CONTENTS ON THE COVER The New GTX-EXO Trimmer by ANDIS REGULARS 08 Editors Letter 48 A Letter To My Younger Self 62 New Gear 64 Dateline City FEATURE 10-12 Making the Most of The Area By Rex A.C. Silver 14 Brother From Another Mother By Rex A.C. Silver 16 Portrait of an Artist – Mohammad Hamze By Rex A.C. Silver 18 Shooting for the Stars with Sofie Pok 20-22 Bertus AKA The Bloody Butcher 24-26 Ash Weller – Creating Opportunities 44 Changing Lives for the Better – Ricky Zizza 46 Straight Outa Barber School – Balin Burns PROFILE 30 El Reapers Barber Shop & Shaving Parlour 32 Attaboy 34 Male Escape Gentleman’s Grooming COMPETITION & EVENTS 36 Exclussive to Tommy Guns Scumbag Showdown 38-40 2021 AHIA Creative Best Men’s Hair Specialist, Anthony Staltari 42 American Crew All Star Challenge 2021 Australian Winner – Stephanie Pfalzgraf BLOGS 58 Find Your Flame By Collette Saunders 59 Starts with the Why By Don De Sanctis 60 Embrace Your Explorers By Paul Frasca MENS HEALTH 61 Four Ways Collagen Improves Hair By Dr Ben De Campo PRODUCT PROFILE 52 Let’s Go Nuts – nut care CHARITY 54 Real Barbers, Real Talk – The Barbiere Company & Movember BUSINESS 66 What is the Facebook Algorithm and how does it help your Business? By George Hawwa
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A brand new initiative giving men’s hairdressers and barbers a platform to showcase their creative and business skills
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CATEGORIES Photographic and Submission Australian Modern Barber of the Year Australian Modern Barber Business of the Year NOMINATED CATEGORY Special Recognition PHOTOGRAPHIC ONLY Best Men’s Collection Classic Best Men’s Collection Freestyle Best Team Collection Best Men’s Collection Junior
BUSINESS CATEGORIES Best Director/Owner of the Year Best Customer Care Best Men’s Educator of the Year Best Barbershop Design of the Year
CLEAN SKIN PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT AWARDS CATEGORIES HAIR CARE - Best Shampoo and Conditioner pair or 2-in-1 product HAIR STYLE - Best Styling Product. Entries can include:- Styling Wax, Cream or Paste BEARD CARE - Best Beard Care Product. Entries can include:- Oil, Wax, Cream or Paste
ENTRY DEADLINE 6th September 2021
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED 20th September 2021
OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY 11PM TILL LATE AWARDS NIGHT 7th November 2021 Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne
BARBER SHOP WWW.MOCHAPUBLISHING.COM.AU/SHOP
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BARBER SHOP PUBLISHER
Linda Woodhead linda@mochapublishing.com.au
EDITOR
Rex Silver rex@mochapublishing.com.au
editor’s letter
ADVERTISING MANAGER Nina Barbara nina@mochapublishing.com.au
ART DIRECTOR
Kellie Woodhead kellie@mochapublishing.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS Rex A.C. Silver Sofie Pok Bertus Ash Weller Ricky Zizza Collette Saunders Don De Sanctis Paul Frasca Dr Ben De Campo George Hawwa
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We bring you BarberShop Magazine from the lands of the Kabi Kabi and Yugambeh peoples. A very warm greeting to you one and all wherever you are reading us. This issue, like all that we present to you, has common threads amongst its pages, and this time my Barbers, it’s Education/Teaching and Mentoring by others, and getting schooled ourselves by our own experiences. Overall, it’s about Learning. How we learn and what we do with that knowledge is up to the individual isn’t it? I believe, knowledge is like good food and wine, it’s best shared. One thing is for sure, these past months have brought out the best, in so many of the great minds in this industry of ours. One very important observation I made whilst interviewing for this issue, is that all the fine teachers and educators I spoke to, Sofie Pok aka StayGold, Robert-Jan Rietveld aka Bertus and Leigh Winsor from AREA ACADEMY here in Australia to name drop 3, all said the same thing. It’s about “Connection”. Making that connection with the “student/pupil’, seeing that light go off in their eyes when you know they have got it, the penny’s dropped, you have passed on knowledge. I think it’s the sign of good teacher to express that feeling and they all did in their own words, nearly the same words actually. They also all expressed it is best ‘live’ too, face to face when you can say, “come closer check this out”, not so much over the net, we all yearn for that right? What’s about when we school ourselves… and life’s lessons teach us something we can pass on to others? Ash Weller has been sharing his journey with us and gives us the 4th and last instalment in BarberShop documenting his journey over the last year, and it is gooood! Read all 4 there is something there for all of us. The Principal of Life School is explained in this issue by Ricky Zizza, who bares all and proves like the champion he is, “Barbering does change lives” and he is not talking about the guests in our Barber chairs, but us, the Barber. Barbering may have certainly helped changed Ricky’s life, but his amazing soul and self-determination did the heavy lifting. A very special man, a very special story and an honour to publish. Chicken Dinners!! We might have a couple… Anthony Staltari winner of AHIA Creative: Best Men’s Hair Specialist 2021 is here! We chat to the maestro,
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and he tell us about his inspo for each model he created and, he shares a great yarn about his trip toMY London to do this collection. Stephanie Pfalzgraf is here! Winner of this yearsCY American Crew All Star Challenge Australia and CMY Barbers… Stephanie is the first female ever in Australia to do so! We chat to her and get the skinnyK on her submission. Abdul Rafay of Tommy Guns fame is here! Abdul took out the number 1 spot in an in-house competition with Guns and Reuzel that got him props from Leen and Bertus themselves, a photo shoot -interview and feature in BarberShop plus, heaps of other cool stuff. He shares his story and comp experience with us here as well as his images. The usual suspects are here: 2 amazing Australian shop reviews, Straight Outta’ Barber School, international profile and collection, International shop profile, business stuff, product stuff, blogs and much more!! Let’s get going, there’s a lot to unpack! This is Issue 10.3 ENJOY!
Rex A.C. Silver How do read back issues? www.issuu.com search BarberShop
How do I connect with Rex? @rex.a.c.silver Editor – Barbershop Magazine
2 Ardena Crt, Bentleigh East VIC 3165 Australia Phone: +61 3 9575 0600 Fax: +61 3 9575 0699
broshpomades.com.au
MAKING THE MOST OF THE AREA! BY REX A.C. SILVER
Leigh Winsor has been an Australian Barber Expo Barber of the Year, won a fistful of UK awards and a few more Aussie ones at that. He is an ambassador and national educator with the likes of Andis, Dyson and Osaka, but Leigh Winsor finds the biggest win and most rewarding for him, is not the sparkling crystal trophies.
It’s the sparkling eyes in the room he spots when sharing his knowledge with others…that moment he knows he has hit the sweet spot and connected and taught someone something. Let’s find out more about Leigh and later in the piece, all about AREA Academy and AREA CONNECT, projects he and his partner in crime, Eoin McCarthy, have co-founded together, and a platform that is quickly gaining traction and getting attention in our industry here in Australia. How did things begin? My journey in the hair industry started at a young age, as a Trainee at Bowlers Hair & Beauty (Plymouth, UK) in 2006, before commencing my hairdressing apprenticeship in September 2007. Hair has been a part of my identity for half my life now. It’s the craft for me; a never-ending learning cycle, with endless possibilities when it comes to methodology, design, creativity and innovation. I spent the early years of my career heavily focused on developing my craft with every chance. Focusing on the technique and detail of hair. I had great teachers and mentors from day one. The two brothers who taught me were both NHF British Hairdressing Team alumni
and both won 1st Place NHF British Hairdressing Awards respectively. Naturally this catapulted me into the competition scene. I loved the whole experience and had great success, eventually becoming the NHF Southwest of England Senior Champion. When I look back now, I really think that was an anchor point to me staying the distance in my career. I work great under pressure, and I think I have these early competition experiences to thank for that! And the move to Oz? 2011 came around and I made the bittersweet decision to whisk myself off to the sunny shores of Australia with the motivation to make this country my primary residence. After travelling the country for a short while I settled in regional Victoria and fulfilled my sponsorship requirements at a hair salon and became an Australian Permanent Resident. Area Studio has been my home since 2017. A gift that just keeps on giving. Area Studio has helped me channel energy and enthusiasm into the creative process, developing as a human and learning what it means to be a great contributor to a team and to this industry. As a team we secured HBIA Small Salon of the Year in 2017 and 2018. 10 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
I am a full-time stylist at Area Studio. Helping the younger team members on their journey to becoming successful stylists is a role that I take great pride in. I’m always encouraging them to watch haircuts, ask lots of questions and soak up as much information as possible! I’ve entered and had success in creative comps including HBIA, American Crew, Hair Expo Australia and Barber Expo (Barber of The Year 1st Place), presented onstage at various industry events and Expos, and it’s allowed me to share and impart my knowledge as an Educator, competition Judge and Ambassador for brands like; Andis Clippers, Osaka Scissors, Motion Cosmetics, Kofer Suitcases and Dyson Hair Professional. Continuing to up-skill and be the best version of myself within my craft, will be a lifelong pursuit. These days I find myself sharing knowledge and mentoring others more than ever. It warms my soul the second you see the light bulb moment go off in someone’s mind. I split my time between Area Studio, educating for Area Academy in person and online, and educating for Andis Clippers. One of my proudest moments to date is becoming an Australian Citizen. What a wonderful gift to have, and to be able to pass on to future generations.
“Hair has been a part of my identity for half my life now. It’s the craft for me; a never-ending learning cycle, with endless possibilities when it comes to methodology, design, creativity and innovation.” ACCOLADES AND EXPERIENCES
Sorry Leigh but I wasn’t expecting 4 pages of accolades and experiences, let me break it down: • 7 x Winner Various Comps - AU and UK • 7 x Place or Finalist Various Comps - AU and UK • 1 X Judging Role • Multiple Education Appointments/ Stage/Workshops • Multiple Demonstration Appointments/ Stage / Workshops • Multiple Advanced Up-skilling Diplomas • Multiple Charity/ Fundraising contributions • Multiple Editorial Features and a Front Cover. • Partnering with Osaka, Dyson, Andis and Kofer There’s more but I’m dizzy! Well done, Leigh! Leigh, what motives you, who are your mentors and beacons of inspiration? My motivation to get up in the morning has changed a lot since I was a younger man. These days my motivation comes from constantly trying to adjust my moral compass and bring as much value to this world as a human being. Whether that is through meaningful connection with clients in the salon, helping other stylist on their transformational journey or simply helping myself. I have many mentors in my life, some close to me, some far and some that aren’t even alive today. Learning to be wise when choosing mentors is a skill, I encourage everyone puts time into developing. I am careful with my choices when it comes to mentors, but when one does come along, I appreciate and enjoy every ounce of value! I look to many different avenues in life too, not just hair, I enjoy being mentored in, business, relationships, health and philosophy just to name a few. When it comes to inspirations, I am very fortunate to be around a team who inspire
me on a daily basis. The environment at Area Studio and Area Academy is inspiring even If you are not into hair. There’s an energy about it! Everyone brings a unique skillset, a unique area of expertise and an interesting point of view when it comes to all topics in life. The Australian hair industry as a whole inspires me to continually stay on top of my game. We have some fantastic talent in all corners of this country. I actually get my greatest inspirations from outside of the hair industry these days. I enjoy people with a clear message from the heart and people who strive for excellence in their given field. Tell us what products you love, choose to use and recommend to your guests. My products of choice come from a company called Motion Cosmetics. Not only have they searched for high quality natural ingredients, the product performs miracles every time. The unique ingredient profile lends itself firstly to conditioning the hair and prompting hair growth complimented with honest styling capabilities. Motion Cosmetics products do exactly what they say on the tin, beautiful styling with forward thinking hair and scalp care. My favourite Motion product has to be MSF1: CLOUD, a revolutionary Matte Styling Balm. You can find out more information at www.motionlab.space What is your signature service? We are so fortunate at Area Studio to have an extremely diverse team. We have people who specialise in extremely short hair and others who enjoy the longer length haircuts. (And everything in between) Right now, we are seeing a lot of longer length haircuts coming into the studio. I think this was encouraged by the long lockdowns we’ve had here in Victoria coupled with the current trends going in a new direction. For me this is where I really find my 11 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
groove, as scissor and razor work has been big focus in my hair career! I believe its paramount to have a wellrounded skillset when trying to become a successful modern men’s hairstylist. This will have you armed and ready to deal with any changes in fashion or trends ultimately keeping you relevant for longer. Can you tell us a little about becoming an Ambassador for Andis? My journey with Andis came about quite suddenly and at the time caught me by surprise. I look back and only now do I realise the relentless work that subconsciously went into securing a position like that. So, let’s rewind back to hair expo 2019. I had just come off the back of winning The Barber Expo - Barber of the Year competition and I was at the expo as an annual tradition, attending education seminars and supporting industry peers. My colleague Eoin McCarthy who is a Global Educator for Andis was doing some stage work for them over the weekend and I was helping out with models and prep work etc. I was slowly getting to know the Andis education team after seeing them all at multiple competitions and shows. As I was mingling, word on the street was the Andis were putting together a National Education team and were auditioning at the expo. Shortly after, I was chatting to Jordon Tabakman, another Global Educator for Andis and he mentioned that I should get up on stage and have a crack at a demonstration. I took the opportunity gladly and threw myself in the deep end! Eoin took me under his wing and made sure we were on stage together, this certainly helped to ease the nerves! The stars aligned that day, and I nailed my demonstration, articulation was on point and in the weeks coming I was signing the contract to officially become a National Andis Educator. Now this all may seem like it happened by chance, cont’d over page
cont’d from page 11
“This year alone we have managed to put on fundraising events in three separate states raising money for The Jack Reed Foundation pulling in almost $15,000”
but it’s a direct result of putting in the years of prior groundwork and never being afraid to be the guy on the side-lines, showing your face and doing work for free. Moral of the story… you never know who’s watching! My dream team Andis setup is the Supra Zr2 for its unbelievable power, there isn’t a hair type it won’t cut through! The Slimline Pro trimmer, for its design comfortability and sharp finish. The Foil shaver for the ultimate smooth skin experience with minimal irritation and lastly the Cordless Us Pro for the cleanest fades you will ever see, the taper blade allows for free moment when executing and a softness in finish that you don’t get with any other clipper! This year has been tough when it comes to education with Andis. We’ve sadly had to clear the calendar for obvious reasons. Things are looking up though, I have some demonstration work booked in for the Perth Hair and Beauty Expo in September so fingers crossed we can get across the borders safely! Tell us more about AREA Academy. AREA Academy was founded in 2020 by the core team of multi-award-winning salon - AREA Studio in Melbourne, Australia. Our mission as an up-skilling facility is to challenge the way stylists think about & approach men’s haircutting. We want to help people in discovering an alternative belief system & different perspective that will ultimately help them in realising their potential. We have many ‘in person’ programs available: • ‘EL3MENTS’ - This is a one-day workshop tailored to the class needs, showcasing our interpretation of the most up to date looks and cutting methodology in modern men’s hairdressing. • ‘CONC3PT’ - This is a one-day workshop tailored towards a specific cutting methodology e.g. (Scissor and Razor work). • ‘Private Group/Team Training’ - We design these workshops around helping teams build their skillset according to their desired needs. • ‘1 to 1’ - This workshop is our most intensive form of development for one student working directly with one educator. • “CR3ATE’ - Create is a service we offer as a creative team to other Brands/Artists, helping in the development and creative process behind campaigns.
