BARBER SESSIONS

BRAND NEW FOR 2024, THE BARBER SESSIONS PODS AT BARBER CONNECT SHOWCASED A RANGE OF DIVERSE CUTS, STYLES, AND TEXTURES AT FLOOR LEVEL...

PETE CRANFIELD

Kicking off the Barber Sessions, host Simon Butcher, aka SimonsHairground, was joined by Alex Burt and Ben Pearcey. Alex set out to dispel common cutting myths, showcasing various techniques such as structured layering. His top tip? Trust your eyes and your instincts. Meanwhile, Ben set to work cutting a taper with a custom design, sharing that his passion for barbering is fuelled by helping people to feel their best.

DAN GREGORY

Dan Burnett and Sid Da Barber were next up, both ready to show off their scissor skills. Sid began by creating a round layer with a bit of texture, while Dan’s aim was to demonstrate a ‘universal trim’ – a style that can be worn in a multitude of ways. “Clients can wash and go, or can style it up,’ he explained.

ERIC WAY LOVEMORE

Dale Hince stepped up to create a mid fade while talking about working with frizz, curls and dry hair; he said that his best piece of advice is to work with the hair and watch how it reacts. Marie Rainsford used her time at Barber Sessions to demonstrate the DFS Formula, which she described as “a very simplistic way of cutting”. She added: “While every head is different, we apply the same system to keep our work consistent.”

SID DA BARBER

Carlie Cardle shared how barbers can introduce additional grooming services into their businesses, explaining: “Everything we use behind the chair, we always have in stock for clients to purchase.” Cutting a skinfade with a textured top and cat scratches, Deone Luke told visitors: “My biggest tips are to always be consistent and to make sure you put effort into the relationships you build with clients.”

CARLIE CARDLE

Elettra Guggeri and Charlie Venn both worked on slightly longer length hair; Elettra explained that her focus was on how to tailor a haircut to a client, while Charlie was showcasing a square cut with easy layers.

JAI-LI RAYNEAU

Rounding off day one, Eric Way Lovemore and Sam Campagna both showcased specialist skills – Eric was working with invisible hair extensions, which are perfect for hair thinning, while Sam completed a cut using only a razor blade.

BENTHAN BRENNAN

On day two, Pete Cranfield was on hand to showcase some scissor work. Creating a cut that took inspiration from Pumping Iron, he explained: “I think you attract the clients that appreciate the work you put out.” Meanwhile, Jai-Li Rayneau showcased her impressive braiding skills, answering visitors’ questions on sectioning and product recommendations.

AARON OTTLEY

While sharing the story behind his own haircare brand, Journey, Dan Gregory set to work on a midlength cut, discussing various styling options. Bethan Brennan, however, was showcasing her cutting and fading skills, producing a creative style that would be easy for clients to maintain – “Think editorial meets high street,” she said.

DALE HINCE

Closing off the show, Tracy Mangan and Nikodem Szulc both showcased their fading expertise, on two completely different hair textures. While working on textured hair, Tracy discussed her preferred tools, from clippers to sterilising misters. Meanwhile, Nikodem shared about his experiences as a barber in Poland, while working on introducing volume and texture to very straight hair.

Adam Więcek travelled from Poland to showcase his skills, discussing connection points and adding dimension. Simultaneously, Aaron Ottley showcased a drop fade, highlighting the simple techniques that can be applied to achieve this. Finishing off with a textured top, he also shared three different methods to add texture.