HEAD TO HEAD - AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST BARBER BATTLE

The Gold Coast was buzzing this April as the Barber Expo Opening Party set the stage for an unforgettable evening. With drinks, delicious food, and great music, the biggest barber battle in the country took centre stage. Over 350 spectators watched as 70+ talented barbers competed for the title of champion.

The Australia and New Zealand Barber Battle featured four categories: Senior, Old School, New School, and Apprentice. After an intense competition, four amazing barbers came out on top, each winning in their category.

BARBER BATTLE WINNERS:

Senior - Jacque Power (Jaxx)

Old School – Laura Banford

New School - Milo Le

Apprentice – Keeanu Ranui-Manunui

Editor of Barbershop, Louise May, chats with the winners to learn about their experiences, techniques, and what drives their passion. Join us as we celebrate the skill and dedication of these incredible barbers who have set a new standard in the industry.

How long have you been in the industry, and what inspired you to get into Barbering?

Laura: I’ve been in the hairdressing industry for two decades and have spent the last decade focusing on barbering. My journey began with a passion for creativity and a desire to connect with people. The precision and artistry involved in barbering drew me in, and I knew I had found my true calling.

Milo Le: I have been interested in this industry since I was younger. I’ve always looked at barbering as an art and it intrigued me greatly. I moved to Australia 7 years ago for higher education. During that time, I worked part-time as a barber for the past 6 years alongside studies.

During my early learning process as a barber, I had the opportunity to be trained by an inspiring barber who also became my mentor. As my career grew, I had the chance to meet many other talented barbers who inspired me to have better visions and goals that I would like to achieve in this industry.

Jaxx: I have been cutting for nearly 6+ years now I think and what inspired me was seeing all the boys reconnecting and getting their home haircuts. Back then there weren’t skin fades or any of that just basic 2 back and sides with the spiky Dragon Ball Z style with the Dax wax lol.

Keeanu: I have been cutting and in the industry for just over 2 years now and what inspired me to be a barber was the feeling when I went into a barbershop, it’s always a good vibe and such a great environment to be around not only that I loved looking at haircuts I was always so fascinated by it and that’s what made me want to become a barber I asked my uncle who was one of the most known barbers in my area to help me out and that’s when I started.

What do you love most about the industry and what you do?

Laura: What I love most about the industry is the constant evolution of styles and techniques, which keeps things exciting and fresh. I also cherish the relationships we build with our clients and community It’s a privilege to be a part of their lives and see the positive impact a great haircut can have on their day.

Milo Le: One thing I love about this industry is the creativity, innovation, growth, and the endless opportunities for me to learn.

Jaxx: What I love about the industry is the networking with other people and being an ear to listen to others off load what’s on their minds, in confidence. I like to make people feel comfortable and know that when they sit in my chair they will be well looked after.

Keeanu: I love taking my time on my haircuts to get the most out of my artwork and I love watching people gain their confidence back when I’m finished with their cut.

It makes me feel fulfilled seeing my customer walk out them doors a happier person, I also love having a good laugh and chat with the boys which is probably the best part about being a barber, you can always catch up with all your friends while working, and also having a safe space to create some content which is mad, especially with my mates.

What are you best known for? what is your signature style?

Laura: I am best known for my attention to detail and ability to customise each haircut to the individual. My signature style is a blend of classic and contemporary techniques, ensuring that each client leaves with a look that is both stylish and uniquely theirs. I am constantly learning. I may also be known for lots of dmc’s (Deep & meaningful conversations) ha-ha it just happens.

Milo Le: I believe I am aiming for a creative style. What I love to do is customise and bring something unique to my craft. I want to let the world know that barbering is an art, and that there is no limit to creativity.

What sets me apart is my passion for pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box. Every client is a canvas, and I relish the opportunity to create unique, personalised looks that truly reflect their individuality. Whether it’s experimenting with innovative techniques, or incorporating unconventional elements, I strive to deliver an experience that goes beyond just a haircut.

Jaxx: To be honest I would love to say I have one signature cut, but I love a challenge and will take on any cut no other barber will want to do.

Keeanu: I would probably say my fades and designs I love doing a simple burst fade or a taper fade probably because the type of clients I draw in is full of teens and young adults. I get a lot of them, which I fell in love with quickly... which I would probably say is my signature haircuts or style of barbering. I love doing a nice clean fade with some texture in the top and then to finish it off with a clean design makes it really pop and standout.

Was this your first Battle? How did you feel going into it?

Laura: Competing in the latest awards on the Gold Coast was an exhilarating experience, and I’m so grateful to have taken first place. This wasn’t my first competition, as I also won the Australian Female Barber of the Year in 2019.

Going into the battle, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The energy from the crowd and the camaraderie among the contestants were incredible. I loved the opportunity to showcase my skills and push my creative boundaries.

Milo Le: This is my 3rd time competing. I had previously competed in Hair Festival 2022 & 2023 prior to Barber Battle. I’m incredibly pleased to say that Barber Battle is my 2nd win. The moment I entered the venue, I saw a huge number of contestants. Truthfully, I felt intimidated and nervous, but I was also excited as I had anticipated this moment for a very long time.

I loved how people were connected in this space and were super supportive of each other. The crowd cheered on for the contestants with huge excitement while watching the competition. It felt like a safe space where people can learn and showcase their creativity.

