Brand new for 2024, the Barber Sessions pods at Barber Connect showcased a range of diverse cuts, styles, and textures at floor level, enabling visitors to get up close to see details and ask questions. Here's everything that happened over the weekend...
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 with Simon that his passion for barbering is fuelled by helping people to look at feel their best.
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.
Dale Hince stepped up to create a mid fade while talking about working with frizz, curls and dry hair. Deciding to keep the cut relatively square, he said that his best piece of advice when cutting 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 explained: “While every head is different, we apply the same system to keep our work consistent.”
Carlie Cardle shared how barbers can introduce additional grooming services into their businesses, while also discussing her new venture as a travel consultant – a role she carries out while working behind the chair. To really make the most out of additional services, Carlie shared: “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.”
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. Discussing her approach in more detail, Elettra added: “Sometimes stylists will effectively copy and paste a look they’ve seen on social media onto a client, and while they might execute the techniques well, they run the risk of the style not suiting the client.”
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.
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 match the work you put out, so I’m always trying to put out styles I enjoy working on.” Meanwhile, Jai-Li Rayneau showcased her impressive braiding skills, a skill which she explained began in her own bedroom. She went in to detail on her technique, answers visitors’ questions on sectioning and the best products to use.
While sharing the story behind his own haircare brand, Journey, Dan Gregory set to work on a mid-length 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.
As Europe’s leading barbering event, the Barber Sessions also featured professionals from outside of the UK; Adam Więcek travelled from Poland to showcase his skills, transforming a short, one-length cut to a more stylised finish, 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 adding texture – chopping into the top, and two variations of slicing into the top.
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. Simon asked Tracey how she looks after herself working long days in the barbershop, to which Tracy responded, “I think it’s important to remember to take short but regular breaks.” Meanwhile, Nikodem shared about his experiences as a barber in Poland, while working on introducing volume and texture to very straight hair.
Take a look at our gallery to see all the highlights:
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