An Interview With Barba

We spoke with Chetan, owner of Barba, on Barba's philosophy, advice for young barbers and the industry in general.

BARBA'S PHILOSOPHY

A big part of Barba's philosophy is how the shop runs day to day. We focus on the small details and always operate to the highest standards, we have a robust and comprehensive approach to how we perform our services and we are all constantly developing as a group to ensure that every grooming experience is to the highest quality possible. A big part of development at Barba is training, we believe that there is always room for improvement. All stylists have dedication to deepening our knowledge of men’s styling, whether it’s the way we cut hair, the way we perform wet shaves, or just simply the products we use to finish off a cut. Training means so much to the team here as we all want to create the best experience for any client who walks through our door. We are all passionate about creating real connections with our clients and understanding what they are after to leave them walking out happier.

Some of the best advice I can give to young barbers is to try and surround themselves with as many top, quality barbers as possible. Whether that is following all the top barbers on Instagram or going and getting haircuts from different barbers, watching the barbers in the shop cut hair.

- Chetan

ADVICE TO YOUNG BARBERS STARTING FRESH

Some of the best advice I can give to young barbers is to try and surround themselves with as many top quality barbers as possible. Whether that is following all the top barbers on Instagram or going and getting haircuts from different barbers, watching the barbers in the shop cut hair. The more hair and you can watch getting cut, the faster you’ll learn. Every barber has a different way of cutting hair so trying to observe and take in as much as you can from a range of barbers is a good start! Social media is so powerful these days, and Instagram is such an important tool to keep up to date with all the latest trends that are coming through on the other side of the world as well! But one of the biggest things is just cutting hair, and getting time behind the chair on the tools! Trying to get models on for training and just convincing family and friends to lend you their hair! That’s the best way to learn what to do, and also what not to do fast!

Above all else, have fun and always hold gratitude for the opportunities we have to put smiles on peoples faces.

BARBERING IS THE FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRY. HOW DOES BARBA SEE IT?

The industry is growing so incredibly fast, and there has been a real surge with kiwi blokes wanting to start to look and feel more clean. I think that not only kiwi men have started to care more about their hair but also their skin care. The last few years there has been a resurgence in men’s facial hair, and here at Barba we think that following this will be men’s skin care routines. Here at Barba we have a service called “Face Spa”

The explosion in popularity of male fashion in recent years suggests men have become more fashion conscious...

It’s something special. We know when we go on a Thursday afternoon for a cut it’s going to be a good weekend. You’re ready. You don’t just look better — you feel better too. At Barba we are helping to define, enhance and critique traditional notions of what it is to be a man. With our sleek and minimalist decor the result blurs the line between salon and barbershop. Our style of shop provides men with high-end services and products, hence partnering with Triumph & Disaster as we wanted to support local industry plus stock range that uses natural ingredients which are safe for skin plus environment. To keep up with the industry we are constantly updating the team with new product knowledge and what's coming up next in fashion to stay on top.

WHAT INTRIGUED YOU MOST ABOUT THE T&D BRAND?

For Barba T&D is more than just a product, it’s an art. Utilising natural derivatives to create something unique that actually works is what we love plus its NZ made.

WHAT T&D PRODUCT IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

Our favourite is Rock and Roll Face Scrub. Love how it gently removes the build-up of dirt, oil and impurities from your skin, leaving your complexion looking refreshed and radiant. Best Exfoliator!

Get directions to Barba below at 464 New North Road, Kingsland or online here