Judges Choice Hall of Fame. Yes, it’s the same model from image one, but a few years earlier, it’s such a strong image and shows the simplistic beauty of a drop fade.
IMAGE #4. This is one of my favs not only because it is my son but also because his attitude perfectly matches the mod style he is rocking’… with no prompting or direction from, I have to add…. Straight-up pro!! Ha-ha
IMAGE #5. One of my favourites is the step fade shown on one of my favourite models, Jan, aka Eagle. The natural shape of his skull combined with his ability to pull off classic vintage style with his facial hair allowed me to paradox modern and vintage. I can always do this with Eagle… a phenomenal image and a phenomenal model to work with.
IMAGE #6. Jess is ideal to work with; her natural, symmetrical appearance is the perfect muse to showcase a box crop on one side and a textured crop on the other. I love this cut so much. I replicated it for Heiniger. It doesn’t age….
IMAGE #7. Dangeruss!…International Moustache of the Year winner two times in a row… Russ also can rock modern and classic at the same time… effortlessly. Here, I resurrected the 80’s mullet and incorporated that with a contemporary twist with the top cropped; Russ seamlessly adds vintage with his unique mo, rumoured to be insured for more than Kim K’s bottom I’ll have you know!
IMAGE #8. I love this as it represents me very acutely, mainly because I often work with the model’s natural physical attributes; in many cases, the features and curves nature gave them are very subtle; in this instance though, it is Kai’s tattoo. It’s dictating an invisible landscape from which I can create and build shapes and bring those to the forefront.
IMAGE #9. My version of a feminine mod crop, Victoria just booked to me before going out one evening; her make-up inspired me, as she had these fantastic silver teardrops, and after the cut, I just had to shoot her and document what we did. You will see I love working with the same models until I run out of ideas on how I can best present the thing, and I will call it a thing because words don’t describe what you see in a muse; you see infinite magic and have to bring these looks to life.
IMAGE #10. Victoria, again, I went full tribal cyberpunk. As you can see, she has no trouble rocking the vision I knew would suit her and my art.
Image #2 Photography Liam Oakes / Hair Robert Braid
All other images: Hair/ Photography Robert Braid
