From YouTube to the AMBAs: The Evolution of JARROD PROSPER

By Louise May

From cutting hair for fun in a mate’s backyard to becoming a two-time AMBA Finalist, Jarrod Prosper’s journey has been anything but ordinary. What started as a simple hobby quickly turned into an all-consuming passion that led him to train professionally, compete at the highest level, and build a career he loves. His story is one of dedication, creativity, and resilience—proving that talent and hard work can take you anywhere.

Along the way, he has faced challenges, from learning the ropes as a self-taught barber to stepping onto the competition stage, and even balancing his career with personal hardships. Despite it all, he continues to push himself, striving to grow both behind the chair and within the industry. He’s not just about cutting hair—he’s about pushing limits, trying new things, and staying hungry for what’s next. With so much ahead, Jarrod is proving that this is only the beginning.

We caught up with him to talk about where it all began, the lessons he’s learned, and what’s next for him.

What inspired you to join the barbering industry?

My interest in barbering started with YouTube. From around 13 or 14, I was hooked on watching haircut tutorials from barbers like 360Jeezy, MartyBlendz, and Chris Bossio. I loved how each barber had their own style and way of doing things, and that got me experimenting with my own hair.

It wasn’t long before I started cutting my mate’s hair, and before I knew it, I was cutting regularly. My parents saw how passionate I was and encouraged me to pursue it professionally, which led me to move from Kempsey to Brisbane and enrol at The Barber Academy.

What do you love most about barbering?

For me, it comes down to two things—creativity and connection. I love the creative side of barbering, from perfecting techniques to experimenting with different styles and pushing boundaries in competitions. Being able to express myself through my work, whether in a shop or in a competition setting, is something I really enjoy.

Then there’s the connection side. Barbering isn’t just about haircuts; it’s about the relationships we build. Whether it’s clients opening up or just using their time in the chair to relax, I value the trust that people put in me. The best part is watching clients walk out of the shop with confidence.

How has competing helped shape your career?

Competing has been a massive part of my growth. My first competition was in Newcastle—I had 30 minutes to complete a haircut on stage in front of a panel of judges. It was nerve-wracking, and the cut didn’t go exactly as planned, but the experience was invaluable. It made me hungry to improve and sharpen my skills. In 2023, I entered the AMBA Junior Category for the first time, working with The Barber Academy and photographer Leigh Winsor to shoot my collection. Seeing my work recognised as a finalist was a surreal moment. It pushed me to explore more of the creative side of barbering and keep improving my craft.

Tell us about your 2024 AMBA collection.

This collection was personal. I put it together entirely on my own—with a bedsheet taped to my garage wall, $80 box lights, my mother-in-law’s camera, and my best mates helping me behind the scenes. I even cut my own hair as part of it.

A few days before the finalist announcements, my mum passed away. She had seen me working on this collection, which made it even more meaningful. When I was named a finalist again, it wasn’t just about the award—it was about the journey and the people who had supported me along the way.

What brought you back home to Kempsey?

Family has always been my priority. In early 2024, my mum had been battling cancer for over a year, and I knew I needed to be closer to her. Moving back home just felt right.

I found my place at Broken Hearts Barbershop in Port Macquarie, which was an easy transition because Chris (the owner) and his wife Jody were already connected to the same industry circles. At the same time, I kept working from my home studio in Kempsey, looking after my long-term clients. It’s been the perfect balance—staying close to family while continuing to build my career.

What has been a standout moment in your career so far?

Running education nights for Gareth Philpott and The Barber Academy in Just Cuts salons across NSW. I got to travel to Grafton and Armidale to teach fading techniques, and it was a completely new experience for me.

Teaching others made me realise how much I had learned myself. It also gave me a real appreciation for education in the industry, and now I want to get more involved in mentoring and training future barbers.

What are your go-to tools?

BaBylissPRO clippers, trimmers, and shavers are my staples. The performance and reliability are unmatched, and I love what they’ve done with the FXONE range.

For scissors, I’ve always used Excellent Edges, but I recently added a pair of Mizutani Precisioners, and they’ve been a game changer.

When it comes to styling, the Dyson blow dryer and Crispy Club products are my go-to for getting that perfect finish.

Who in the industry inspires you?

There are so many. Gareth from The Barber Academy has been instrumental in shaping my career. I also take a lot of inspiration from UK barbers like Sam Rascals and Oscar Blends—especially their approach to branding and social media. They blend technical skill with personality, which is something I respect. It’s not just about the cuts; it’s about building a brand that people connect with.

What’s next for you?

This year is all about pushing myself to new levels. I’m planning to enter the 2025 AMBAs, and I want to push my creativity even further experimenting with lighting, textures, and new styles in my next collection. Education is another big focus. I’d love to keep working with The Barber Academy and take on more teaching opportunities, whether in group settings or one-on-one mentoring. I’ve realised how much I enjoy sharing knowledge, and I want to keep giving back to the industry. I’m also looking at building my social media presence. Content creation is such a huge part of our industry now, and I want to focus more on tutorials, transformations, and behind-the-scenes content.

Final thoughts?

Right now, I just want to keep learning, growing, and taking on new challenges. The industry is always evolving, and I want to keep pushing myself to stay ahead, whether that’s through competitions, education, or content creation. Being able to do what I love every day, connect with people, and continuously refine my craft—it doesn’t get better than that. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to see where this journey takes me next.

@jarrodprosperhair