The British Master Barbers Magazine Issue 6

SUPPORTING THE BARBERING COMMUNITY

MEMBERS I EDUCATION I PRODUCTS

Welcome to issue number Six of the British Master Barbers members magazine. It has once again been another crazy year. The industry has changed a lot since we returned after the covid lockdowns and it seams everyone is just knuckling down and getting on with their work.

During these times don’t forget to keep standards high and keep your promotions going. Shout out about your achievements and think outside the box to reach a new further clientele.

In this issue we take a look at the 2022 Barber of the Year competition and check out the amazing quality of images that were sent in. Enjoy.

Kindest Regards

Front cover image

Credit: Baldy

The British Master Barbers Alliance team has been formed by time served Master Barbers who have a wealth of experience in a range of Barbering related subjects. This includes a group of highly skilled multi-award-winning Barbers, Barbershop owners, Teachers, Lecturers, Assessors, Educators, Session stylists & Barber Academy owners from all over the UK Join today and get involved at WWW.BRITISHMASTERBARBERS.COM

ProFessIoNAL ACCredITATIoN

The British Master Barbers Alliance has been designed to help promote established British Barbers and their Barbershops. Good Barbershops struggle to stand out amongst the new breed of unskilled, untalented, uninsured chop shops that are under cutting prices and lowering the credibility of quality, qualified & trained barbers. Customers never ask to see a barbers qualifications or proof of skill and this is why we have created the British Master Barbers Accreditation, Verification of a barbers talent in the form of a beautifully crafted metal plaque. A sign customers can trust and the barber can be proud of. Only fully subscribed members who complete our criteria can apply.

HOW DO I APPLY?

We have 3 levels of accreditation available. Each level requires a set criteria of tasks to be completed for successful application. Applications can be made in the Members only area of this website.

British Professional Barber

barbering qualification, or can prove a minimum of two years working experience in a Barbershop.

metal plaque. Status is only valid with a current BMB membership and a one off fee of £100.

British Master Barber

have a minimum of five years Barbering experience or have held British Professional status for over 3 years.

Barbering certificate will be required. certificate will be required.

Observation Assessments (distance assessments) asking you to upload a video or send a Youtube link of yourself working directly on a client to our highly qualified assessors who can judge your physical expertise & skills to achieve all your specific status tasks.

awarded with a personalised metal plaque & Press release for your local newspaper

membership and a one off fee of £200.

British Grand Master Barber

Teachers, Lecturers & Assessors of Barbering. These members must be fully qualified in teaching barbering & have a minimum of five years barbering experience.

required.

Assessments ( distance assessments ) asking you to upload a video or send a Youtube link client to our highly qualified assessors who can judge your physical expertise & skills to achieve all your specific status tasks.

metal plaque & a press release for your local newspaper.

BMB membership and a one off fee of £300.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR ACCREDITATION?

The BMB accreditation is simply designed to be

a clear sign that customers can trust. It confirms that you hold a minimum standard of skill that is expected at each of our accreditation levels. BMB accreditation also offers a simple way to promote your business to your local area through our media press release, sent out confirming your successful completion of Master Barber and Grand Master Barber levels

IS ACCREDITATION COMPULSARY?

Our accreditation service is by no means compulsory and is only recommended to barbers who understand the importance of keeping at the top of their game and continually chase goals to better themselves. This accreditation should be seen as a personal achievement that archives a high level of competence.

DOES IT MAKE ME A BETTER BARBER THAN EVERYONE ELSE?

The simple answer is No. Everybody knows that you never stop learning and our accreditation is a confirmation of a minimum set level that provides a stepping stone to keep you enthused about the industry. Continuing your barbering journey to higher knowledge and skill set is a must at any level of competence and down to you to keep pushing the standard higher.

WHY DOES IT COST?

