Knowing The Right Stuff - The Barber Mag

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It’s no secret that in the barber trade, things are changing all of the time. With the constant passage of time changing the way you operate in your day to day lives, we thought it was about time we spoke with some pros to discuss the latest tool trends.

As so many of you are already so well-aware, the importance of good tools and equipment in the barbering industry is paramount. Having the right tools that suit you, your style and your barbershop allow you to really demonstrate to your clients that you’re keeping up with the demands of a busy shop.

James Wakely , Owner of Unknown Barbershop in Shrewsbury, Shropshire has been in the industry for a hot minute, and has had the ability to try and test many tools over the years. Ultimately, it’s important to ensure that you’re looking into brands that give not only quality tools, but quality service for your barbershop too.

“Over the years I’ve tried many tools but my three favourites are my Quartered Steels Scissors, my BaByliss Pro Super Motors Clipper and my Skeleton Trimmers,” James says, “As a lefty, good scissors are very few and far between. A friend suggested I try Quartered Steels and I was blown away by the value and the quality and the service from those guys. The scissors are balanced and sharp, making cutting a pleasure. The clippers and trimmers from BaByliss make my job effortless. The machines can handle any hair type that walks into the shop, and for me are unmatched.”

Manufacturers are improving the equipment found in barbershops all the time, so it’s paramount to keep an eye on what’s improving with newer models as frequently as you can.

James continues: “Tool manufacturers are constantly looking at innovation with their products, to make them more powerful, quieter, run longer and cooler. Keeping an eye out for new equipment is a must, as the constant stream of innovation within the industry allows us to ultimately offer a better service to the clients, and we are in a service-based industry after all.”

James suggests that a great way to investigate what could be a great fit for your barbershop is to start checking out some YouTube channels, such as the Rum Barber. They offer many in-depth, non-biased tool reviews to help you choose the best tool for you!

Barbering is becoming more and more of an industry where the need to keep up-to-date is of importance. By keeping up with the latest trends, you’re also investing that time into the latest trends that your clients may be after.

Bristol-based barber, Charlie Lacey of JT Barbers shares their thoughts: “You will be able to experiment with more things and use them to generate new ideas within your cuts. I also believe it’s important to stay up to date, as the latest tools help you build credibility and value, and to show clients you are keeping up-to-date and current. This is the generation we now live in!”

Due to the ever-lasting growth of the industry thanks to social media, keeping up with the latest trends should be one of the cornerstones of your business. According to Charlie, clients will appreciate the use of profits to purchase good quality, high-standard equipment: “I believe they pay for this service and deserve the best, with the best tools on the market. People nowadays are drawn to all these new cool tools and equipment, so it then makes them drawn to your business to experience this.”

Not only is keeping all of your tools up-to-date one of the most important parts of running a barbershop, you’re also going to want to make sure that you’re keeping the maintenance of them up to scratch.

Charlie continues: “If you have a pair of old clippers clogged with hair, they aren’t going to do the job for you, your work will suffer. Kobe Bryant didn’t wear flip flops playing basketball, did he? So, we should be using quality equipment and taking care of it in order to perform at the highest standards. Bad tools could lead to bad haircuts and no one wants that!”

Ultimately, you’re going to keep an eye out for the latest tools and trends, making a conscious effort to stay ahead of the game and showing to your clients that you’re unique and not just one of the rest. Your clients will love it, and it will be reflected in your work, providing more revenue and a greater footfall.

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