Leigh Winsor & Eoin McCarthy
This year alone we have managed to put on fundraising events in three separate states raising money for The Jack Reed Foundation pulling in almost $15,000. These numbers would have been higher, but we’ve had to postpone/cancel too many times to count, due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. Even with the tough year this world has had, Area Academy has managed to reach almost 400 people through our workshops and fundraisers combined. We appreciate each and every one of you! Although our relentless efforts have given us a fantastic first year in business, we couldn’t help but feel there has to be a more efficient way to get our message out there. This leads us to our most recent endeavour: Our online education platform “The Network” was designed with the intention of providing consistent, easily accessible education and value-based content for hair professionals. The goal is furthering our members career and personal development journey. We go beyond hair with “The Network” - our emphasis is in building connections within an online community so we can all help one another grow! ‘The Network’ will be available in early September as a pre-launch special for a limited number of members. Full access to the general public will then be available in late September. As an added bonus Eoin McCarthy and I will be releasing frequent podcasts where you can learn all about our mindset behind the why and the how of everything that we do. We will be touching on all sorts of topics with thought leaders from all different industries and walks of life. Our first episode is out now! You can listen on all major Podcast platforms or alternatively head over to YouTube to watch full episodes. Join our private Facebook community group for early access and discounts to courses/ events, BTS footage and more. @area_academy @thenetwork_areaacademy @area_studio_ @leighwinsor Alternatively, if you need more information or have other enquiries please email academy@area-studio.com.au or visit our website www.areaacademy.com.au 12 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER BY REX A.C. SILVER
Tomoya Nishimori
Daisuke Komatsu
I have been trying to reach out to the fine Barbers from Mr Brothers Cut Club (MBCC) for some time, but being based in Japan, the language barrier proved too much. The shop fit outs are incredible, and their quality of work and marketing on socials is that to match and some! I really wanted to share that with our readers so I kept trying, I even rang all 8 locations and couldn’t get an English-speaking member on the line….my lead was a dead end.
Recently MBCC launched their Brosh Products into Australia, distributed by our good friends at AAB, so I hit them up for some help in connecting with them, I gave a draft for our piece, and this is what we received back it’s such a great read! Mr Brothers Cut Club deliver Old School precision grooming with ultra-modern techniques in several cities in Japan by some of the most stylishly presented men in the trade, their story starts like this: Before MR. BROTHERS CUT CLUB began, the Japanese haircut scene for men was not great. It was far from anything manly; it was feminine, and just an extension of women’s hair cut techniques. Tomoya Nishimori (MBCC president) hated it so much. As recently as just 7 years ago, Japan was far from accepting tattoo culture and the concept of an American old-school style barbershop. Stereotypically Japan is very conservative and the belief that having fun and working could coexist was not on the radar. A former client, and now CEO of MBCC, Daisuke Komatsu, started talking to Tomoya a year before opening the first shop, despite many people telling him it was impossible to create the barbershop he was dreamt of.
After the shop was launched Tomoya occupied himself fully into the business but after 3 years, he knew that the brand was well known, and he had succeeded in penetrating into the mass market. Japanese society approved of what they were doing and had embraced this new culture. MBCC is now based in 8 locations, is regularly featured cross various media channels and manages over 60 seminars/workshops a year.
AMERICAN INFLUENCE
Back in the day, Tomoya was always a huge fan of good old America. He even has a Ford tattoo and loves the culture of the 1930s, That idea of having a lot of tattoos and riding a hot rod made him feel mischievous as a kid and as he grew up, he gradually became surrounded by people with same tastes and passion; people from different industries…. fashion, art, cars, music they all love the same genre of things. The way for Tomoya to get connected more with these people was to cut their hair and being a barber, his dream was becoming a reality.
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“My life can’t exist without this job.It is life itself” Tomoya Nishimori
He had once cut the world’s no.1 Barista’s hair and had realised that the more he rose and gained better skills, the more people he could meet. “Barbering connects us with like-minded people with similar passion and enthusiasm,” he says. “Unique talents resonate and mutually grow, and we look up on each other with mutual respect” He was once shocked that he saw a barber with a hair dryer tattoo! In Japan, no body tattooed so casually. He was fascinated! Admiring what Schorem were doing overseas, Tomoya and Daisuke did a Japan tour with Leen and Rob, meeting Donnie, the founder of Layrite at a Mizutani Scissors event. Tomoya was so inspired by the way Donnie was straight up for his passion and his products it wasn’t long before he met Masa Kawakami, the legendary barber Apache in Hokkaido, which resulted in a collaboration between Masa, Tomoya and Daisuke and the birth of the brand BROSH. “The barbershop side of things was established, and it was a natural progression to launch a brand, after all we needed our own pomade!”
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
At Mr Brothers Cut Club, all employees practice morning and night. Every team member competes to be the best and is strictly trained, skill by skill with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.
communication skills, presentation, and of course cutting skills. “Vidal Sassoon invented the current blueprint, which people nowadays still use,” says Tomoya. “In the UK and US this blueprint existed in the 90’s, while in Japan there was nothing. All the barbers did here was to invite co-workers after work and teach each other. We were so far behind. MBCC is changing that through its training and international courses” Tomoya has already released a textbook “MEN’S CUT BIBLE” and the second book is coming soon
FUTURE GOALS AND DREAMS
So, what’s next for this passionate group? “Opening a shop in the US, of course!”, says Tomoya, “and then launch an academy to the whole world.” Tomoya believes there is always time for a new dream, but these 2 are the most recent ones! @mr.brothers_cutclub
@brosh.au
www.broshpomades.com.au Salon Deal Code: salon40
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Portrait of an Artist
Mohammad Hamze BY REX A.C. SILVER
Eventually, I will take you around the world and we can explore the international barber scene and trends from many countries together. For now, you can enjoy all of this from the comfort of your Barber Shop here in Australia as you peruse the pages of our fine magazine. I hope you enjoy seeing the work and meeting some of these artists who, so far, are thrilled at getting attention from their Australian barber brothers and sisters. Our interviews are brief as the language barrier is only one hurdle we jump over and hoop we jump through, to bring you these images and words. This is the 2nd Iranian Barber we are meeting before we jet to another exciting country and explore a completely different barber world next issue. Last time we met Abbas Ahmadifard who’s highly stylistic images captivated us in their intensity. This issue we meet Mohammad (Mo) Hamze a 7-year veteran who trained in Iran and is an all-rounder. In saying all-rounder, Mo does all the hair, the colour work and the photography! It’s unclear how Mo makes his money on the daily, I assume it’s from his online education courses (one is for 12 months) for when I enquired if he had a barber shop and did customers, or studio, studio was the answer. He teaches all his skills in his courses, hair, hair colour and photography and has students all over the world from Russia to Greece. Mohammad has travelled a number of times to Turkey to do workshops and would love to come to Australia. Personally, I would love to see these guys in action. Enjoy Mohammad’s work. It’s rawer than Abass’s but still, by seeing both artists, you get a sense for what this region views as on trend and that’s fascinating, educating and entertaining. www.thehamze.academy @moohammad_hamze
US CORRESPONDENT SOFIE POK AKA STAYGOLD
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS! WITH REX.A.C.SILVER
With restrictions lifting, Sofie Pok is keen to get back on the hair tools more and as she says… “it feels absolutely amazing.”
Rex Silver spoke to Sofie about some recent video shoots with iconic brands Babyliss Pro, Reebok and her own collab brand STMNT.
Let’s talk about the STMNT shoot where you are the Barber giving a styling lesson to their client and the process behind that. This is a very interesting video to me because on one hand, you are talking to consumers and giving them a styling lesson at home using STMNT. But on the other hand, watching how you are telling the client what you are using and why, is also educating Barbers how easy it is to start this dialogue with their client and then prescribe which products to buy and take home to achieve the style you have just created… am I correct?
Let’s start with the Babyliss Pro technical video shoot, great choice of model and cut to show off the power and accuracy of these machines, walk us through the process of this shoot where you are the Barber Educator to Barbers and Hair Stylists.
Telling the client what you’re doing and what you’re using on them builds trust. I explain how certain products help with their hair textures or what they want it to do and then the product sells itself because we’re focused on how we’re going to help the client FIRST.
When it comes down to marketing for Babyliss or anybody, the key isn’t to write down a list of specs the tool does, but to give value in what it really does in my workflow.
Educating barbers/stylist on product knowledge is always important at any stage. New products evolve and new and old trends circulate so you want to be ready to solve client problems!
How does it bring me personal value? Sharing a personal story is more engaging and I learned this perspective a lot during my time on stage doing education. People walk in and out of things that feel too rehearsed, so I try my best to keep things pretty real as if I’m having a conversation with one person.
I’ve heard plenty of common problems people have and I always know off the top of my head what to recommend to them for what they need specifically. We just got to ask and listen and then deliver value. For example, selling hair spray to a guy is the hardest thing ever and earlier today, I did a house call that was a with-the-grain 2 on top with a skin fade on the side. I was doing the front line up and I pulled out my STMNT hairspray and gave a few sprays on his hairline. He said is this strong? I said it’s more of a finishing spray. It’ll help set the cut and its super light and not heavy at all. That plus the smell, he said how can I get some. When clients feel like you’re looking out for them, they will definitely want to stay with you longer and talk about you to all their friends.
“I’m now swinging back into cutting hair more often than the last few months. There’s an even deeper appreciation for it cuz’ of everything happening during the pandemic. Hair went away for a while, but my knowledge and awareness has grown so much. I’m even more prepared to handle things right now than ever before.”
STMNT SHOOT
tutorials is what it feels like after everything I see online lol
It’s a privilege for me to get access to tools early on so I feel it’s my duty to use it, learn it well, and then come back with my findings to share with everyone else. The shoot wasn’t even planned, and my roommate needed a cut and it’s like a thing between us that when I get new tools, I get so excited that I want to use them on someone and she’s always down to be that person. I reshared it from Tiktok and I love that green screen effect where I can be and talk over while the video plays in the back. Modern day 18 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
Let’s talk about the Reebok gig, congrats on that! What an amazing achievement and project for you! Did you have total creative freedom on this shoot? Please walk us through this one in detail, the brief from the client, thoughts behind
“Creators need to keep creating and expanding in the ways that call to them. These things are called ‘flow states.’ It’s what you do that you get lost in. ” the design, the shoot itself and the Reebok campaign. This came out of left field to be quite honest. Lol! What people don’t know is that when I got the gig, they only gave me a few days to get it done and it was during fourth of July so timing and finding a model was insane, but when an opportunity like that comes, you do what you gotta do. Now if you look at my page, I’m not the best colourist and I’m not the best at even doing designs. I dabble here and there, so I was absolutely in shock I was selected, but hey...there’s something they saw on my page that stood out to them that they liked. I believe it was a national campaign for their Back to school. We also didn’t even know at the beginning if it was for sure that my images would IN STORE. Just recently last night, some tags started coming in and there I was on a banner small and large in stores east coast and here! The crazy thing for me is like omg they literally posted a female barber in a sports store like Champs and Footlocker. That’s just wild. I’m stoked and I still have yet to go see it in person somewhere lol Sofie, in one shoot you get to be the Barber Educator, in another you get to be the Barber educating their client on styling tips and products, and in the last shoot you get to express an amazing creative vision. Including the work, I know you have been doing on your fashion range as creator, stylist, videographer and photographer, just how much fun are actually having right now!?
Gosh, I’m really enjoying all of it right now. I love barbering, photography, videography and I’m just very open to accepting any of it as they come into my path. It truly feels like alignment. When things start clicking for us, it’s because we in alignment with our passion and we’re doing what we enjoy and that energy it creates attracts these massive things to you. People don’t understand the stress the last year has been for me in learning video production. I spent a lot of money and time teaching myself how to film and edit. Now fast forward about a year, I’m a different person and my visuals and ideas have evolved, and people are interested in me shooting them. I understand when people want a haircut, but now a photo...a video? it’s a phenomenon to just be here right now truly present. What does it mean to you to be able to exercise your full spectrum of creative skills and technical knowledge skills? THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Creators need to keep creating and expanding in the ways that call to them. These things are called “flow states.” It’s what you do that you get lost in. Time flies when you look up and you don’t know where the time went. Look for those signs and allow them to lead you. It could be one thing; it could be two or three and you should never feel bad to have multiple interests. It exists so much more today than ever before. You do things for fun. While you enjoy the fun, you get really good at it, and then they turn into things that make you money. Ha-ha it’s a win-win!! 19 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
EUROPEAN CORRESPONDENT
BERTUS AKA THE BLOODY BUTCHER WITH REX.A.C.SILVER
Last issue Bertus generously gave us an insight into how he executes his photo shoots with his creative “right arm” photographer Jella Mollema. He passed this knowledge on primarily to give some inspiration to our Barbers submitting entries to our inaugural Australian Modern Barber Awards, I thank him for that, and I hope you enjoyed the piece. Doing his photo shoots and projects may indeed be Bertus’ passion, but it’s not the aspect of his Barbering life that is closest to his heart. “The Old School” is a Barbering institution that attracts students world-wide. Some big talent Barbers from Australia have walked through its doors of course, Jono Tavita Goodwin and Don DeSanctis to name 2 recent alumni.