As a non profit organisation The British Master Barbers make very little revenue to support the large costs involved with supporting the British barbering industry. Most of the costs are covered by the founders of BMB along with brand advertising, revenue made by our membership fees, product sales and accreditation. The BMB team is made up of long term full time working barbers and barbering lecturers who offer their time voluntarily and completely free of charge to asses the accreditation applications.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL MY APPLICATION?

If you fail your application you will be notified why and advised on how to improve your skill set or which requirements need to be met. You will then be allowed to apply again or change to the correct level suited to you.

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE FREE HEALTH & SAFETY COURSE YET?

The British Master Barbers have been working very hard, creating the very first online health and safety course. With the latest standards provided by Mike Taylor Education and The Great British Barbering Academy, this course includes the latest H&S protocol to keep you up to date with current legislation and advisory methods. For barbers that may not hold formal qualifications or have done their training many years ago this course o!ers the opportunity for basic continual professional development and keeping on top of the latest requirements. With a free personalised downloadable certificate that you can print out, frame and display in your own barbershop, you can show that you're a barber that takes customers wellbeing seriously.

GET YOUR FREE CERTIFICATE TODAY

Simply visit www.BRITISHMASTERBARBERS.com

Complete the basic Health & Safety modules take the short multiple choice test and download your personalised certificate on completion.

Displaying your certificate in your shop or work place can help put your customers at ease, knowing their barber/stylist has put in some e!ort to show professionalism.

What are you waiting for?

HAIR. FACE. BODY.

The Great British Barbering Academy have combined hundreds of years of barbering experience to develop the perfect range of grooming products for your barbershop.

With a distinct barbershop fragrance, this range of products are everything the modern man wants to be; powerful, reliable and stylish – with a traditional twist.

For wholesale enquiries, please email mike@greatbritishbarberingacademy.com

Who Made the grade

The 2022 British Master Barber of the year was as tough as it gets for the judges. With over 160 entries, picking the top ten finalist’s was a night of hard work and tight scrutiny.

A huge well done to everyone that entered. The standards were very high and you made us proud!

Lets see who made the final cut

WAYNE DAWS

CORNELIU CRIHAN

KYLE ROWLAND

JOE DRYLAND

CHARLES ROSE

ADAM HAIDER ALSOHAINI

Shaun Buckingham

BALDY

2022 Barber Of The Year

I have been in the industry 40 years this year. I am currently the UK and European lead educator for Andis clippers.

I am part of the Icandy Australia all-star team and also an ambassador for cape gang, Booksy and, ETI. In the past I have worked with the Paul Mitchel MVRK barbering team along with American crew.

I started my journey in the industry 40 years ago as a hairdresser, I did a three year apprenticeship on the shop floor, then moved into barbering. I opened my first shop at the age of 23 and have loved every moment of my career so far. I still strive everyday to be the best barber I can be and constantly look forward to what this great industry will bring in the future.

The things I love about the industry are how standards have been pushed to a new height, how creative you can be and that you can achieve anything should you put your heart and mind into it.

Much love Baldy x

REGIONAL WINNERS: BARBERSHOPS OF THE YEAR

SPONSORED BY

SCOTLAND

Ha:ck Men’s Grooming

HACK men s grooming is a 2 level barbershop based in Coatbridge Scotland. Being in this area for few good years they offer clients high quality services based on knowledge achieved by the best educators from the industry and around the world. Regular clients know them for their consistency and high quality. Soon they will be upgrading the barbershop with a tattoo studio, sun bed’s and massage rooms.

www.boardroombarbers.co.uk

The Boardroom Gentlemen’s Refinery, is a concept that has been in the making for 15 years. Based in Ewhurst Road, London The concept is for the ultimate premium barbershop experience, where clients needs are put first. Every single detail from the moment the client walks in, to the moment they walk out has been thought of and something has been put into place to ensure that the standards are the very best.

www.guerinsbarbers.co.uk

Guerin’s is a multiple award winning barbers, based in Ammanford, Swansea and Llanelli in South Wales. With 5 full time barbers and a trainee at their Ammanford shop. They offer mental health support within the shop as well as sponsor and support many local clubs, sports people, schools and charities.

