HUMAN CONNECTION In The Barbershop.

By Emma Dinon – 2024 AMBA Modern Barber of the Year

Barbershops are a cornerstone of the community. When people sit in our chair, they come for more than just a haircut— it’s a space for conversation and self-care.

For some, it is one of the few spaces they feel they can fully unwind. Beyond the clippers and the scissors, I believe a truly epic barbershop experience hinges on something deeper: client connection. The relationship between us and our clients goes beyond a simple transactional exchange. We are fortunate enough to have the ability to form relationships built on trust, familiarity, and shared stories, often spanning over many years, and with multiple generations.

Over the years, barbershops have been spaces where people gather not only for their grooming but also for a chat and a laugh. We see our clients regularly, sometimes weekly! This frequency creates an opportunity to cultivate strong connections. Many people lead busy lives, going from a demanding job to a busy home life, this means their time in our chair is the only opportunity they get to relax, have ‘me time’ and be pampered. It is the highlight of many people’s busy schedule.

We have the ability to create a space where people feel safe to let their guard down, people often say it is ‘like therapy’. For many, the act of being heard and understood can be just as important as the haircut itself. I hear about everything, from family matters to hard days at work, personal goals, and even secrets they wouldn’t feel comfortable tell anyone else. This trust is built over time, and it is a bond we are privileged to share.

I believe mastering the art of communication and creating a personalised experience is one of the most powerful ways we can build a strong, loyal clientele and is imperative to the longevity of any barber business. We can from connections and build rapport through attention to detail, a great barber recalls the little things; Their child’s name, their footy team, the family holiday they were going on or the job interview the last haircut was in prep for. When you can do this well, people feel valued are nearly DEFINITELY going to come back again and again and recommend you to their friends!

The ability to read body language is a particularly important skill, some clients come in for conversation, while others are much more keen to sit in peace. A skilled barber knows when to chat, and when not to. In my experience though, I find, most people want to talk. It is important to remember not everyone has the opportunity to be around people as often as us or feels as comfortable in social situations as us. When can we gently create space for those more shy, reserved people to chat comfortably, and come out of their skin it really can be such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both the client and us.

I live by the belief that we can learn something from every person we meet! Everyone fosters a unique perspective shaped by their experiences and everyone has something valuable to teach us. We are fortunate to have a captive audience, and this gives us the opportunity to ask questions, which exposes us to new ideas, and deepens our understanding of the world.

I learn things from the kids I chat with just as learn things from the adults. Because we are exposed to such a diverse range of people, we get free advice on things business, finance and life, all while literally doing our job. We have a wealth of free knowledge available to us if we so wish to take advantage of it. This is one of the most valuable and enjoyable parts of our business, and something I always make sure to capitalise on as it helps me grow both personally and intellectually. Even in casual conversations, a simple question can lead to unreal lessons.

The best part of a good barbershop lies in its ability to transform a simple service into a meaningful relationship. We live in an age where people are glued to their phones and laptops, but the barbershop remains a place where human connection thrives! Let’s not lose that.

@emmadinonhair @star_barber_darwin