3 minute read
BARBER WITH WAHL
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Meet Alan Beak, a renowned barber, Creative Consultant to Wahl and Owner of the iconic RUGER brand, which boasts three locations in and around Manchester.
Concept Hair: What does being a barber mean to you?
Alan Beak: I like to think of myself as a Swiss army barber. I have multiple uses and numerous obligations within my role as a barber. Firstly, I work for my own brand, called RUGER, which was established in 2014 with my younger brother Reece. Over the last seven years, we have managed to develop the brand over three shops, a worldwide education programme, and a global distribution company of bespoke hair grooming products. I also work with some of the biggest and best companies in our field, including Wahl. I have always worked very closely with them, testing products, performing on stage, and providing education. CH: Why did you become a barber?
AB: I’ve always been a social person who thrives in a busy and personal environment. I love knowing people’s stories, getting to know them, and watching clients grow from being young and scared of having their haircut, to being excited to come to the shop.
Alan’s Top Tips for Becoming a Barber
1The key elements to success are hard work, persistence and patience
2Always work harder than anyone else in the room
3Don’t stop until you’ve reached your goals
4Build relationships, remain driven and the results will be worth it in the end.
CH: How did your career as a barber progress?
AB: I first started working in a barbershop at the age of 12, which was very young. I helped orchestrate everything except for cutting hair, and always made sure that as soon as a barber had finished cutting hair, the next client was ready. At the age of 19,
I decided to go into hospitality, returning to barbering at the age of 21. I knew that to become successful, I needed to perform at a certain level as quickly as possible. I started at a local college and studied in my own time, while also working full-time in a barbershop. I would practise techniques at home with a block in front of the TV. Building relationships with clients and letting them see my work on social media was imperative, giving them the confidence to allow me to cut their hair. Over time my clientele grew and grew.
CH: What personality traits make a good barber?
AB: Whether you are a good conversationalist, initiate chat, or just a good listener, being a great communicator is imperative. I’ve seen many haircuts go wrong because of bad communication.
CH: What do you love most about your job?
AB: The thing I find most fulfilling as a barber, as cheesy as it sounds, is how a client automatically smiles as you finish the haircut. You can turn a bad day into a good one.
CH: What have been your career highlights so far?
AB: There have been many highlights in my career. I’ve travelled all around the world and met some amazing people — some very famous. The wealth and fame of a client isn’t important to me, a client is a client. I can be cutting the hair of somebody who is a global household name one day and then cutting hair for free in a nursing home the next. Being trusted with the role of creative consultant for Wahl was massive for me and something that I have worked for and wanted for many years.