Owner Mathew Guerin has a number of famous celebrities and sports people who travel to our Ammanford shop

WALES Guerins Barbers

@samsbarbershop_belfast

Sam”s Barbershop is Northern Ireland’s premier Barbers specialising in Mod styling. Sam’s is a cross community barber shop, which is vital to achieve modern day success. With clients from around the country coming through the doors, many sharing the same mutual love and interest, mod culture. However Sam Arthur is a multi award winning barber with many skills that covers a broad range of cuts and treatments to suit every client that’s lucky enough to walk through his door.

The Barbers Guide to Social Media Marketing

Social Media can promote your business or Brand at a very low cost, Here’s our guide to help you....

Using Social Media for Marketing

We’ve put together this guide on using social media for marketing to help you understand the best area for you to promote your Business or Brand.

First of all we would always recommend a barbershop or brand to have its own website, this would always be regarded as the digital shop advert (HUB) that all your social media pages would link to. This would contain the important information like your contact details, a map of your location, your prices, and maybe a little about your staff? For relatively low cost and time you can produce fantastic social media platforms for displaying your work, promoting your products and generally interacting with existing and potentially new customers. We will be looking at the main 4 Social Media pages to get you started.

Firstly creating your Brand

When starting out in the Social media world the first thing to think about is your brand. You need a recognisable name and logo that you can use on every social media page.

Using the same name on every social media site will allow the world to easily find you.

Before creating any social media page make sure the name you require is available on every platform. If you're like us and the name you're known by is too long for creating social media names, you may have to adjust it to fit the required character numbers. For example on all our social media pages we can be found using @BritishMasterBarbers although on Twitter we had to use @ UKMasterBarbers.

We use the same logos and colours in each of our platform profiles.

Facebook

Facebook is casual environment that starts very locally geographically. At first you select friends and already known acquaintances to like your business page and recognition flows out from them. Facebook requires regular active social media marketing to keep your followers entertained. Do not keep posting adverts of your business over and over as this will cause people to ignore your campaigns. Keep it fresh, regularly update your page with new quality pictures and interesting features that followers will LIKE & SHARE as this will spread your page to further onlookers.

Instagram

Instagram seems to be the Barbers favourite social media platform, it consists of the user uploading pictures which are liked by others, most barbers post pictures of their haircuts opening themselves to be judged by others. Good quality work and images can often be plugged (regramed) by other users which aid promotion of your brand. This is done by Tagging other users in your image description ie: @BritishMasterBarbers or #BritishMasterBarbers can help promote your work and further your reach. More tags equals more reach but make sure your tagging reflects your image and is aimed at third party’s that have an interest in your product.

YouTube

Not everyone wants to be a film star but getting your brand on YouTube can only help it to grow. Many Video editing Apps are available cheaply for use on phones and tablets. You can create blogs, how to’s, or even just a simple photo sequence showing your work can be beneficial. Make sure the sound quality is of a good standard. Even the best videos can be ruined by poor sound and low quality imagery.

#hashtags

How to Use #Hashtags

Using a hashtag in a social post is as simple as adding the ‘#’ sign before a single word or phrase without a space. Don’t string too many words together with a single hashtag. If you post with a hashtag on a public account, anyone who does a search for that hashtag may find your tweet. Don’t #spam #with #hashtags. Don’t over-tag a single post. Use hashtags only on posts relevant to the topic.

So now you have the basics

Remember your online post reach further than just your mate down the road. Keep professional at all times as its there forever. Don’t forget to follow the British Master Barbers pages. We love to see what you're all up to.

Bringing Barbers Back to Health.

Looking a)er your health and wellness is founder member of the BMB, Robert Dunsdon BA, BSc, MMCA, Senior Associate Royal Society of Medicine.