Let’s have a look at THE 5-DAY MEDIA COURSE We talk to Bertus: THE TEACHER - THE EDUCATOR – THE MASTER TO US BARBER NINJA’S As international travel starts again are you getting students from abroad coming back to the Old School yet? Oh yeah for sure, UK and Europe are back, we actually had a couple of American students coming in recently again too, it’s fantastic. I’m really, really happy. We’re attracting people from all around the world, of course, with The Old School, we got a lot of people from the UK. We got people from Germany, Poland, France, so slowly it’s coming back. So, let’s hope this is a positive. I really hope this is gonna’ continue because the school, at the moment, is really where all my heart is. You know, when it was closed, we did a lot of other work in the school. I just really love to teach. So, I’m very, very happy that we have a full classes again.
“I think it’s our best course. It is very intense, you walk away with photos that are so professional, made by Jella and a knowledge of how to use them through socials.”
You mentioned you did other work during the height of the pandemic and lockdowns for you guy’s, did you do online education or just sort of wait it out a bit? Yeah, no, we waited it out. I’m not a big fan of online classes. I don’t really enjoy them myself. So, if I don’t enjoy something myself, I find it hard to be genuine. If I have to do it and I’m not into it, it’s not going to be a good class. So, what I like to do is make my step-by-step, videos. I just kind of throw online for free, you know, so because you can watch a video and you can learn a lot and learn everything because there’s only one angle. (Roberts step by step videos are raw, unproduced and shot from the chair as if you were standing next to him on the shop floor)
20 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
When you teach a class (live), I want to look people in the eye and be like, hey… come closer. I can say “What do you find hard about this part?” ask questions…. interact! Let me be more precise. I just really love the feeling of teaching a class even more, for me, it’s not like work, it’s definitely a job, don’t get me wrong, but if you ever come to one of my classes, you’ll see that I am really, really involved. I really love my classes. I like to meet the people and as it’s an intense class, I cannot do that online. In a way you are kind of selling out what makes you special, which might work, but it’s not for me. It’s like a hair show, when you get the energy from the audience, you can give it right back, that’s what you want. Online, it is very hard, I mean even with the zoom meetings. I’m just not really into it. What’s your week like when you don’t have a full-time courses or photo commitments going? Oh man, I read a lot, I read so much when I show you my library, there’s a ladder, a swing on a thing. (Robert flicks his computer around for me, he says he has around 10 000 titles) So this is my work library, these are just books about music, photography, everything. I read a lot and I call that work, because you know, it keeps me inspired all the time. Are you on the floor at Schorem anymore taking clients? No, not anymore, I spend time in the school wherever I can. I try to work as much as possible with Jella my photographer. Speaking of Jella, (Rob’s creative partner in crime), we are now looking for a studio, so we want to rent a place and build a headquarters. It’s kind of hard, I thought a lot of places would actually come free after the pandemic but no. I want something close to the shop, but once we do get a place there, we’re going to go full force. Let’s talk about the courses but specifically, the five-day media course you just did. Walk us through that. Well, we already had the two basic courses; the advanced class, and the shaving course and at a certain point, we decided to do this upgraded super intense five-day course. We thought about it and said ‘what are we really good at next to doing haircuts? Social Media!!’ Our social media combined is almost 2 million followers, so we apparently have done something good that we could share. This process includes Jella, of course, who talks and takes the photography but also Petra, who does our business socials, she is amazing. I do my own personal page. That’s what I do. I do my own Instagram, the bloody butcher and I interfere with all the other social media haha! Petra is not just about posting. She is about how to post, when to post, where are the posts going? Because she’s really super professional and knows what’s happening behind everything. So, with the five-day course, the first days are like, okay, so what do you find hard right now? There’s a lot of barbers, for example, that are very good in doing their fades, but find the longer haircuts harder, or maybe the sectioning part. I like drawing a map of the haircut, which can be very handy, especially when you want to do education or whatever. Angles, blah, blah, blah. So, the first few days we work on the mannequins, and we really go like, okay, what do you find hard? cont’d over page 21 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
cont’d from page 21 We’re going to take that and then work on it on the mannequin until it’s fine. For example, flat tops or the longer trims, you know, there’s always something we can use and help them out with it. Then we have a day where I do my demo, really focussing on doing a photo shoot. I show them the difference, explaining this is not a client walking in, this is a model walking in, in the moment. When everyone knows it’s a real model, the whole way of working changes, because you learn to look in angles. What do you want to show? Do you want to sell a product? Do you want to sell a haircut? Do you want to get clients in? Who do you want to reach with this image? Make a plan and find your approach, I find that super interesting. Then I do a demo on how I do my haircut. I show with Jella exactly how I go from the moment that somebody walks into the door to that photo that they’re going to see on my screen. We show every step of the project, from model choice to working on screen with the photographer. We make sure that they get great models that work on photos and talk about how you can find them, explaining how I take my models from the street! I take them out of the Metro, out of the trains, anywhere in fact. I’m not afraid. I’m a professional barber, which I think is great. I have a flyer that says, “Congratulations you glorious bastard! Your mom and dad did a great job because I’ve picked you!” And people just laugh seeing how I have all these models with different haircuts and they could be one to! I’m like, “Hey man! you’re going to get whatever you want, but I’m going to make you famous… even more famous than you already are.” People laugh. I go to schools; I give the flyer to them. I see something amazing in everyone so there is always heaps of choice! Back to the course… Yeah. I talk about Jella and then the last two days work on their models, good looking models, you know, easy to take photos of. They get the photos when they’re done so they can use them for their social media. At the beginning of the course we give them a list of things they will have to do; take photos, make stories on socials, make sure they take photos of the other students in their group. All great practice! On the last day, that’s where Petra comes in and she shows them how to build their stories; what they can do with their models and how they can use them to get more followers, how the images can be repurposed etc. They leave the school with a so much information. Normally they go quiet for a couple of weeks. Then followers start to like and send them messages, and they are like…OMG, I cannot believe it, and I’m like, yeah, you know, it works well! I think it’s our best course. It is very intense, you walk away with photos that are so professional, made by Jella and a knowledge of how to use them through socials. @the_bloody_butcher @theoldschoolbarberingacademy @jelleinmyear @schorembarbier @rex.a.c.silver
22 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
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AUSTRALIAN CORRESPONDENT
ASH WELLER CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
This is the last episode over 4 issues, from Australian Correspondent and 2020 Hot Shot winner, Ash Weller. What an amazing journey this young man has had. What an amazing young man he is!
Spiritual, creative and caring are just some of the very apt adjectives I like to use when talking about Ash. His stories have been great reading and we finish on a high for sure. Please check out his former stories if you haven’t got the hard copies of Barber Shop Magazine, go to issuu.com and read the digital versions. I have to tell you this much, to keep his staff on, he sacrificed his HOME and rendered himself homeless….almost! Ash bought, decked out and has lived in a HiAce Van for the last 8 months. He drove the van from Adelaide to Sydney and back to experience the Hot Shots House and boy did he learn a lot about himself. This is the final chapter of van living for Ash and the beginning of a new chapter for himself, and his staff and business… Firstly, I would like to thank all the readers out there that have been following my year-long correspondence over these 4 issues. I’ve really enjoyed writing my years thoughts and outlooks, sharing collections and future plans with you all, and I’m grateful to have had this space to be super real and deep. I have expressed my thoughts that at times, have been super emotional... but hey! what a year can do when you get backed into a corner (covid). On another note... how cool to have the this all published! 24 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
I look forward to looking back on these articles, what an experience I’ll always cherish! A massive thank you to Rex, Linda and the MOCHA PUBLISHING team for allowing me to dribble on and on, ha-ha it’s been real! Alrighty ladies and gentlemen, let’s take it back to where we left off last issue: Travelling back to Adelaide from the hotshot house, cruising, after an unreal night’s camping under the stairs, full of excitement and drive from the week’s activities and mentor sessions and man, how things have just fallen into place! Well, when I say falling into place, I mean we ‘created opportunity’ and ‘opened the mind’ to all possibilities and then stuff happens!
TEAM TIME
I got back into the shop with a burst of energy and my staff had a look of ‘oh s@#$…’ ha-ha ‘what the hell has Ash come up with!’ I sat everyone down and we did our own ‘breaking barriers’ activities, we all met up at our local Glandore basketball court, (I can’t shoot a hoop for the life of me…but I was showing weakness to make everyone’s walls come down,) we laughed, talked and of course a few beers were had. We wrote down our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats all together and passed each other’s around and had a real raw-talk about our directions, wants and goals. It was such an amazing way to bring everyone down on the same level and to have the floor to be able to talk without a wrong answer or judgment. For me as a boss, it was the best way to gage where everyone is wanting to go or grow in their personal lives and work life and I think that’s super important. And for me to make good, calculated judgments on moves moving forward.
VAN-LIFE AND A SNAP LOCKDOWN
So, a month or so later we entered a week snap lockdown here in SA, I was in my van at a caravan park, so went out and bought all the stuff to keep me entertained through lockdown but… kinda’ got kicked out at the last minute due to their super strict policies. I was driving around for 30 mins till lockdown thinking where the hell am I going to go?! but called up a mate and they let me camp out in their front yard for the week. THANK GOD! I was thinking this lockdown was going to be longer than just a week, so I decided to make better habits then I went in with. And boy did I work my arse off! I somehow found a new shop and house combo literally across the road from my current shop in Glandore, Adelaide! 25 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
cont’d over page
cont’d from page 25
NEW SHOP WITH A LIVING SPACE: EXIT VAN-LIFE
It pays to be a consistent, hardworking and community-based business in your area as everyone in our neighbourhood gave us such high references to our new landlord. (We are tattooed and out there looking characters, so I get it) ha-ha Our current shop is 62m2 and our new shop is a massive 25m2!!!! So, you could say we are downsizing! But not downsizing the workload at all. We’ve even got a garage that’s part of this spot that will be our photography studio! And of course, we will have a darkroom space! This is super exciting as I always wanted to have my creative passions in one place! We will be adding new services and creating a gender-neutral space. Our female Clientele has grown to 20% over the last year I’ve been promoting my love for female hair. Well really, since day dot we’ve been nothing but gender neutral, we feel as a team, the label barbershop limits us for our future plans and direction so watch this space for all things hair! And hey I miss my lady clients Our new space is a super boutique looking frontage and you’ll have to follow us to see what vibe we are going with, it’s going to be a place that’s been inspired by all my travels, simple and creatively. My experience living in a Toyota HiAce van for the past 8 months has definitely played a role in this new space, tiny living and what you have you use.. EVERY LITTLE THING! I would like to say a massive happy 7-year birthday to Born Barbers! I was 24 when I started this shop, a place that was designed to build the Community we have today, a safe house for the area, a place to socialise, and to meet new and exciting people. I built it around passion for all things hair, music, antiques and history. So please enjoy some of these amazing images of where it all came from, next issue BarberShop will drop a page especially for me to show off the new shop!!
SUMMING IT UP
I would love to give a shout out to all within the hair industry that have or currently are in lockdown right now. I really feel for all my hair sisters and brothers affected. It’s affected us all so differently in each state, but I want to confirm that we are all in this covid battle together, We need to band together and push on as we do as resilient hairdressers and barbers, we are a strong breed and always find a way to bring calmness in troubled times to our communities. I end this year-long correspondence hoping you all have the time (which we have all had more time than we ever have) to share kindness, knowledge, resilience and understanding. To be the place your community comes to express, listen and learn. Spread nothing but love and compassion. Kindness is the new currency, Much love, Ash Weller 26 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
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Hairdressing and Beauty Supplies
El Reapers Barber Shop and Shaving Parlour WHO: DAN JAMES LLOYD WHERE: 1/391 THE ENTRANCE RD, LONG JETTY NSW 2261
OWNER DAN
EASY PARKING
BLAKE
MY BARBER STORY GOES LIKE THIS:
KIERA
A RARE BREAK
Although my fascination with barbering started at a young age my career as a barber started with the man who is one of the biggest pioneers of the modern industry Donnie Hawley of Hawleywoods Barber Shop. (California USA) I first came across Donnie in a tattoo magazine in 2008. It was like looking at an older accomplished version of myself. Donnie and his barbers had slick back hair, tattoos from head to toe and represented Cali culture with their swag, lowriders and hot rods. At the time there was no one in Sydney doing this 50s/ Alternative style barbering. So, I managed via email and Skype to get a hold of Donnie and invited myself over to Orange County Cali to meet the man. Stepping into what can only be described as Barber Heaven aka Hawleywoods Barber Shop, I was blown away and overwhelmed by the culture and passion. I decided then I was going to bring this home with me to Sydney. Donnie agreed and gave me his blessing to take his name to Sydney and pioneer a culture. In 2009 Donnie flew to Sydney where he gave us training in proper barbering, dapper dressing, how to run a barber shop and school of Cali culture began. After a few trips from Donnie, I was ready to open and put my passion into my own barber shop. It was a huge success. Many magazine and newspaper articles, radio interviews and tv interviews. The five years I owned and cut in that shop where the best years of my barbering carrier. I then moved to Europe into a different culture of barbering altogether. I spent three years learning and teaching barbering in Budapest. Upon moving back to Australia, the barber culture had dramatically changed. It was extremely flooded and a watereddown version of what I knew as barbering. So, I went in search
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INSIDE
“Our Creative inspiration generally comes from a modern spin on 40s, 50s hairstyles and hip-hop culture.”
of a place where barbering had not yet been flooded and where there was room for a strong barber culture to be built. In 2017 I came across a town called Long Jetty. It had an alternative vibe and a lot of energy. I was lucky enough to find a shop for lease on the corner of a busy intersection. I signed the lease that week and started the fit out. 6 weeks later I opened El Reapers Barber Shop. I infused my love for traditional Chicago barber shops and LA barber shops. The locals having never seen a barber shop like it where intrigued and within a month I was over run and hired my first barber Kiera. The workload was still too big, so I took on my apprentice Ethan and shortly after Blake. The four of us have a strong passion for perfection and quality service. Together we have created a new culture of barbering for the Central Coast that the community loves and supports strongly.
