Barber Connect 2025 saw visitors getting up-close and personal with the Barber Sessions Pods, which were hosted by Siobhan Moriarty-Jones and Emma Moriarty-Richardson – joined by Auburne Enkel on Sunday.
The stage saw up and coming barbers display a variety of cuts at floor level, from mullets to fades and freestyle designs, providing an interactive opportunity for visitors. Keep scrolling to take a look at what went on...
Barber Sessions Pods Line-Up for 2025
Sunday 18 May
Pod 1
10.30 – 11.00 Sam Carter
Sam spent his time working with curls, working in a hot cross bun section and elevating everything to the top. Chatting with Siobhan, he explained that they've been seeing more longer cuts - and less fades and tapers – in the shop. Offering up a kew piece of advice for newcomers, he shared: "You don't need 14 sections for a haircut, it just overcomplicates things. People do it to look cool on social media, but it's not necessary."
11.10 – 11.40 Connor Tookey
Connor showcased a square taper on Afro hair while expressing the importance of a quality shape-up. "If a client is happy with their shape-up, they're happy with the whole cut," he said.
11.50 – 12.20 Michael Joseph, Hairforce 1
Michael explained that when he entered barbering, he saw it as more than just cutting hair, but as an art. He showcased a mid skin fade with a line up and a bit of height on the top.
12.30 – 13.00 Phil Jarman
13.10 – 13.40 Jai-Li
13.50 – 14.20 Toby Wallen, Raw Talent Student winner 2024
14.30 – 15.00 Cosmin Gradinaru, Raw Talent Graduate Winner 2024
15.10 – 15.40 Leif McCreery
Pod 2
10.30 – 11.00 Liv Plum
Liv took to the sessions pods to create a textured look, combining elements of a mullet, a mod and a pixie. She used a razor to soften the look, which is especially useful at the nape. She finished the cut by drying it lightly, using only her hands, to give it a natural, slightly wet look.
11.10 – 11.40 Adrian Mecheres
Adrian showcased the findamentals of a taper fade while discussing his experence as an educator.
11.50 – 12.20 Hannah McKnight
Hannah presented a heavy square cut with a tight taper on the sides.
12.30 – 13.00 Naomi Richardson
13.10 – 13.40 Roxanne Batt
13.50 – 14.20 Ayeesha Coleman, Raw Talent Post-Graduate Winner 2024
14.30 –15.00 Lucas Simmons, Hairforce 1
15.10 – 15.40 Connor Evans
15.50 – 16.20 Stefan Clark
Monday 19 May
Pod 1
10.30 – 11.00 Ben Pearcey
11.10 – 11.40 Victor Negru
11.50 – 12.20 Paul Brookes
12.30 – 1.00 Marlie Verhoeven
13.10 – 13.40 Kyle Dickson
13.50 – 14.20 Deone Luke
14.30 – 15.00 Tom Hoffman
Pod 2
10.30 – 11.00 Darryl Chow
11.10 – 11.40 Roxanne Batt
13.10 – 13.40 Connor Chesterton
13.50 – 14.20 Kyle Thompson
14.30 – 15.00 Luke Harvey