In this arBcle on Barber health we are looking at ‘one of our industry’s most common condiBons of WRIST PAIN. For decades barbers and hairstylists have been plagued with wrist complaints like RSI and carpel Tunnel Syndrome

What is Carpel tunnel?

The Carpel tunnel is a small opening at the base of your hand and wrist. Through this opening nerves run down from your neck to your arm and into your hand, this is why some neck and shoulder problems can cause weakness in your hand and wrist. If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms it always best to see a chiropractor or other health professional to make sure.

How to spot the first signs of Carpel Tunnel symptoms

An ache or pain in your fingers, with or without numbness. Pins and needles in your hand as well as having difficulty gripping. Often the symptoms start off slowly and can be worse at night. A simple self test to see if you possibly have Carpel tunnel is Phalens test.

What is RSI?

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.

It's also known as work-related upper limb disorder, or non-specific upper limb pain. The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, such as the:

• forearms and elbows

• wrists and hands

• neck and shoulders

Symptoms of RSI

The symptoms of RSI can range from mild to severe and usually develop gradually. They often include:

• pain, aching or tenderness

• stiffness

• throbbing

• tingling or numbness

• weakness

• cramp

At first, you might only notice symptoms when you're carrying out a particular repetitive action.

But without treatment, the symptoms of RSI may eventually become constant and cause longer periods of pain. You may also get swelling in the affected area, which can last for several months. What to do if you think you have RSI

If you develop symptoms of Carpel Tunnel or RSI visit your GP

Ergonomic Scissors & Wrist Exercises

Ergonomic scissors : How they can help existing and future wrist issues.?

Tools have now been designed and have been proven to reduce repetitive strain on the wrists. These are called ergonomically designed and you can see some examples below from Spencer Scissors.

Scissors are an essential hand tool for any Barber or hairdresser. Standard Scissors are straight or have only a slight curve in their design and require the barber to continually bend the wrist. The repetitive use of the great deal of stress in the tendons that run

Traditional Scissors by their design cause the wrist to be bent aggravating tendons and causing inflammation. Ergonomically designed Scissors prevent this and reduce the chance if a repetitive motion injury .

Regular wrist exercises will help keep you in good condiBon that will prevent any downBme.

Hand clench

Clenching and unclenching your hand is one repetition.

Instruction:

With the side of your hand rested on a table, and your fingers and wrist straight, clench your hand into a loose fist

Hold for 2 seconds then unclench and straighten your fingers

Side to side wrist bend

Bending your wrist from left to right is one repetition.

Instruction:

With your palm rested on a table, and your fingers and wrist straight, bend your wrist to the left as far as is comfortable

Hold for 2 seconds then bend your wrist back to centre

Bend your wrist to the right as far as is comfortable

Hold for 2 seconds then bend your wrist back to centre

Finger and thumb touch

You could do this exercise while sitting and may find it easier if you support your elbow on a table.

One set back and forth is one repetition.

Instruction:

With your palm facing you, and your hand relaxed and open, touch your thumb to each finger in turn

After touching your pinkie, reverse the order

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THE ONLINE SHOW

IT’S BACK

But this time things are different.

The British Master Barbers are once again hosting their annual barbering show but this time its all online. this years show can be accessed from the comfort of your own home.

Featuring:

The Seminar Rooms

The Exhibitor Hall

The Charity Room & more……

Get involved send us your tutorial videos to add to the show

So come on in and enjoy the show

WWW.MASTERBARBERLIVE.COM

EDUCATION: THE SHAVE

INSERT YOUR CUSTOMERS HAIR GROWTH DIRECTION ON THE DIAGRAM BELOW t

IN THE BARBER CHAIR

KENNETH WASHBURN

My name is Kenneth Washburn. At age 20, my sister-in-law convened me to go to beauty school. So, I embarked on an adventure unaware at that time it would spark a flame of passion lasting 30 years. During the first 2 year, I started to grow an interest for barbering. However, the opportunity to go to school had not yet presented its self. Over the Next 20 years, I to have worked in two Chicagoland Salons and spent 20 years as an educator with Pivot Point International. Needing a change, I had always wanted to be a barber but having to provide for my family and going to school was a lot. An opportunity to be an Education Manager for KAO, USA, came along so I took it. Meanwhile, I still had barbering in the back of my mind so after a little while I left and went into a salon. Like everything in life, “all things happen in due Bme”! I was working in the salon cuPng hair. When Pivot Point Academy asked me to teach for them. Shortly a)er that I was asked if I would be interested in creaBng a Barber Program for Pivot Point Academy. They then offered to pay for me to go to barber school to officially get my license. Shortly a)er finishing school, Pivot Point Academy launched the barber program. Where I am currently the Lead Master Barber and Master Cosmetology educator. Being inspired by BriBsh Barbering, I became a member of the BriBsh Master Barber Alliance in 2020. In 2021, I received my BriBsh Professional Barber AccreditaBon then in 2022 InternaBonal Master Barber and Grand Master Barber AccreditaBons. I am also member of the Hair and Barber Council and am a State Registered Senior Hairdresser as well as State Registered Senior Barber.

Barbering has re-energised my passion for the business and my calling to share knowledge on all levels of the industry. On the weekends you will find me either in the barbershop where I take clients or at a compeBBon or class; you should never stop learning. I tell all my students that they need to be involved in shows and educaBonal events to stay current. The different events allow you to bring new things back to your clients and rejuvenate your excitement for the industry.

Barbering to me is a way to express myself. I have seen how barbering can give people opportuniBes for a prosperous life that otherwise would not have been possible. An as those barbers start to prosper, they give back to their communiBes through back-to-school give aways, raising money for the homeless and many other ways. Barbering to me is more than being what is trending and popular at the moment. It is about being the corner stone of the community and it is an honour to be one.

IN THE BARBER CHAIR

KIM SEUNG RAE

THANK YOU FOR AGREEING TO SIT IN THE WORLD BARBER CHAIR, NOT ALL OUR READERS WILL KNOW WHO YOU ARE, CAN YOU PLEASE TELL US YOUR NAME , HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A BARBER AND WHERE DO YOU CUT HAIR?

Hello, nice to meet you all. I am Kim Seung-rae (@ibalsa SR), who runs KENKO Barbershop in Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea, called the "Street of Youth." I've been working as a barber for seven years.To briefly explain myself and my shop, I like old culture, old items, old photos, I love traditional barbershop culture, and I'm trying to succeed the traditional barbershop industry and promote the culture. The direction of my KENKO Barbershop is ‘Old school' Barber Haircuts, and we use traditional haircut technology to do various men's haircuts.

FIRST OF ALL, HOWS THE WEATHER OVER THERE?

The current weather in Korea is gradually disappearing from the cold and turning into spring weather. It's still cold at night, but it's a good weather to be active outside during the day. It's always a good day for a haircut.

SO WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN THIS AMAZING INDUSTRY?

I started to get interested in barbering when I was young at my local barber shop where I got my hair cut with my father. I remember I really liked the hair cut and foam shaving that I received at that time it felt so felt good. The barber who was in charge of my hairstyle looked so gentlemanly and cool. In that part, I became very fond of the idea of barbering. I thought it would be meaningful and make me proud to play the role that makes customers look and feel amazing after visit .

EDUCATION? HOW DID YOU LEARN BARBERING. WHERE DID YOU LEARN AND HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU?

I wanted to be a barber so much that I went around traditional barbershops and got advice. The seniors willingly gave me sincere advice and technical know-how. I went to an old traditional barber academy and tried to become a barber by learning the traditional barber skills of my seniors. It took a little over a year to cut it to some extent, but I still don't think the technology part is perfect. I think haircuts will studied for the rest of my life. I think it's just near perfection.You should always practise your craft with a learning attitude.

COULD YOU GIVE US A RUN DOWN OF WHAT TOOLS YOU USE? DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE BRANDS?