JUICE
THE NAME INSPIRATION AND VIBE INSIDE
The Long jetty area is a hive for alternative people and was in serious need of a fitting barber shop. The name came about from my love for Chicano culture and the strong imagery of the Reaper. The vibe inside is like no other. The classic Art Deco lighting with the dark timber work and mosaic tiling, a long side the street art style of LA makes for an intriguing visual.
THE SUCCESS YOU HAVE ENJOYED FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY/ YOUR CUSTOMERS DAN
Long jetty has an awesome community. I’ve never experienced one as close and friendly anywhere else. Myself accompanied by my three amazing staff have connected strongly with the customers to the point where it’s rare you’ll drive through long jetty and not see our merch on someone’s back. We’ll be around for a long time to come.
A LITTLE ON THE TEAM
The team comprises of myself, Kiera, Ethan and Blake. All different personalities and all special some more special than others ha-ha. Learning the different services, cuts, beard trims and shaves is my highest priority when starting in the shop. I’ve been lucky in which my staff all have a big passion for barbering and learning the culture around it, so it wasn’t a hard job for me.
ETHAN
WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU LOVE AND WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR CREATIVE INSPIRATION FROM?
The only hair product I use is Layrite. This is a product created by my Master Donnie Hawley. It’s been around for a long time and I’m yet to find a product to match it. They have everything from Matt to Shine for hair and the best smelling bay rum on the market. Our Creative inspiration generally comes from a modern spin on 40s, 50s hairstyles and hip-hop culture.
WHAT IS THE EL REAPERS SIGNATURE CUT?
When you come to El Reapers you can get whatever you desire. Every base is covered in here. If I had to express El Reapers in a cut and service, I’d say low skin pompadour into a ducktail and a relaxing hot towel shave. @_el_reapers_barber_shop 31 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
ATTABOY
ADELAIDE SA
WHO: ROBBY LIPPETT – 33YO WHERE: RICHMOND – 251 RICHMOND RD, RICHMOND KENT TOWN – 20 THE PARADE WEST, KENT TOWN UNLEY – 285 UNLEY RD, MALVERN Your Barber Story, hair history, beginnings to now…Go! I have just ticked over 4 years in the industry. Before hair, I was the general manager of several large hotels in SA. My parents have been in the hair game for the past 45 years, so I have always been around and had a huge passion for it. I always wanted to be a hairdresser but was too distracted by my sporting commitments and a general manager salary. My best friend (Mat Johnson, who owns the salon MJ by Mat Johnson) said to me “it’s never too late to learn!” I resigned that day and started as an apprentice at a family friend’s salon on my 29th birthday. Previous diplomas and qualifications helped get me on the tools very quickly. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and obsessed over men’s hair. The day I became qualified, I registered Attaboy and started looking for a shop space. When and how was the shop started, the name inspiration and vibe inside…Tell all… Attaboy – “aussie slang, for a word given when you do a damn good job” I opened Attaboy in January 2019. It was just me, with 1 chair, 1 mirror and a pot plant, set up in an industrial area, 5 kms west of the CBD and in front of my friend’s café in Richmond, called Karma & Crow. All our shops have the same vibe - industrial, but clean and simple. Big floor to ceiling mirrors (2400x1000), polished concrete and a jungle of plants. Attaboy was created on the way that I, the modern man, wanted to have my hair done. I didn’t want to call up, I didn’t want to wait an hour +, I didn’t want to sit in an environment that was intimidating. I want my hairdresser or barber to be qualified. So, we made the experience as simple as possible. You can book online or via social media; appointments meant you could walk in at an allocated time and not wait. We are all qualified and we shampoo, the vibes are easy going, there’s tap beer, barista made coffee, $50 seeya later! Fast forward, 2.5 years, Richmond, the 1st of the 3 Attaboys, now has 6 barber stations, 4 hairdressings stations, 4 basins, full colour service, a full team of qualified barbers and hairdressers. At Attaboy, we focus on everything BUT the haircut. Which sounds weird, but you can see that vibe on our social media. It’s about CULTURE. We know we have extremely talented staff that always deliver great work on the daily. We are quality over quantity. We don’t rush our services, we offer a huge amount of care and respect, which means, going to Attaboy is like going to your best mate’s house. It feels like home. The success you have enjoyed with your local community lead to opening more locations. Tell us more… To be honest, I didn’t want a second, yet alone 3rd location. But Adelaide is small, and word of mouth is the best form of advertising. We also support so many local sports teams, we drag the barber chair to some big events in Adelaide – RCC (Royal Croquet Club) music festivals, The Beer & BBQ Fest, we also do pop ups at local breweries, product launches, fashion events and get involved in as much charity work and fundraising as we can. Opportunities pop up for the business and we decide to jump on them. Our friends joke, “If there’s a popular trendy coffee shop, Attaboy is close by,” which is kind of true. All 3 of our locations are
attached to busy little coffeehouses. I also own “Loxley” which is the coffee shop located next to our Kent Town shop. People will go for a coffee and notice us and there’s a big chance they will book with us when they’re next due, or mum can sit in the café while the kids get their hair done, or you can meet family and friends after for lunch. The businesses work hand in hand. Hair keeps growing, and people are addicted to coffee. A few of us at Attaboy have become fond of Golf and started talking about it with clients. Turns out many of our clients enjoy a beer and hack around – so we decided to host our own “ATTABOY GOLF DAY” We booked out a local golf course, clients would play with a teammate, we hired some buses, 36 golf carts and turned up with 90+ for our first event. The event was such a success that we now run it 3 times a year and expected to exceed 100+ clients/ players. – Once again, creating that culture of “it’s not about the haircut” Attaboy internal workings… We now have 3 locations with a team of 16 + myself + my operations manager. Internal education is HUGE for any salon. You need to invest in your staff and your business. Tom Wynn, who manages our Richmond one and is pretty much a hair wizard and runs all our internal education. When new staff join Attaboy we need to make sure they’re up to our standards or show
32 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
potential to get there. Tom works individually with our seniors and juniors to make sure that everyone is building confidence, polishing up on their skills and getting outside their comfort zone. We also like to bring in our friends into the industry to do some hands on or a look and learn with our team. For example, Jules Tognini from liloffthetop, Jordan Tabakman from The Barber Club, Tim & Jasmine from Paragon Studio and Eion McCarthy from Area Studio. Recently we invited Luke McLean – who is a local Men’s mental health coach, to chat and educate our team about their own mental health and how to react/recognise when our clients may need a little more than a haircut. Please share any accolades you have received or awards etc… We haven’t looked into awards too much yet, but I think we may have some fun in the future. Luke Munn, from our Kent Town store, won the ‘Global’ award for the 2020 American Crew All Star challenge and Zac Efron had his haircut several times by us! What products do you use and love and where do you draw your creative inspiration from? We’re all about sustainability and using natural and local products. When styling, we try and keep it very simple – purely so the client can recreate at home. Sea salt and a texture dust is always a big mover. We stock “Yeah Good Oil” which is a beard oil driven by essential oils that lowers depression, lowers anxiety and has a libido in it, so it gives you a bit of ‘how ya goin.’ It sells extremely well… and I also own it! As cheesy as this sounds, we draw our inspiration from the people we cut next to - our team members. I am so proud of my team and baffled at how talented some of them are. Don’t get me wrong, social media is great, but that’s Lalaland. Photoshop is ruining our industry and setting the standards too
high, which is resulting in a lack of confidence or even worse losing passion because “I’ll never be that good!” What is your signature service at Attaboy? We love our colour - and have quickly become the go-to for men who want to have some fun with the top and as much as I hats to say it, the mullet! After Luke Munn won his global award with an Aussie Classic, we quickly became responsible for a huge percentage of mullets in Adelaide – even Zac Efron got a mullet!! Where do you see Barbering/Men’s Grooming going in the next few years? I see fades dropping off fairly quickly. Soft Tapers. Feather razors getting used more. Guys starting to grow their hair and embracing their natural curls. Perm requests are already happening! Colour numbers to grow. I think we should all gather and boycott the fade. Your plans to keep Attaboy at the forefront of these changes in the moving forward of the industry? If someone told me 2.5 years ago that Attaboy would have 3 locations with 16+ in our team, plus a coffeeshop with 8 staff – I would of laughed, and then slapped them, and laughed again. The growth has come down to our environment and culture. Our circus is filled with good people and good people only. We don’t care how quick you can cut or how many cuts you can do in a day… good on you! If you’re not a genuine good-human-being with a love for this beautiful industry – then we’re not your kind. I’ll continue to think outside the box and focus on everything but the haircut. @attaboy_hair @attaboy_kenttown @_robin_of_loxley
Male Escape Gentleman’s Grooming
At Male Escape Gentleman’s Grooming, Kenmore, Brisbane, owners, Alan and Nicky Rose, say that whatever your style and whatever your hair type, you’ll leave feeling like the Freshest Prince of Bel-(H)air. Opening his first barbershop in the UK at the age of 21 on the south coast, Alan ran a successful business there for ten years, before deciding to sell up for the warmer location of Brisvegas. He and his wife Nicki then opened the very successful Male Escape Gentlemans Grooming in Kenmore which has been open just over 15 years. We spoke to Alan to find out more… WHAT’S THE VIBE INSIDE? Funky, trendy and vibrant. Pops of orange tie in with the graffiti wall and colourful personalities inside! Appointments are essential and always booked out on a daily basis! THE SUCCESS YOU HAVE ENJOYED The fact that the business is still operational after 15 years is a testament to good staff, a well run business and loyal clientele. A LITTLE ON THE TEAM As a husband and wife duo, we work alongside a dedicated team including Ken and Stephen who have been with us collectively for 8 years now. Ken has been with the team for 7 years and within the industry for over 30! Stephen has been with the crew for a year and
within the industry for over 30 years also. We are bessed to have such an experienced team! A SIGNATURE SERVICE Our pamper package, which includes, hair-cut, facial scrub, cutthroat shave and a beer! Clients visit for this package on a frequent basis, for not only a relax but also special occasion, buck, weddings and a general catch up with the crew! WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU USE AND LOVE American Crew of course! We started using Crew over 20 years ago in the UK and continue to use in store today. Favourites are the all-time classic Fiber and we absolutely love the New Matte Clay for styling We absolutely love the fact that there is a product for every hair, body and face requirement within the Crew range! TREND FORECAST FOR UPCOMING YEAR We are finally seeing mullets disappear, but will re-appear more to support the mullets for suicide prevention month in September. For the upcoming we forecast that a lot shorter styles will appear again and a lot of skin fade requests and curtains disappearing.
34 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
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EXCLUSIVE TO TOMMY GUN’S
SCUMBAG SHOWDOWN 62 ENTRANTS 1 WINNER… LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… THE WINNER IS ABDUL RAFAY
Supported by Reuzel, Tommy Guns recently held a competition among their crew of barbers across Australia. The mission? Create inspired cuts and styles, using the Reuzel range - a true Scumbag Showdown! Abdul Rafay won the showdown and took away an impressive prize pool including flights and accommodation to Brisbane where he undertook an editorial photoshoot, won an exclusive interview with Barbershop magazine, and had 1:1 education sessions with Tommy Gun’s National Educator Fraser Forsey and Scumbassador Jono Goodwin. HOG-YEA!
36 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
ABDUL RAFAY Tommy Gun’s Scumbag Showdown Winner ABDUL RAFAY Tommy Gun’s Scumbag Showdown Winner
Please give us a history of your Barber career so far. I have been a barber and stylist for Barber many years. from India, and Please give us a history of your careerI am so far. I worked thereabefore to Australia. I have Ibeen working two I have been barbercoming and stylist for many years. am from India,for and I years at Tommy Guns,coming Marion.toI Australia. really appreciate and thank myfor boss worked there before I have been working two Katrina giving me theMarion. opportunity to participate this competition, years for at Tommy Guns, I really appreciate in and thank my boss and I would theme thank everyone fortotheir supportinand Katrina for like giving the opportunity participate this love. competition, and I would like to thank everyone for their support and love. I chose this career because I like creativity and I have always had a passion for Barbering. This, for me,creativity is the best platform createhad I chose this career because I like and I have to always something and make people lookisgood and platform feel special. a passionunique, for Barbering. This, for me, the best to create something unique, and people look you goodhave and afeel special. It was very challenging in make the start but when passion for It was very itchallenging the easy. start but when you have a passion for something, makes youratway something, it makes your way easy. A big congratulations on the win Abdul, 62 entrants from the A big Guns congratulations the win Abdul, 62 entrants from the Tommy group, howon exciting was the process for you? Tommy Gunsand group, exciting waspeople. the process for ayou? I love my team theyhow are all amazing We have very I lovebond my team they are all amazing people. We together have a very strong strong withand each other, and we enjoy working a lot. bond with we enjoy together aWe lot.all Tommy Tommy Gunseach haveother, done and a superb job inworking the competition. Guns have done a superb the competition. We allso have have such a positive attitudejob andinrespect for each other the such wholea positivewas attitude respect for each so the whole process was process very and exciting amongst theother competitors. The comradery very exciting amongst the competitors. The comradery and support and support was fantastic. was fantastic. I really enjoyed the shoot and worked without any stress. Using the I reallyproducts enjoyedcertainly the shoot and worked any stress. Usinghair the Reuzel helped as theywithout are designed for every Reuzel products certainly helped as they are designed for every hair type and for anyone to use. Also, as a barber I need to educate myself type and with for anyone to use. Also, as a barberfashion I need to educate myself constantly new hairstyle trends, current and techniques, constantly with new hairstyle trends, current fashion and techniques, to help me connect more and more with clients so watching the original to help me connect more and more with clients so watching the Ruezel Scumbassador’s shows and events certainly helped me. original Reuzel shows and events certainly helped me. How have you enjoyed using the Reuzel range in the shop and on How have you enjoyed using the Reuzel range in the shop and on the shoot and what’s your favourite product? the shoot and what’s your favourite product? All the Ruezel products are the best! I use all of them! I do really like All the Reuzel products are the best! I use all of them! I do really like the Extreme and for for long long lasting lasting the ExtremeHold HoldMatte MattePomade Pomadefor for aa messy messy look look and hold. I like the Matte Texture Powder for thickness and volume, in fact fact I hold. I like the Matte Texture Powder for thickness and volume, in used these on on thethe model onon thethe shoot, but they are I used these model shoot, but they arevery veryeasy easytotouse usefor everyone. EveryEvery product worksworks for every hair type every style style and for everyone. product for every hair on type on every gives authentic look and and an gives an authentic lookfeel. and feel.
