Rag & Bone A barbershop that offers more than just haircare

RAG & BONE Mental Health Support

A barbershop that offers more than just hair care

In the last few years, barbers have come to play an increasingly important role within local communities, and not just for keeping men’s hair in check.

With mental health issues affecting more men than ever before, barbers and barbershops have provided many with a safe space and a listening ear.

And while groups like The Lions Barber Collective have developed this role by establishing themselves as a recognised charity, many other barber shops like Rag and Bone in Westcliff, Essex, are happy to unofficially provide a safe haven. Opened in the summer of 2019, Rag and Bone in Hamlet Court Road has become a truly neighbourhood barbershop with a loyal and ever growing clientele.

When friends and fellow barbers, Gary and Joshua first decided to open a business together; they had no idea how the shop would take off. They simply identified a gap in the market having noticed that Westcliff had fewer barbershops than nearby Leigh or Southend.

Joshua said: “We felt that there was definitely room in the market for an affordable barbershop in Westcliff serving local residents.”

Both Joshua and Gary share an overriding passion for barbering. Having trained at Central and then worked at a number of barbershops, Joshua was really keen to set up his own business. Teaming up with his friend Gary, the two opened Rag and Bone and, since day one, have loved every single second of having their own business.

Both men worked in other businesses before barbering. Joshua worked for a wedding planning business and Gary was a carpenter. Styling men’s hair is a long held passion for both and, before opening the shop; Gary had built a strong reputation with his blog about men’s hair. As well as wishing to tend to the hair of all men in the local area, the duo were determined that their shop would have a chilled and welcoming atmosphere. And thanks to the warm vibe, the décor and ambience has evolved all on its own.

Gary said: “We initially put up a few bits of our own memorabilia to give a nice feel to the place and then, as soon as we opened the doors, clients brought in their own stuff which they thought would work well.”

From military memorabilia to boxing accessories, the shop has a real old school feel, which is topped off with a small bar at the back.

“We used to have a backwash area there,“ explained Joshua. “But we took a vote among our clients and said we could either have the back basins or a bar. And the bar was the clear winner!”

With not only owners Gary and Joshua on hand to welcome all clients and visitors, but also Boycie the salon pug and a collection of other barbers, there is always a good crowd in the shop.

With lots of banter, honest chat and conversation about every subject under the sun, the barbers are proud that clients feel the shop is like a home from home. And for the team, that means that coming to work every day is a real joy.

Gary said: “I feel lucky when I wake up because I can’t wait to get to work. I love what I do. We all do and we feel so privileged that we do a job that does not feel like work.

“We come in here, we have a laugh with our mates and our clients as well as creating some great haircuts.”

When you put it like that it’s hardly surprising that apprentice barber, Jacob Moore, 19, could not wait to join the team.

Jacob combines working in the barbershop with studying for his level 2 NVQ award at Central Hair London in Bethnal Green.

Having worked at a barbers when he landed his fi rst Saturday job at the age of 14, Jacob felt destined for a career behind a chair. But, instead, he embarked upon a career in fi lm and animation before realising that he wanted to return to his fi rst love.

He said: “I think I realised that I didn’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day. I wanted to get back out there and cut men’s hair. Fortunately I knew Gary and Joshua and they were quick to off er me an apprenticeship.”

Within days of starting his job at Rag and Bone, Jacob knew he had made the right choice and loved the way clients engaged with the team.

“Everyone is so friendly. The atmosphere means that people who live locally just love to pop by and have a chat – which we love.”

And now there’s another reason to call in. The shop has recently unveiled its own keenly priced styling range of products bearing the Rag and Bone name.

With barbershops showing no sign of losing popularity, the Rag and Bone team plan to keep doing exactly what they’re doing and maybe look to open another shop replicating their winning formula.

Having won fans with his blog, Gary is now making a massive impact with the shop’s Instagram account, which has just shy of 15,000 followers. Capturing the essence of the business and showcasing the talented work of the team, the account is a great way to see exactly what goes on in the shop! But to really understand why this barbershop has become something of a cult, you really need to pay a visit. As well as men of all ages, the team frequently welcome ladies looking for a quality short cut that won’t break the bank.

And whether you want to chill, or indulge in friendly banter, the guys will suss out where you’re coming from.

When Gary was working for barber, Scott Paige at Paige’s Barbershop in Ashingdon, Scott gave him some great advice, which he still heeds to this day.

He said: “Some people want to talk and some don’t and the best way you can gauge someone’s mood is to ask them three questions. If all you get is one word answers to each question you can be fairly sure that they just want to enjoy some peace and quiet.

“While we always carry out a full and detailed consultation so our clients get exactly what they’re after, we then want them to enjoy exactly the experience they want. That way they’ll be sure to come back and recommend us.”

CHECK OUT OUR REVAMPED WEBSITE AT

WWW.CENTRALTRAININGGROUP.COM

Whether you are looking to hire an apprentice or you want to start a career in hairdressing, our website is packed full of valuable information, support, training ideas and more!

CENTRAL TRAINING GROUP 0800 783 2901 www.centraltraininggroup.com

CENTRAL TRAINING GROUP