Clipper has used many brands, but mostly uses Magic Clip (Cordless) under the 'WAHL' brand, T-Blade (Cordless) under the 'ANDIS' brand, and CL-7000KS under the 'HiMAX' brand. I enjoy using it because it fits my hand the best and I can express it as I want.

I like to use several clippers, so I mix them up when I cut my hair. I like to cut and express my hair using the advantages of each clipper.

I don't prefer a special brand for scissors. The scissors I use now are old ones that I used when I first learned how to cut my hair. I usually use it because it fits well with my hands and is comfortable.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE AND MOST REGULARLY USED CUTTING TECHNIQUES? DO YOU SPECIALISE IN ANY PARTICULAR STYLE?

I like "Scissor over comb" and Clipper over comb" personally, I like to Fade hair and regularly specialise in it. My signature haircut I'm pursuing is any haircut that has "Taper Fade" in it.

WHATS THE LATEST STYLE REQUIRED IN YOUR AREA AND HOW ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST TRENDS?

The current hair trend in the Korean barbershop industry has recently increased is the "Mullet Haircut." Haircuts such as Slick back, Executive Contour, Ivy League, and Long Trim are basic and cleanest, so they are the ones that customers usually look for.

DO YOU TEACH BARBERING? IS IT SOMETHING YOU’VE CONSIDERED?

I don't teach haircuts right now. I plan to teach haircuts for the development and correct direction of barber industry juniors by collecting and organising know-how I felt, saw, and learned and skills and information that can be helpful to juniors. As I have received sincere advice and know-how from seniors in the barber industry, I will generously distribute it to my juniors as I received it.

OK WE'VE HAD A REAL GOOD INSIGHT INTO YOU AS A BARBER BUT NOW WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU DO TO RELAX DURING YOUR FREE TIME?

In my free time, I personally watch a lot of old movies and look up a lot of old pictures to get inspiration. Through such old media, you can see and feel the old hairstyle indirectly. And there are old buildings in Korea everywhere. There are apartments built in the 1970s, and I go to see those old buildings. It's just my personal hobby. Also, my own plan is to find ways to help many people in need through my job as a barber. For example, I am thinking of a donation project event or competition that everyone can participate in

WHATS HAPPENING ON

@BRITISHMASTERBARBERS

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The shoP

Welcome to the official BMB shop. High quality products to keep you and your barbershop looking professional. All our items available on our website britishmasterbarbers.com with free UK delivery.

The Lapel Badge

Show the world you’re part of the greatest barbering network with these beautifull lapel badges. Constructed from Nickel with a strong pin clasp. £4.99 inc free UK delivery

The Polo BMB logo on left chest

Available in Black & White

Sizes: S, M, L, XL £19.99 inc free UK delivery

BMB NeoCape

Featuring a special neoprene seal that prevents hair or water going down the neck. Made of a lightweight fabric it is extremely comfortable to wear. Black, White or Stripy White

One size fits all £29.99 inc free UK delivery

The Beenie Available now in Light Grey, Dark Grey and Black. One size fits all. £21.99 inc free UK delivery

The Hoodie Available in Black only

BMB logo on left chest and large rear

Sizes: S, M, L, XL £24.99 inc free UK delivery

The Bag Black with White logo Large and small Available Small £24.99 inc free UK delivery Large £29.99 inc free UK delivery

The Snap Back

The official BMB Snap backs are now available in Black with white BMB logo on front, Black peak Black with white BMB logo on front, forest camo peak Black with white BMB logo on front, urban camo peak Adjustable sizing on rear £22.99 inc free UK delivery

The Apron Black material with white BMB logo in centre chest sizes available: one size fits all £24.99 inc free UK delivery

The Work Station Mat Border - 12mm Black Rubber Border Size - 234mm x 434mm Machine washable £19.99 inc free UK delivery

The T Shirt BMB logo on chest Available in Black & White

Sizes: S, M, L, XL £16.99 inc free UK delivery