The look that won the Scumbag Showdown The look that won the Scumbag Showdown
Let’s talk about the shoot, tell us about your experience on set. the shoot, tell your experience set. ILet’s was talk veryabout excited searching forus theabout right model, although Ion didn’t Ifind was very excited searching for the right model, although I didn’t one till the last minute! I was very fortunate that I got him the find before one tillthe theshoot, last minute! I was “right, very fortunate that Iisgot theto day so I thought the pressure on!him I have day before the shoot, sofor I thought “right, the pressure is on! produce a great haircut this competition”... so I did my job.I have to produce a great haircut for this competition” ... so I did my job. Everyone appreciated my work during the photoshoot, and I felt very Everyone appreciated my work during the photo shoot, and I felt happy and satisfied with my work. It was a wonderful experience very happy and satisfied with my work. It was a wonderful experience having a fantastic photographer that made the personality of the having a fantastic photographer that made the personality of the model model transform. His ideas and plan for the shoot were amazing. transform. His ideas and plan for the shoot were amazing. What a beauty! Every detail was captured in the photos. What a beauty! Every detail was captured in the photos. How did it feel when you received a personal video from your How didHeroes’ it feel when youBertus received a personal video from your Barber Leen and celebrating your win? Barber Heroes’I Leen and Bertus when celebrating win? It felt amazing! was so surprised I found your out that I had won Itthe felt amazing! I Iwas surprised when I found like out this, that and I hadI never won the competition. havesonever had an opportunity competition. have never an opportunity like andand I never win anything!I Ha-Ha! But I had do feel so very proud ofthis, myself, I waswin anything! Ha-Ha! Butable I doto feel myself, and Winning I was very very fortunate to be beso thevery partproud of theofcompetition. fortunate befeel able to be the part oftowards the competition. has madetome more responsible my work. Winning has made me feel more responsible towards my work. I am forever watching the video where they announced me as the Iwinner! am forever watching themuch. videoI where they of announced meI as It inspires me so feel proud myself when seethe my winner! inspires talking me so about much.me. I feel of myself when I it’s seenot my favouriteIt Barbers It’sproud a wonderful feeling... favourite Barbersintalking easy to express words.about me. It’s a wonderful feeling... it’s not easy to express in words. Leen and Bertus are excellent people and very knowledgeable in this Leen andBarbers Bertus are excellent people knowledgeable in this industry. learn a lot from them,and andvery we are blessed to have industry. Barbers a lot from them,barber. and we are blessed to have them. They are anlearn inspiration for every them. They are an inspiration for every barber. In a recent zoom meeting for BarberShop Magazine, I took the opportunity to askmeeting Bertus ‘The Bloody Butcher’ if he would In a recent zoom for BarberShop Magazine, I tookcare the to finish thistopiece off with‘The a comment. Here is what he hadcare to opportunity ask Bertus Bloody Butcher’ if he would sayfinish to Abdul to this Rafay… piece off with a comment. Here is what he had to say about Abdul Rafay… Hi Abdul, this is Rob, I just want to say your entry was spot on, spot on!Abdul, To findthis balance in doing this kind of work a shoot is admirable. Hi is Rob, I just want to say your for entry was spot on, spot on! This is not the same as working clientfor in athe shop. theThis To find balance in doing this kindonofawork shoot is Between admirable. model andsame clothes, photographer and Between lighting, allowing is not the as working working with on aaclient in the shop. the model us all to trulyworking see your work, this is something that takes yearsustoall and clothes, with a photographer and lighting, allowing perfect and your your work maturity. Well to truly see work,has thisthat is something thatdone takesAbdul!! years to perfect and - Robert Butcher. your workThe hasBloody that maturity. Well done Abdul!! - Robert The Bloody Butcher.
@tommygunsaus 37 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
@reuzel
@thebarbierecompany
2021 AHIA CREATIVE Best Men’s Hair Specialist
Anthony Staltari with Rex A.C. Silver
Anthony’s journey into men’s hair is quite an amazing story, so is the tale of how he did this collection. He told his place of work he was going to London to do a cutting course and came back with this amazing body of work. It seemed Anthony had it all worked out and pulled of this feat with military precision. This is a young man with great talent, creative vision and drive. Let’s get to know him a little better shall we… To kick things off, can you give us a brief summary of your career so far? I began cutting hair in my garage for my friends when I was 14 and this is when my passion began. After a year I started posting photos of my haircuts on an Instagram page. Don De Sanctis the owner of Barber Boys came across my Instagram page and contacted my high school to offer me an apprenticeship. At age 16 I left school and began my apprenticeship with Barber Boys and never looked back. I entered my first barber competition at age 17 as a second-year apprentice. I entered the Senior Men’s Hairdresser category in South Australia and ended up winning. After winning this competition I had a drive to enter more competitions. I found barber competitions interstate and travelled there to participate. One of my achievements was winning the Australian barber title. After winning the Australian Barber title in Sydney my sponsors decided to send me to New York to participate
in one of the largest barber competitions in the world. It was such a privilege to be part of this and to meet so many people within the industry. I didn’t get a win, but it was definitely an amazing experience. I was also lucky enough to travel to Las Vegas. I then decided I wanted to focus on education which was something I really have a passion for. My first experience educating was at the Melbourne Hair Expo at age 17. I was told just to demonstrate a haircut and explain how to use the clippers. After this my sponsors regularly sent me to educate interstate. I was also able to educate in China and New Zealand. I could never have imagined when I started my career at the age of 16 where this industry would take me, it has enabled me to travel to so many places and educate. I have put in a lot of hard work to achieve this and have been very lucky and honoured to had so many opportunities in past 7 years. In 2019 and 2020 I entered a collection in the Australian Awards and resulted as a finalist for each category I entered. I was determined to work harder and to create a winning collection. In 2020 I decided to travel to London for my collection as I believed it provided the best resources available for the collection I wanted to create.
38 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
When creating my collection I wanted to do something quite modern, and this is why I chose this particular model suited for a fade and a classic look without sharpening the hairline too much.
I chose this textured crop as I was inspired by the strong British style. I believe that simple texture always pops especially with good facial structures.
Winning this award was a dream come true, I worked so hard on this collection. Being a finalist twice over the last two years to winning was just such an amazing experience. When I started barbering as a first-year apprentice, I had a drive to get on the AHIA stage. It took a lot of hard work and after-hours practicing. I am also so thankful for the help and encouragement I received along the way from my mentors Don De Sanctis, Lou Fimmano & Johnny Georgiou from Barbery the Craft of a Barber. Please tell us how you prepared for your winning collection. I originally had a few ideas in my head as to what I wanted the shoot to look like. I began by purchasing mannequins and practiced different ideas, cutting and styling over and over until I was satisfied with 6 different styles. I then picked out elements where I thought I was lacking, one thing being blunt cutting. I am fortunate enough to have a sponsor, Tony Scarfo, who is a very successful Hairdresser and asked him for some one-on-one training where we practised on different hair textures and lengths until it was perfected. I also contacted Charlie Cullen a barber and educator in London who I admire for his talent. When I arrived in London I met up with Charlie and practised medium length styling where I was able to learn some amazing techniques. From this I was able to make some small tweaks to improve some of my styles. Who did you collaborate with? I had always wanted to work with Kevin Luchmun as a photographer, which is what drove me to fly to London for the photoshoot. I have followed Kevin on social media for years and have always admired his work. I also picked Kevin because he is not only a photographer but also a barber, with this in mind I thought he would know exactly how to make the shoot work and I could not have made a better choice. Kevin had given me a few names of stylists and makeup artists in London, I then looked over their work on their social media accounts and picked the people who I thought would work best with the idea I had in mind for the shoot. The selection of models was quite a difficult process, firstly I got in contact with a model agency over in London. I created a mood board of all the models with hair textures I was looking for. They then sent me a variety of different models back and forth until I found six which I was happy with. When I arrived in London a few models that I selected had pulled out which was stressful. I then worked with the agency to find some last-minute models, thankfully it all worked out in the end. cont’d oover page
With this model once he was dressed, I completely changed my original idea of soft curls. Noticing his strong jaw line, I decided to do a centre part to emphasise his features.
Anthony Staltari & Kevin Luchmun
cont’d from page 39
This was the model that I was most worried about, however it ended up being one of my favourite photos. I wanted something different with this model having bright orange hair with the glasses. I also used a technique where the hair goes from wet to dry.
How many shoots like this have you done and how did this one differ? Prior to this collection I had done several photoshoots in Adelaide, but I had a limitation in the selection of models for the styles that I wanted to create. This was another reason as to why I choose to go to London and go all out with this shoot. I knew I had a huge selection of models I could choose from and that I would be able to create what I wanted. Everything in this collection worked exactly to my imagination from the models to the styling and makeup I was happy and confident with the final product. How did the shoot go for you and did it meet expectations? The photoshoot involved the evolving of all the ideas I had in mind. When I brought some to life they didn’t look as effective as I imagined on camera, so I had to change it up and try different things until eventually achieved the looks I wanted. One of my favourite shots was by luck, I remember I started this style it wasn’t turning out as I had hoped, I then wet his hair and began to comb out the style I had created and as I was doing this it created a really effective look, so I decided to shoot it and it turned out great! The studio for the photoshoot was quite open and we used a lot of natural light. Around 4pm it got quite dark and hard to see, I used my mobile phone for additional lighting to help me finish doing the fade.
With this collection I really wanted to do a mullet and found it challenging to find the right model. A couple of days before the shoot I got a call from the modelling agency with someone suitable. I went for a very blunt fringe using the length at the back to create a natural flow.
Which part of the process did you enjoy the most? The most enjoyable part of this collection was being able to travel internationally. Travelling to London meant I was able to meet all my hairdressing icons; people who I had always followed and admired on social media. Not only was I able to meet them but I was able to collaborate ideas and work with them to create my dream collection. I was only 21 years old at the time so being able to create my collection in another country was overall such an amazing experience for me. During the trip I witnessed new hair innovations, quite to different to Australia which gave me ideas on new styles I could create on different textures of hair. I was also able to provide them with new ideas and skills that they had not previously seen before. The skills I have learnt I have taken home with me and use today. So, are you hooked? Will we see more collections and entries in competition and awards in the future? Absolutely, I love the feeling of being on set and working on hair at such a creative level. It is something I want to definitely keep doing and pushing myself to be more creative and keep learning to be the best I can be. What an honour it was to present this award on stage in Sydney to Anthony. I look forward to seeing what comes next from this great talent. Ed-Rex @anthonystaltari @barberboysau
40 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
With this model I wanted the style to steer away from barbering techniques and do something different with longer hair. Using blow drying techniques to create a soft bob to enhance the model’s facial features.
THE ORIGINAL REDESIGNED STYLING + TEXTURISING + HOLD
LAUNCHING AUGUST 2021 INTERESTED TO KNOW MORE? PH: 1300 768 264 E: INFO@MUKHAIR.COM WWW.MUKHAIR.COM IG @MUKHAIRCARE_GLOBAL
AMERICAN CREW ALL STAR CHALLENGE 2021 AUSTRALIAN WINNER
Stephanie Pfalzgraf Kings Domain Melbourne
The American Crew All-Star Challenge brings more than 20 years of brand leadership and history, consisting of individual in-country judging panels to select national winners, annually, who then move forward to participate in the Global competition. Stephanie Pfalzgraf
Barbershop Editor Rex A.C. Silver caught up with the 2021 Australian Winner Stephanie Pfalzgraf
Firstly congratulations on winning the Australian competition and Wow!, the first female ever to do so! How does that double title feel? Thank you! I’m feeling really grateful for this opportunity. For me, it’s not so much about titles. I’m not chasing any form of validation because of my gender, or to prove what I’m capable of. I simply enjoy the process of creating and like to explore different mediums to express my thoughts/reflections. I paint a lot, take photos - obviously, I do hair - sometimes I write. I just dig the creative journey. I like to think that I’m here to disrupt and being the first female to receive this title is honouring. Contributing to the change, I like to see is invaluable. Opening up different perspectives and perhaps new ways for others is indescribable. We are finally stepping away
from - in my eyes - meaningless ‘norms’. No one should get reduced to their gender or sexuality with regards to their capability, intelligence nor strength. We are all humans at the end of the day, we all have the same worth. There is also no such thing as winning or losing for me. People get caught up in a race, which they create but does not exists. So, they envy other people’s success and happiness and wonder why they feel miserable. They chase something which starts from within. What makes me happy doesn’t mean it will make you happy and vice versa. I see this as an opportunity to grow, to expand my horizon, to explore within myself and I would like to share this with everyone in the industry since we all learn from and with each other. Please share your Barber Journey with us… It just happened, perhaps a fortunate coincidence. After highschool, I studied Graphic Design, finished my studies, worked in it for a little and decided to leave Germany and go on an adventure. After a few months traveling through Southeast Asia, I decided to take a break from Graphic Design. Came to Australia, had a few more adventures, and still no clue what I’m going to do with myself. When I arrived in Melbourne, I got introduced to Pavlos and Carmel Divitaris (the founders of BIBA). Without Pavlos and Carmel, I would not be here
42 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
Stephanie with Cristobal de la Rubia, Marketing Director American Crew/Revlon Professional Australia
and do what I do. They provided me a home, tools and knowledge, a new foundation, for which I’m forever thankful. I finished my Barber Course with BIBA sometime in 2016, worked for BIBA/Fleet Street for a year and after that, it was time for a new challenge and joined Kings Domain end of 2017. In the past 4,5 years, I got introduced to so many amazing people from all over the world. It’s a never-ending process of learning, and I’m grateful for everyone who shared their time and knowledge with me. I haven’t entered many competitions, to be honest. Neither do I take photos of my work for my socials. I’m pretty lowkey and create mainly for myself, and for my own sanity. I entered the American Crew All Star Challenge in 2020 for the first time and became a finalist with my look, which was really cool to see. I actually did not want to enter for 2021. I was going through a lot of changes in my private life and was in a bad headspace back then, but I also knew creating or shifting my energy to something that brings me joy will improve my inner state of mind. Tell us about the inspiration for your winning submission? We have been facing a radical change over the past few months. A shift happened in our external and internal world. With uncertainty came a lot of clarity. A fundamental change of our basic concepts is unfolding, and society’s norms are slowly fading. I wanted to create an effortless look, showcasing the individual without the limitation of gender and bias. Over
the past year, I found beauty in surrendering, accepting, and embracing what we currently have instead of wishing for more, trying to change things that are out of my control, furthermore, constructing an illusion just to please society. My model William has beautiful natural curls, strong but also more delicate facial features which I wanted to highlight. I created this look with square layers and incorporated lots of texture to break up the solid form and to enhance his curls. I decide to leave his hairline natural for a softer/feminine touch instead of working against nature and creating harsh lines around the ears and neck. For styling, I used a mix of Tech Series Control Foam and Fibre Cream to add volume and texture to his hair but also to define his curls. As finishing product, I used Alternator to add slightly more shine to his hair. How excited are you for the next steps in the American Crew All Star Challenge? (Stephanie is now competing against five other finalists from around the world to take home the title of ‘The best up-and-coming barber in the WORLD) I’m not too sure what the next steps are but I’m down for the ride. Haha! @americancrewoz @kingsdomainbarbers Photography @stevenpinirou Portrait of Stephanie shot by @ellielouisecoker Behind the scenes images @tomcoburn_
43 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
SPOTLIGHT on RICKY ZIZZA
Changing Lives for the Better This is the first installation in a new permanent feature in BarberShop where we shine a spotlight on some remarkable people in our industry and celebrate how Barbering changes lives. No two Barber Stories are the same. This issue we meet an incredibly talented young Barber who came from very trying beginnings to say the least, he valiantly rose above great obstacles to be who he is today. An award-winning Barber and Educator, Brand Ambassador and visionary of programs to help those from similar backgrounds in the future, and that’s just his professional life! *Some people may find some parts of this article difficult to read
LET’S MEET, RICKY ZIZZA… I want to share my story so if anyone out there is going through what I went through or similar events, they know they can keep pushing and that they can achieve great things.
