Hola and welcome to our very first Baber Feature where we are showcasing some super slick talents from across the globe and giving you a ton of ideas and inspiration.
We talk to superstar legend Barber, Dash, based in Hibiscus Coast, Auckland about life as a Barber, content creation, and advice for new and upcoming Barbers.
Dash, tell us about yourself and your style.
I'm a 20 year old barber who's been cutting for about 4 years now. My life now revolves around cutting hair, working on content, bettering myself, and spending time with my fiancé and dog. In terms of my style, it's very much streetwear. Going between oversized clothes and fitted clothes. My style is constantly changing and I love switching it up.
Dash, tell us what are the current trends in men's grooming you're most excited about, and how do you stay updated with the latest styles and techniques?
I'll be honest I'm loving the mullet season right now. A manageable mullet with a burst fade is my favorite haircut and my most common haircut. When it comes to staying up to date is pretty simple. New Zealand is like 6 months behind the states. If I'm on Instagram now and see a haircut blowing up I'll take notice and I guarantee 6 months later I'll see it come in the shop. Instagram used to be an addiction of mine, but now it's my most powerful tool. I get content ideas, marketing, learning different techniques, and so many more.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a professional barber, and how do you overcome them?
I found more of my challenges come in through the content-creating side. There are so many things to consider and mindset changes have to be made from just a barber to a barber that creates content. I find having someone, like my fiancée, who grounds me and helps put a lot of my overthinking and worries to rest.
How do you tailor the barbering experience to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client?
I go super in-depth with my consultations for new clients especially, clients getting something new. On average I ask about 25 to 30 questions to clients from the consultation at the start of the haircut, during the haircut, and even at the very end I'm asking and checking in with the client to make sure every part of the haircut is dialed in exactly as they like. And that's why so many people come to me after having had bad experiences with haircuts in the past and then they stick with me because every part of the cut is too tailored to.
Dash, what advice do you have for keen Barbers looking to enter the industry or level up their skills?
Practice as much as physically possible. One of the best parts about the industry is that you are always learning. I found it best to pick one part of the haircut, like the fade for example, and spend an extra 5 minutes more on it. This can be applied to the scissor work or lineup or any part of the haircut or beard. I found working on one thing at a time increases progression at a ridiculous rate.
What is one thing you LOVE about your craft?
I love making people look fresh. The smile on people's faces when they see the final product and have learned how to properly style their hair is so fulfilling.
Can you share with us your favorite quote, something you live by?
One day or day one. It's a corny quote, but I love the message. Why wait for another day and put off what you want to do?
Just start today.
Check out more work from Dash over on the Gram at @Dashstaysfaded