Jaxx: Expo4barbers’s will forever be my all-time favourite battle, something I will never forget. I was super nervous knowing that I was showcasing my work in front of a crowd of talented barbers, but the authenticity and vibe of the event was incredible!

Keeanu: Man, the barber battle was crazy…. To be very honest I didn’t want to even go. I was that nervous and that scared that I was too scared to even go to it, as it was my first ever barber battle. But my girlfriend actually encouraged me to do it and it really helped me. My uncle told me he was going, so legit a week before the competition, I bought a ticket.

I didn’t have much planned or set up, so I ended up asking my little brother if he would like to be my model and for the whole week, I didn’t talk to anyone. I was just super nervous the whole time, even the week leading up to it I was just trying to mentally prepare myself, and when it came to the day, I had to ask my mate to borrow some of his tools because I didn’t have much myself, and asked my uncle for some stuff as well because I’m so unorganised.

But I got there about an hour early, so I can get right in there and as soon as those doors opened, I felt so much pressure and looking at the setup I was like damnnnn we right in the middle, so I knew there was gonna be a lot of eyes on us. But In saying that, I was super excited and happy to be in this type of environment, especially to step out of my comfort zone.

I got to meet a lot of cool people and barbers I’ve seen on social media, especially the man himself Josh O.P. It was a crazy experience, I got to talk to some cool influencers and cool barbers about where they’re from and their haircuts, I had such a good time. When I got up on the stage to start the battle off, I legit just switched modes man… I stayed super focused and didn’t worry about anything, just kept my head down and stuck to what I knew best.

As soon as I finished, I felt so relieved, but hearing my number get called out was such a crazy experience I was super surprised and amazed man, I can’t tell you how much joy and happiness I felt. It’s definitely an unreal experience, with my family to support me I had a lot of love behind me and even better my brother was the model.

What are your tools of choice to use? And why do you love them?

Laura: My tools of choice include high-quality scissors by Icandy, they have encouraged me and supported me from early on in my career. With clippers, trimmers etc, I have a few different options in my kit, I am currently not aligned with any one brand in particular. I do particularly favour brands that offer precision and durability, and also brands that embody good culture whilst supporting our industry’s evolution.

Milo Le: My favourite tools are the FXONE clipper & FXONE trimmer from BaByliss Pro, and scissors from Mizutani. I consider these my “lucky tools” for winning the competition. I love the modern design, powerful, and sharp blades of the FXONE clipper and trimmer. The scissors are precise, lightweight, and of course look sensational. Both of these tools align with my ideas of innovation and creation. They have helped me boost my speed and design better crafts.

Jaxx: I really don’t have a tool of choice as I have a mixture of tools from all brands, as they all do different things for different purposes.

Keeanu: I’m currently using the silver bullet headliner combo they’re just toooo goood… super small light and easy, when I look for a clipper I look for something that sits in my hand comfortably and I actually got them the next day at the barber expo which was super nice, and the trimmer that comes with it f##king hits like a dog bro I’m telling you, straight out the box no need to zero gap.

What did you love most about Barber Expo?

Laura: What I loved most about the Barber Expo was the opportunity to connect with other professionals who share the same passion for barbering. The event was filled with inspiring showcases, educational sessions, and a sense of community that reinforced my love for this industry.

Milo Le: The vibes were immaculate. Everything was well organised. The music and decor were absolutely enjoyable. All the contestants were incredibly supportive. It was a fun environment and an opportunity to reunite with other barbers. The energy was so contagious, and it continued to stay exciting till the very end. Whether it was catching up with old friends or making new connections, Barber Expo truly fosters a sense of community and connection among attendees. Plus, the opportunity to see talented barbers showcasing their skills is just the icing on the cake. It’s an event that leaves you feeling inspired and eager for the next one.

Jaxx: Entering the competition with no intention of winning but to cut!

Keeanu: What did I love most about the barber battle? Definitely getting to talk with the other barbers… there’s so much you can learn just by talking to someone, a lot of them were super proud of me, but I feel like the overall experience is what I loved about the barber battle. From walking in the doors with my family by my side and my girlfriend, to being on the stage doing the haircut to winning the award and all the prizes... it was amazing and still can’t believe it till this day.

Will we see you competing at next year’s Barber Battle at Expo?

Laura: Absolutely! I am committed to continuing my journey of growth and excellence in barbering. Competing in these events pushes me to improve and innovate. Moreover, I aim to win more awards this year and next, and ultimately, help other females reach success through a holistic approach.

I am looking forward to the next Barber Battle and the chance to showcase new skills and styles. Thank you so much to the organisers and sponsors of these events for creating such incredible opportunities for barbers to shine.

Milo Le: 100%. I am keen on challenging myself further in the future. I am looking forward to connecting with many more talents in the future. It’s such a great opportunity to showcase skills, learn from others, and be part of a vibrant community.

The atmosphere is electric, and the support from fellow barbers and enthusiasts is incredibly motivating. Plus, being surrounded by so much talent only fuels my passion for the craft even more. I can’t wait to see what the next Barber Battle has in the event and to continue pushing myself to new heights.

Jaxx: Hell yessssss…. See you there!

Keeanu: You will definitely see me competing next year!

@laura_heartsandminds @barber.milo.le @barber_jaxx @kizza_cuts @expo4barbers