Growing up was quite an experience and I know that everyone has their story and their own motivation and lessons for the actions they take, and I guess this is mine. This is more of a story of what shaped my mind and my motivation to who I am today and why I will not stop pushing to grow not only in my career in Barbering that I love so much, but as a person as well As a young kid my family was torn, and I was surrounded by drugs, abuse and violence plus much more. My parents were great, but they had to make some decisions with their career that were not favourable to say the least, but they did everything they could for us. When I was 10yrs old my father died in my arms and that is something I will never forget, I always remember him saying “you can do more “and that stuck with me. Not long after that my sisters and I were all taken away and split up to different homes due to my mother at the time obviously suffering from the loss of our father. I remember bouncing from home to home many, many times and everything from abuse to being neglected with a few gems here and there, but overall, it was a terrible experience, and I was very lost as a child I remember one time after school, a friend of mine asked “can you cut hair?” which I had never thought about, so I proceeded to do it and honestly, it wasn’t great but there was something that made me want to get much better at it. I occasionally did his hair a few more times after school. Fast forward to high school, I was a very angry kid and struggled with 44 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
school, but I had a great group of mates. We were about 14 and started doing a few cuts from home on the weekend to be able to fund things we were into back then; shoes, clothes etc. At around the age of 15 I finally found a great foster home; the last resort home for kids who get out of detention centres for youth etc. but some people that really helped shape me for the better were Dan, Kate, Ash, Lisa, Dottie, Jenny, Pete and Ross. Once I left that foster home I unfortunately went on an extremely bad downwards spiral drugs, fights, parties you name it. I lost many of my best friends to suicide or overdosing. When I was about 18, I got into a serious altercation and got sentenced to 6 months in prison due to this, but the weirdest part was when I went in there, I saw almost everyone I grew up with and some people that I knew from my childhood. Right then and there in that moment I wanted to change, and I wanted to break the chains. I wanted to be someone to help change lives not only for others but myself and my family as well. Weirdly enough I did a lot of cuts in there and that’s how I gained a lot of respect from quite a few people. Once all that was over, I got a place back home in Yeppoon and really started focusing on getting better at cutting hair with what I had at the time. At some point cyclone Marcia swept my entire town to pieces and I made a decision to move to Brisbane and had the mental support from Dan and Lisa, whom I mentioned earlier. After getting turned away by many, I came across this little shop in Enoggera called AT. Hair. They gave me a shot as a hairdresser and gave me a massive boost, launched my career and much more.
Obviously being so close to the army barracks I was doing a lot of men cuts. During this time my mother passed away and this was probably my lowest point mentally, but it also pushed me to want to do more. I did my double apprenticeship trade certificates at the Brisbane School of Hairdressing and the Brisbane School of Barbering As I was learning, and because the shop is close to the army barracks, they would always give me the men’s cuts as they knew that I gravitated towards that and had a keen interest in Barbering. A few boys are still my clients and friends to this day. So, I kept doing everything I could to focus on every weak point I had and did my absolute best to improve on that; a method I am still using to improve myself to this current day. I believe it’s something that we will always do - push ourselves to be better than we were yesterday. My bosses and manager and my good friends Alex, Harry and Sarah started encouraging me at one point to compete in the Brisbane Expo for men’s cutting and to my surprise I won, I came 1st!
That’s where I first met Mark and Vicki from iCandy Scissors Australia. They gave me a set of personally engraved shears to celebrate the achievement, which I still use today. My flame grew even more then and I transferred into Barbering and completed a double trade Cert 3. During that period, I was honoured to meet Paul, Gaye and Kirbz and the team at Andis Clippers Australia, they saw what I had to offer in Sydney when I was competing. A few months after that I got a call, and it was Paul asking if I was interested in helping them at the Brisbane Hair Expo. I obviously was going to do what it takes to be there I had been working so hard to try and team up with them. The entire team was amazing. After the event I got asked what my goals were and following a few discussions, to my shock they offered me the opportunity to be an Australian Andis Clippers Ambassador with a future opportunity to be an educator, which has always been one of my goals. I definitely took them up on that offer as I use Andis and love the company and what they are about. Fast forward again, I had the honour of doing many demonstrations for Andis, even doing the Queensland grand release of my favourite clippers the Cordless Masters and teaching some incredible people. Sharing the stage with amazingly talented barbers such as Anthony Staltari, who I have become great friends with, and Shella Thornton who also has a shop in Brisbane, both are international educators for Andis, but also, I have become good friends with many of the Andis AU, UK and USA teams from Baldy, to Sean Casey. It’s a great family. I have many more goals with Andis, which hopefully one day I can share. Also, I have recently been approached by Mark from iCandy Scissors Australia and now I am one of the iCandy Scissors All Stars. iCandy also have many extremely talented and inspiring Hairdressers and Barbers on their team. It’s great honour to be a part of that incredible crew! Mark and Vicki Konrad over the years, have shown support throughout my career, from the very first time they met me and I am very grateful for that. So, what I would say to someone that maybe going through similar things in their life or have feelings/thoughts with some internal demons… Don’t let your past determine who you are or what you can achieve. In every situation in life there is a lesson to be learned, good and bad. How you react to those lessons will determine who you are by how you take the next step. Choose wisely. I find that coming from an early hairdressing background and then going into barbering 45 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
was a great transition because you find that a lot of the different techniques from hairdressing can be used in the craft of barbering. It’s also great to see a lot of clients getting experimental with their hair trying new things, colour and style wise! Currently I’m a sole trader at Chop Spot studio so that essentially means I can be my own boss, pick my hours and allows time for content creation on my personal projects as well as the flexibility to educate and when things improve, travel and educate. It’s a rent a chair situation which works perfectly. There’s an incredible crew at Chop Spot, talented and more of a family vibe, which I love. As for my future goals, Well…. It is my dream to be able to educate globally but more importantly I want to have a foundation for foster kids and kids out of juvenile detention centres. Here I hope to change lives and teach them about a career that I believe kept me alive through hard times and has offered me the opportunity to share my work with like-minded and talented people across the world. I want to not just be a Barber, but I want to change lives for the better. @zizza_barber @icandyscissorsaustralia @andisclippers If this article was a trigger for you and you feel like reaching out: Headspace 1800 560 890
STRAIGHT OUTTA barber school WHO: BALIN BURNS. AGE 21. WHERE: UGLY MEN’S ASSOCIATION BARBER & SHAVE SHOP PERTH WA
It’s important to give back to the industry by bringing newbies in and having them feel the pain, by teaching them a skill that will provide them a futrure with endless possibilities. It’s also important we recognise these leaders of tomorrow by celebrating their early success and that’s what we do right here.
been there through my apprenticeship I have worked with the team closely and feel I have contributed to the shop and its growing form in my own way.
Balin, tell us a bit about yourself: I’m not originally from Perth myself I’m from a small country town in the Great Southern part of W.A. called Denmark where I grew up in a coastal country town setting for 17 years of my life. If you weren’t enjoying the ocean back home, it was the forest’s or just relaxing in the dam that’s when it wasn’t raining. School gave me a lot of experiences however I left in year 11 to move to Perth after getting accepted into a college where I finished year 12 as the new kid on the block, which was an interesting experience but fortunately I get along with most. I shared a house with my older brother and looked after myself in the city and it had its ups and downs, tough lessons also but probably the best thing I did for my future. Fast forward two years I’m a hospitality worker in the Hills region of Perth for most the time I was in Pert until I went on a trip to Japan for two weeks. Whilst I was on holiday my restaurant called me and said they closed down for renovations while I was away, so I didn’t have a job to come back to. That was proceeded by a rut in life as being jobless and without director gets confusing. However, I found a hidden away shop at the bottom of the stairs that was looking for a no-experience apprentice and that is when my path was crossed with Uglymen’s Barber & Shave Shop, which is my barbershop and second home in Perth. In the time that I have
Why Barbering? What drew you to Men’s Grooming? I stumbled across barbering through a barber apprenticeship advertisement when I was jobless and on the back foot. Barbering as a skill let alone as a craft or an art is the freedom of expression through hair. It can be artistic, or it can be practical or both. It’s the joy of artistic problem solving which stems my passion and interest. While also being able to offer support in the form of a conversation for all, be it regulars or one-off walk-ins, it’s the mesh of the two that make it for me. Tell us about WA Barber Apprentice of the Year, a massive achievement congratulations! As we all know covid has affected many and interrupted much, however having a reason to motivate myself every morning through my apprenticeship, and the offer of learning new skills was all I needed to work for it. (the award) The award Itself was a huge surprise! I knew I was nominated for it and was a finalist but to take out Barbering was amazing! It gives me more vigour to push forward and hopefully pioneer in the Barbering Industry. What do you love most about Barbering? The creative aspect of being able to craft something tailor made for each person that sits in my chair, and having a share of stories whilst doing it, what’s not to love!
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Here’s what Balin’s boss had to say… “It’s exciting to watch Balin master his craft and forge his own identity as a Professional. Balin has the unique skill of bringing together old-world customer service, with new world progressive values. At only 21 years of age, he has managed to cement his position in W. A’s barbering scene. I can’t wait to see how far he will run with it.” Luke Snowden Director: Ugly Men’s Association Barber & Shave Shop How does that make you feel Balin? Lucas is the rock in my career who motivates and fuels the spark of my imagination. I admire and look up to his quality of work and customer skills and having him say this about me is inspiring in itself. The least I can say is I look forward to further years at his shop. Please share some of your opinion on delivering Old School Customer Service with New World Progressive Values. The basic form of it is communication, which everyone enjoys in one form or the other. We find enjoyment and passion in providing great customer service for our client base and anyone that stumbles across our doorstep. Another form of it, especially the ‘progressive values’ side of things, is one simple thing, and that’s understanding that you won’t understand
everyone. My client base is diverse and filled with plenty of cool characters which keeps things Interesting in the stories they tell, and the adventures they share. If you can appreciate that and mix it with honest person to person service, then you can attract the loyalty of all. Balin, where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? I’m looking to work at my shop for another 2-4 years to hone, sharpen and refine my skills. Then relocate to England for a new scene and location. Maybe try my skills at a few shops, some more competitions and aim to grow my name into something worthwhile. I will also look to explore and get involved in England’s barber scene and the challenges and tasks it provides. Balin is qualified once he gets back from holidays and gets signed off! Welcome to the Club: Balin Edwards! @uglymens (A man with a plan I love it! And someone that wants to stay 4 years after they qualify!! If you’re a boss and would like to chip in with me to clone this guy... I hope this series is inspiring to the upcoming Barbers that read us, and all the bosses that give back to the industry by training an apprentice! Ed-Rex. @rex.a.c.silver)
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A LETTER TO MY
YOUNGER SELF Matthew O’Doherty
Dear Matt, You won’t know it at the time but your Mum sending you to the Barber to get a haircut because “no-one will give you job looking like that”, is actually going to change your life! You tell the story about your Mum’s distaste for your current hairstyle to the Barber, and he asks if you can sweep hair…the rest is history my young friend. 35 years on you will still be sweeping hair but from a differently fuelled passion. A passion that will evolve and form from your life experiences. Experiences like travelling the country as musician, you will edit a magazine, you will own and sell a business that employs 20 people, become a business trainer and an Equestrian coach, all your interests and passions will be fulfilled all the while, you will still do hair throughout this journey because you love it. People will be the common denominator in all your ventures, because of your love to connect with others, and make a difference. You will meet, educate, mentor and become friends with some of the most successful Barbers and Hairdressers in your generation. You will travel the world and see great hair industry shows and conventions and be involved in many governing bodies of the hair industry. You will reinvent, discover and search for new passions within this industry, and you will find them. The skill set your career in the hairdressing industry gives you, will prepare and enable you to do many things in life, some with little success, but some, with great success indeed. You will teach, guide and inspire a new generation of young people to this craft, the craft you love so much, and that will be your greatest privilege and reward to do so, even though life’s ups and downs as those experiences will make you stronger. You will help others with their careers and teach them through lessons you learned from your mistakes, and triumphs! Trust me, their lives and yours will indeed be far richer for the experience! So, strap in young Matt, it’s going to get bumpy, but you make sure you enjoy the ride! Don’t be late to work on that Thursday after school for that opportunity with Craig, the barber, it will shape your life! Yours, Matthew O’Doherty.
nutcare
Let’s go Nuts! James & Julie Corner
Well 50% of the world’s population have them, and we need to look after them. Enter the amazing Nutcare Range of products. Nutdust was the first the product in the range to launch in 2017 by Australian and Scottish husband and wife duo James and Julie Corner. They now boast nutcare companies in the Australia, Europe and the USA as the evolution of the nutcare product range expands… We brought to market the first ever product specifically developed for the men of Scotland allowing them to feel fresh under their kilts, without the health concerns associated with talc. All whilst not smelling like a baby or your granny.
nutdust was launched and within a matter of months we had over 50 independent retailers selling our nutdust range. Several overseas retailers, also now stockists, took interest, even though we hadn’t promoted it outside of Scotland! We started our journey to find a simple solution to a real problem for kilt wearers. We soon came to realise that the months of research and consultation with medical specialists, natural remedy practitioners, chemists, cosmetic testers and regulatory bodies, had provided us with a product that would take us beyond the realm of kilt wearing. Today our customers tell us they use nutdust on a daily basis. Athletes ranging from cyclists, runners, footballers to hill walkers, gym enthusiasts and yogis’, as well as businessmen in their suits to tradies on the job site, to your ‘man about town’, they are all loving their nutdust! The range has expanded to several products now, with the inclusion of boxer shorts and home lounge wear made from bamboo, please share with us a little about the range and the philosophy of the company and its focus on total comfort for men. The male grooming industry is booming. Men are looking after themselves and their appearance much more than a decade ago. The initial experience and exposure to the male grooming industry led us to the decision to bring our nutdust range to the Australian shores where we currently live, but also expand the range which is where we are today. Our customer engagement and feedback, more than anything has shaped the new product selection to compliment the Nutdust range and this niche product line that actually meets the unique grooming needs of men. Barenuts, a gentle pubic hair removal cream and smooth nuts, an anti-wrinkle moisturiser that provides a far less invasive procedure
than scrotox, are both designed for men’s most sensitive and important assets. We recently launched Sugarnuts, a natural detoxifying body scrub designed to reduce odour and itching, balance skin ph, improve circulation, helping prevent inflammation, pimples and ingrown hairs from chafing and hair removal. Our research and engagement also informed us that guys really do want to feel the difference downstairs and are looking after themselves more than ever. Handpicking bamboo fabric and working with designers to ensure effective designs and production of the undies means the undies are a dream to wear. They are literally so breathable comfy and get more comfortable, the more you wear them. The incredible feedback we have received about them inspired us to keep going and pursue the design of the lounge wear with handpicked luxury bamboo fabric, perfect for lounging around at home. Nutcare is also very passionate about men’s heath in fact, by using many of the products in the range men are in a position to self-check more often, by default. Absolutely we care about men’s health. Friends of ours were going through IVF and they warned us that guys shouldn’t really talc on their testes for health reasons. This really opened up our thinking and passion to ensuring the ingredients and manufacturing of the products are of a premium standard and comply with the most stringent safety and quality standards. We found guys historically haven’t really openly discussed their personal care or health issues and thanks to the men’s health awareness campaigns this is starting to shift more. The playful banter has been brilliant, but critically the more deliberate actions of having a good look and feel while you are grooming or even having your partner help you out is hopefully going to help these behaviours become the norm and help men get to know their bodies. Supporting this, nutcare donates to Movember every month, supporting the wonderful work they undertake for Mens Health I see you have chosen Barber Shops and Salons to retail exclusively to. No pharmacies or supermarkets. We have chosen the barber and hairdresser channels as our sole retailer segment of choice. This has been an important consideration for the business, but a confident one, in knowing the importance of the relationship Barbers and Salon owners have with their customers, along with the cutting-edge trends they often forge! @nutcaregrooming www.nutcare.com.au
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nutcare nutcare DARE TO GO BARE
E X PA N D Y O U R P R O D U C T R A N G E ! C O N TA C T u s N O W a b o u t t h e r e t a i l e r s t a r t e r p a c k ! i n f o @ n u t c a r e . c o m . a u
Real Barbers, Real Talk In 2020, The Barbiere Company supported Movember by launching Real Barbers, Real Talk – a campaign dedicated to tackling mental health issues in the barbershop. It came at a time with lots of uncertainty amid the pandemic. Despite this, 157 barbers took action to learn practical conversation skills from the crew at Movember during the Real Barbers, Real Talk training webinar. The barbering community also banded together, raising an impressive $22,312 AUD and walking 895 km over the course of the Movember campaign - all whilst the world was faced with lock downs, isolation, and a new way of living. Since then, we have had moments with lifted restrictions, however halfway through 2021 we are still grappling with lockdowns and outbreaks across Australia. There is no doubt the constant unpredictability can be detrimental to mental health and connection with mates. Last year we shared Movember’s research revealing that one in five men (22%) believed their mental health had worsened since the outbreak of COVID-19 and almost a third (29%) admitted they felt lonely more often. Similar statistics have been shared this year with Lifeline recording its busiest day ever with 3,345 calls received on August 3rd – likely linked to Australia’s lockdowns. Movember research also showed that one in five Australians (22%) have not arranged to catch up with a close mate in six months or more, potentially putting them at risk of social isolation, loneliness, and even mental health issues. This means that some clients are seeing their barber more than their close friends - making cutting through the small talk more important than ever. We know that that the barbershop is a safe space for many men and that barbers can play a crucial role in men’s mental health. For this reason, The Barbiere Company are committed to supporting barbers initiate meaningful conversations and the Movember movement. It can take one conversation to positively change a life.
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BE PART OF THE MO-VEMENT IN 2021! There are several ways for you and your barbershop to get involved in Movember in 2021. REGISTER to hear from AFL legend Tom Boyd and Nasir Sobhani, also known as ‘The Streets Barber’ during our Real Barbers, Real Talk event on the 11th of October. You will hear their stories and gain the tools to initiate those meaningful conversations in your barbershop.
TOM BOYD
NASIR SOBHANI
FUNDRAISE individually, or as a team. Sign up at Movember.com to raise funds and help change the face of men’s health. You can Grow a Mo, Move for Movember, Host a Mo-ment or Mo Your Own Way. SCAN TO JOIN The Barbiere Company challenge and contribute to the barbering community’s fundraising efforts. Which barbershop can raise the most and win bragging rights? PROMOTE the cause and support your fundraising efforts in your barbershop by purchasing an exclusive Movember x Barbiere pack that includes in-store merchandise. Grab yours today to kit your barbershop out and show your support for Movember. To participate head to barbiereco.com.au/Movember – you will find everything you need from setup guides, event registrations, challenge links and further ideas for your barbershop.
MERCH PACKS CUT THROUGH THE SMALL TALK
LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS A COMMUNITY! To order your Movember merch pack or for further information please contact The Barbiere Company. barbiereco.com.au 1300 833 983 sales@barbiereco.com @thebarbierecompany Crisis support can be found at Lifeline: 13 11 14 and lifeline.org.au
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BLOG SPOT. Find Your Flame with Collette Saunders
There is a light inside yourself that others around you may not see. Sometimes it is a little glow, other times a blinding flash. Nonetheless it is there. No human on earth exists without it. It’s not just potential, it’s a natural instinctive. Whether you realise it or not, there is a motivation inside you that is the basis of building blocks to your well-being. Your needs! The driving force that is fundamental to everything that happens in your life. Unmet needs are like a lawn without water but turn on that sprinkler and throw some fertiliser around and in a short space of time it springs back to life. “Meaning” is one of life’s most identifiable needs. It creates in us hope, clarity, purpose, an ability to contribute and participate. Just recently when watching the Olympics through lockdown I was impacted by the realisation that all of the competitors, despite the obvious hurdles, had one common goal. To get to Tokyo, to the starting line and run the race. There was no other option. There was no “oh I’m not into it today!” And to get to where they wanted to be they had a plan, they trained every day, they worked with people who could make their “meaning” happen, and they knew that by keeping that flame alive in them that they would fulfil. Every day we must fill up, replenish our reserves, meet our needs. Self-care is more than soaks in the tub and face masks. It’s a deep checking in with ourselves and asking, “how am I really doing today?” It’s ok to ask ourselves just as we would a good friend or partner. Self-reflection is something that, if we are not careful enough, our people-oriented occupation will drain from us. That reflection of self that is overlooked while we give and give, and before we know it by the end of the week our souls are almost bled dry. Right now, our Industry and businesses are hurting. I have many conversations with fellow industry people, and they all reflect common themes during recent restrictions. Lockdown brings about immobilisation, fear, stirs the inner saboteur, the inner critic and the inner child. We sit at home during lockdowns like we are told to, have conversations with ourselves, holding our own hands and travel from room to room in our own heads trying to work it out. And when we finally get our freedoms back, is the person that we feel we are on the inside, reflected in the world that we enter into every day when we go out? Recently I read a review of a book written on the Hikikomori. A Japanese term for those who retreat into their homes for at least six months or more of the year, and for some of them it’s up to years or even decades. It discusses the heightened risk of people becoming lost in the struggles of isolation, pressure and expectations. It made me even more aware of the need for us to be free within ourselves. It keeps me so inspired to see all the innovation and outreach of the educators and talented people who never give up on social media. The effort it takes to produce quality content, most of it free by the way, is not short of deserving an award. Taking pride to develop an area of their lives. They are part of an experience. Taking care of others and themselves. Talented enough to attract people into their lives who appreciate, respect and care. A positive energy embraced by people around them. This brings remarkable connections. It’s like a journey of discovery. Growth and learning to achieve successful outcomes. Stronger, inspired, encouraged. Applying wisdom. Not just becoming any one thing but being someone. Watching them reinforces in me a belief that I have frequently shared with others… We can never offer anything to anyone else that we truly do not first have for ourselves. And that applies to all areas of our lives, externally and internally. To me the scariest thought in the world is that I could lose my flame. Worse if I never recognised that it was there in the first place. Imagine that! A life without even just a slow burn! Don’t ever let that happen! Keep fanning it. It’s there. Keep your vision exercises. Know yourself worth. It will help you figure out what you are most wanting of. All the things! Connection, super-productivity, career, financial fitness, recognition, family, relationships, framing that five-year plan. Yep 5 years! Just like an Olympian! Find your Flame. Collette Saunders @collettesaundershair Founder @australianfemalebarbers @afb_recruit Board Director @jackreedfoundation
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BLOG SPOT.
Starts with the Why! with Don De Sanctis
Throughout my years of being a business owner, I have been blessed with the achievements of my company, Barber Boys. But I am always striving for more, with growth and success. My brain is constantly thinking, trying to figure out what I need to do next. I was once told about “The Why” by Simon Sinek, he is an inspirational speaker who published a book called ‘Start with Why’ and after reading his book, he has opened my mind when it comes to having a successful business. It all starts with Why? But what is a why? Why is all about your purpose, cause, or belief. It is the reason why your company exists. Having a why is vital for everyone in the company, no matter at what level or stage they are at. By understanding your why as a team, you are all working towards a common cause in which you all believe in. If you talk about what you believe, you attract those who believe in you. Successfully communicating the passion behind the Why is a way to attract. By doing this, consumers start to use their Limbic brain, which controls human behaviour and decision making. This is when they will start to believe in you and the company. The goal is not to hire people who need a job, it is to hire people who believe what you believe. If you have employees just because they can do a job, they are just doing it for the money. Not saying these people will not get the job done, but your business will not grow. You will simply stay where you are and that will eventually start to decline. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they will continue to work hard, blood, sweat and tears. Your employees will push themselves, striving to succeed and constantly smashing goals within the company. Another reason why it is important for your team to believe the company’s why, is to have and demonstrate the trust and confidence in themselves and the company. If they understand and believe in the why, customers will be able to sense, feel, and believe in your employees’ confidence and passion. Price increases happen all the time, so instead of your employees freaking out that they will loose customers, they need to turn it into a positive and believe they are worth that price increase. Your employees will be more dedicated and put more effort into their services, making their clients feel valuable and significant. Its all about doing it differently, compared to other companies and competitors. Simon refers to it as the ‘Golden Circle’, and most companies start with What (what they do and what they sell) and How (things that makes them special and sets them apart from their competitors). But starting with the Why, working from the inside out of the circle, we are communicating to our customers on a personal level. If the company’s why matches the customer’s why, you have gained a customer who will stand by you. For all the business owners out there who want to succeed, find your why. 59 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
BLOG SPOT. EMBRACE YOUR EXPLORERS
with Paul Frasca
Last issue we ‘shopped the loop’ together, exploring what it takes and why it’s important (and super cool!) to make and buy products from recycled materials. I mentioned that Sustainable Salons has introduced a dedicated Innovations team to really get this - and a bunch of other cool sustainability projects - off the ground. Well, I thought it’d be fun to take you on a tour of the brain that’s leading this team. It’s kinda like visiting IKEA every time you go, you buy something unusual that you think you probably don’t need, but now that you know it exists, life feels a bit harder without it. Everyone, meet Anuj Dhawan, our Product Innovation Manager. So Anuj, why have an Innovations team? Innovation asks for a different way of thinking and doing, so by having a dedicated team, you have the freedom to explore and push the boundaries without disrupting day-to-day operations. Any particular trends in the sustainability sector right now that you’re excited about? I’ve really liked seeing the ‘add your own water’ trend - many cleaning products have started to remove water from their ingredients, reducing the packaging requirements and minimising shipping impact. Kind of makes you wonder why a lot of these products had water as an ingredient in the first place! One of our core focuses at Sustainable Salons is our closedloop mission - what kind of things need to be considered when starting the process to make a circular product from collected salon resources? Think of the end at the start. If you’re about to introduce a new product, think of its end of life - can you reduce the amount of packaging in the first place? Is it using the right material? Is it hard to disassemble and process at the end of its life? When we’re deciding what product to make, we’re constantly thinking of it through a customer’s eyes and exploring what products already exist that could be replaced with a closed-loop version. But being just closed-loop isn’t enough - it must also have a good product-market fit otherwise you’re just making more stuff. What makes this space so exciting for the salon industry? The materials are just so good! They’re mostly monomaterial (only one type of material instead of several materials sandwiched or glued together), and usually made to very high quality. But the reality is, you can achieve this same quality in closed-loop systems and products as well; we want our industry to be self-sufficient when it comes to materials - how cool would that be! Innovation in sustainability isn’t just about making closedloop products though, what else can we rethink in order to make lasting change?
It’s all about motivation, ability and trigger. Let’s take single-use cutlery at picnics as an example. The entire experience of using plastic cutlery actually sucks - the knife doesn’t cut, the fork prongs break all the time, and the spoons have sharp edges. So the motivation to not use them should already be there. Go into your kitchen drawer, grab a metal knife, spoon and fork, put a rubber band around them and you have your ability. To design a trigger for yourself, why not make a packing list in the Notes app for picnics? Add cutlery, rug, water bottle, reusable coffee cup and tea towel to the list and bam! - you have your trigger, and you’re on your way to another sustainable action. How will you and your team be doing this at Sustainable Salons? We’re doubling down on the ‘system’ side of sustainability - one reason salons love becoming a Sustainable Salon is because of how easy we make it. In fact, we make it hard to do the unsustainable thing! What’s the research showing about how open people are to adopting new habits? It’s funny thinking about what ‘research’ looks like nowadays it’s getting harder to capture people’s attention and get them to tell the truth. So instead I look at what people are actually doing rather than what they say they do. What I’m seeing is that people will adopt a new behaviour as long as it aligns with their life values - there will always be someone or something cheaper, but if it doesn’t align with values we believe in, we won’t go for it. So focusing less on the price of something and instead focusing on what a customer values is key to adopting new habits. What’s the key to getting people to choose new innovations? Ease. Of. Use. We’re seeing this everywhere now - the moment an experience or a product is difficult to use, we don’t. What potential is there for the salon industry to be leaders in making sustainability our ‘normal’ way of life? Sustainability was originally a very emotional choice, but it is also becoming the rational choice as well. Take renewable energy at the beginning, solar power was expensive and reserved for those who both cared about the environment and could afford it. It has now become cheaper than non-renewable energy sources, so it’s become a no-brainer. The Feel-Good Industry (as we like to call it) are already pioneers in capturing emotion. We just need to take all that social capital we’ve built up and direct it to the right place - toward doing good and feeling good. If you’re a Sustainable Salon, have the conversation about all the great impact you’re making. If you’re not a Sustainable Salon, have a chat to someone who is, and ask how it’s changed their lives and their business. Keen to join the movement? Find out more at www.sustainablesalons.org!
60 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 2
Four Ways Collagen Improves Hair BY DR BEN DE CAMPO, MILKMAN GROOMING CO
With all the recent buzz collagen has had over the recent years, you may get clients that would be interested to know how collagen can improve their hair. After all, collagen is touted to be a key structural protein for the body’s many connective tissues - including the skin, bones, muscles, joints and nails. In fact, the word collagen is derived from the Greek work ‘kolla,’ meaning glue. So, it begs the question, what does collagen do for hair and how can this be used to promote stronger, healthier growth. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s revisit the basics. The hair on our head is largely made from a protein called keratin - which is created with the help of several amino acids - that’s where collagen comes in. Collagen contains the necessary amino acids to build keratin. When our bodies break down this compound, it uses these building blocks to create new proteins. This can potentially repair any hair damage and may lead to thicker hair and healthier roots. Our bodies produce collagen with the amino acids we get through the diet. Though as we age, our collagen production levels decrease - leading to effects like wrinkles and thinner hair. Fortunately, this effect can be fought with the help of collagen supplements or collagen-rich products. So, what does collagen do for your hair? In short, there are believed to be various ways that it can help fortify your follicles. One of the main benefits of collagen is that it can strengthen and protect the layer of skin that holds the hair’s roots. Over time, our collagen levels drop and our skin’s durability fades - this could be a potential cause of hair thinning. Since collagen can promote elasticity for the skin, bolstering it could prevent hair thinning or loss caused by age.
compounds may wreak havoc on our hair follicles. Luckily, one of the best ways to fight off this damage is with antioxidants. That’s where collagen comes in. Collagen has shown strong potential as a powerful antioxidant. This means it could potentially be used to stabilise any free radicals and prevent further damage to the hair. Another popular benefit that collagen is praised for is its hairthickening abilities. As we mentioned before, collagen contains the amino acids (or ‘building-blocks’) of what our body needs to create keratin - the protein that makes up our hair. When exposed to collagen, our bodies break down the compound into its amino acids. These amino acids may then be distributed to create the proteins that make our hair. Final fun fact! Did you know that collagen may also be able to help delay greying? Once again, this all comes down to the potential antioxidant effects of collagen. Greying occurs when free radicals begin to damage the cells responsible for hair colour. As a possible antioxidant, collagen may help by stabilising these free radicals - preventing damage and slowing down the hair greying process. After all, collagen offers a powerhouse of benefits for our hair. It shows great promise for repairing damage, boosting hair thickness, nourishing the roots, and so much more. With all these benefits up for grabs, why not add a kick of collagen to your hair care routine?
Collagen may also help to repair any damage caused by free radicals. Whether we’re exposed to free radicals through air pollutants, stress, our diet, or anything in between - these 61 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
NEW GEAR NEW GEAR NEW KAMISORI RAZOR By DARK STAG
Unique to Dark Stag, this straight-handled razor uses regular double-edge razor blades, meaning you can choose your favourite brand. With one edge used per client, it provides the most costeffective route to a perfect shave. The spring-mounted one touch blade-holding mechanism can be opened easily for cleaning and disinfecting. www.darkstag.com
ROOT BOOST By GARAGE BARBER
Get lucky with this volumizing texture dust. Turns fine hair into thicker hair instantly. Absorbs fully without leaving unsightly white residue. Re-workable, Australian, developed by a Barber. Get it in your Toolbox! www.garagebarber.pro
ALL STAR MIDNIGHT SCISSOR BUNDLE By iCANDY
These Limited Edition iCandy ALL STAR Scissors lend their design from the iCandy ALL STAR DAMASCUS SCISSOR. Hand made using Hitachi SUS440C Japan Steel for precision cutting in mind. Unique ergonomic comfort handles and ball bearing tension system makes for an extremely well-balanced scissor, with a silky smooth super-sharp cutting action. Available in sizes 5.5”, 6.0” or 6.5” Midnight Black, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold & Silver. www.icandyscissors.com.au
POWDER WAX By KING BROWN
A multi-functional matte finish product. 15g product packaged in a fully printed aluminium bottle with pump applicator for precision delivery. Coloured to match the Matte Pomade this product is destined for success with the loyal and growing KB consumer. www.kingbrownpomade.com
GEAR NEW GEAR NEW GEAR PREP & PRIME TONIC By AMERICAN CREW
A refreshing, cut and style-enhancing hair tonic. Unlike hair spray that makes your hair fuzzy, and gel that leaves your hair sticky, tonics give hair hold, without weighing it down and leaves your hair with a soft finish. This product is designed for Pro Barbers, brings an old-school infused salon inspired experience to all men and includes packaging made with a minimum of 80% post-consumer recycled plastic! An innovative formula that moisturises, detangles and refreshes the hair and scalp, all while giving it a light hold. Tonics give hair hold, without weighing it down and leaves your hair with a soft finish. www.americancrew.com www.revlonprofessional.com
BARBICIDE By M&U IMPORTS
Launched in 1947 in New York, BARBICIDE® is the market leader in its category and has represented the industry standard for safe services in salons and barbershops for more than half a century Professionals have used the vibrant blue BARBICIDE® to protect themselves and their clients over the years. As a recognised American classic and the original symbol for professional beauty and barber disinfection, BARBICIDE® is even featured in the permanent collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. If there’s one thing that the pandemic and recent lockdowns have emphasised is the safe practices of cleaning disinfection and sterilisation, including our tools salon equipment and workplace/space. M&U Imports are the exclusive Australian distributor for Barbicide® and Clippercide®. For product details contact sales@muimports.com.au or (03) 9555 1533.
NEW BARBER CAPES By JOIKEN
These NEW high quality all-purpose barber, head and beard capes are made from soft, lightweight fabric and will keep your clients comfortable during their visit. Features: • Adjustable button neck closure design fits the neck for adults or kids • High quality material makes it easy to clean, wash and dry quickly • Ideal for cutting, shampoo and styling • Suitable for salon and home use • Lightweight Polyester • Snap Closure • Easy Care and Wrinkle Free • Water Resistant • Machine Washable www.joiken.com.au
CUSTOMISE AND OPTIMISE
Three interchangeable body kits, one mightily powerful clipper. With a high speed 10,000 rpm rotary motor, Silver Bullet Speed Demon embodies the powerful speed of customisation.
2022 TURNS BLUE
A sneak peek for 2022. Introducing limited edition BaBylissPRO BlueFX Outliner and Shaver, hotly anticipated arrivals for next year. Embracing the colour blue in 2022.
LAYBACK BUT NOT LAIDBACK
Let Silver Bullet Layback Clipper do the hard work for you. This conscientious clipper features 3 blade speeds of 5,5007,500 rpm, superior ceramic cutting blade and layback charging base.
EXCEED YOUR SPEED
With Silver Bullet, seconds count. Silver Bullet Sonic Speed Clipper is ultra-efficient, ultra-fast and ultra-high performance. 9,000 rpm AC linear motor with lithium-ion polymer battery for 2 hours cordless runtime.
FEEL THE INFLUENCE
The expanded BaBylissPRO Influencer Collection is here. Introducing GreenFX Skeleton Outliner Trimmer by Pat Regan, PurpleFX Outliner Trimmer by Frank Soto and RedFX Outliner Trimmer by Carlos Estrella.
UNBELIEVABLE RUNTIME
The unbelievably long-lasting trimmer. Silver Bullet Zephyr Trimmer features an unbeatable 420 minutes runtime, thanks to a 1500ma rechargeable lithium battery. 2 speed PowerMax rotary motor for faster trimming.
TAME THE MANE
Proudly Australian owned, The Beast & His Bro is a men’s grooming range with serious grunt. Fibre pomade, matte pomade, maxi-gum, texture cream, pre-shave oil, beard oil and beard balm.
NEW FROM DEPOT
INVISIBLE COLOUR FOR HAIR + BEARD
Allow your clients to age discreetly. Ammonia free, semi permanent colour available in 6 shades. 5 minute processing time or increase to 10 minutes for more intense yet still natural looking grey coverage. Find us below to find out more.
@depot_maletools_au
What is the Facebook Algorithm and how does it help your business? BY GEORGE HAWWA, ATTENTION EXPERTS
Sometimes, the Facebook algorithm can feel like a mystery, but in reality, it is not that complicated. However, even if you were not affected by the recent algorithm changes yourself you have probably heard horror stories of brands watching their organic search take a nose-dive. As a result, brands began to get concerned about their presence on the platform. The reality is Facebook algorithm changes do not necessarily signal trouble for brands. Surviving the new Facebook algorithm means making some changes to your content strategy in order to bolster your organic reach.
SO HOW DOES THE FACEBOOK ALGORITHM WORK THESE DAYS?
The Facebook algorithm controls the ordering and presentation of posts, so users see what is most relevant to them. This means that, rather than publishing content chronologically, posts and ads are presented based on what Facebook sees as relevant to you. Facebook’s algorithms for ranking content on your News Feed is based on four factors: - The Inventory of all posts available to display. - Signals that tell Facebook what each post is. - Predictions on how you will react to each post. - A Final Score assigned to the content based on all factors. Here are the four factors that determine if a story is relevant for a user’s News Feed. - Inventory. It represents the stock of all content that can display to a user on Facebook’s News Feed. - Signals. They represent the information that Facebook can gather about a piece of Content. They are the single factor that you have control over. - Predictions. They represent the behaviour of a user and how likely they are predicted to have a positive interaction with a content piece. - Score. It is the final number assigned to a piece of content based on the likelihood the user will respond positively to it. *Note – The only part of the process an advertiser has control over are the signals of your Content.
WHEN WERE THE LAST MAJOR CHANGES WITH THE ALGORITHM?
The most significant sweeping change occurred in early 2018 when Facebook announced its push back against branded
content which left many businesses sweating. The 2018 update of Facebook algorithm was designed to centre content around individuals’ friends and family members, rather than prioritizing spam from businesses. This put legitimate companies and brands in a bind as they have had to adapt their Facebook marketing strategy accordingly .
FACEBOOK ALGORITHMS 2021 CHANGES AND MILESTONES
As of March 2021, Facebook now provides context to why users see certain organic posts and ads. This further signals the need for brands to hone in their audience targeting and encourage interactions from followers.
FIGHT AGAINST MISINFORMATION
Facebook’s fight against “fake news” and misleading content is well- documented. In April 2019, Facebook elaborated on its manual efforts to fact-check content to fight misinformation. This may not seem to impact brands directly but does highlight the importance of trust and transparency on the platform. Anything perceived to be needlessly controversial or spammy could quickly earn you a strike. Nine Strategies for adapting to the Facebook algorithms - Time your Facebook posts to perfection. - Make video a cornerstone of your content strategy. - Drive discussions before dropping links. - Encourage employees and brand advocates to push your content. - Prioritize photos and tags over external links. - Make each post unique to Facebook. - Start conversation in Facebook Groups. - Narrow down your audience targeting. - Invest in paid promotions on Facebook George Hawwa, CEO/Founder and Growth Director of Attention Experts, an award winning social media marketing and digital marketing agency servicing clients across Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the UK. Follow George on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-hawwa/ Or make a booking for a FREE consultation with Attention Experts at www.attentionexperts.com
66 Barber Shop Year 10 Issue 3
THE SECRET TO PERFECTLY GROOMED SKIN
BIODROGA MEN THE NEW SKINCARE LINE FOR MEN
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PRACTICAL, UNCOMPLICATED WITH A QUICK EFFECT!
When you invent the clipper, everything else is just a copy. Wahl est. 1919
