Behind the chair

I began my journey in hairdressing in 2008 at my aunt’s salon in New Orleans. It was fascinating to witness how a hairdresser worked with a diverse array of clients, each with unique textures and specific goals. The expectation was clear: create works of art with precision and consistency in a limited time. As my career progressed, I explored different techniques and tools, studying under masters and mentors from around the world. I learned that the craftsman, not the tool, is often responsible for the final result but each tool has its primary function and limit.

For as long as I can tell, barber shops and salons have been divided by gender. In the 1950s, the barbershop was a social hub, where the neighborhood men gathered and the barber was a respected figure, a relic from a time when barbers were also doctors and community caretakers.

With industrialization, society advanced, leading to ultra-specialization in our crafts. Machines took over for efficiency and scalability, but something essential was lost—the individual craftsman’s touch.

I’ve worked in several barbershops where clippers were the primary tool, used to articulate the client’s desired style. Tools can be used with integrity or haphazardly. I don’t mean to discount the skill it takes for a barber to cut 16 clients a day with precision and consistency with clippers—it’s a challenging job.

Within every craft, there are those who respect the art and devote themselves fully to mastery. But there are also many who chase money, treating the craft as a means to an end. The U.S. is full of barbershops modeled after fast-food chains—cheap and fast, but often lacking in consistency due to irregular training in academies and short appointment times.

Nowadays, clients arrive with AI-polished photos and unrealistic expectations for a perfectly crafted haircut in a short amount of time. The dynamic has shifted; clients often dictate what the barber should do. This shift reflects a broader societal disregard for the craft of barbering and hairdressing. I believe a true craftsman should work with integrity, intention, and conviction. An expert should be trusted and respected.

I’ve spent years working in various barbershops chains and independent shops burning out my hands, body and inspiration. After acknowledging it was a short term pace, i have sense slowed down and refocused my work to be more intentional, less rushed, more curated and ultimately a better product and service for the client.

the scissors give me complete control over the results and i love it! i am truly challenged with every haircut, trying to perfectly balance the nuances of their texture, bone structure and preferences! hoping to create a super tailored result that speaks with confidence and ultimately allows the client to move back into their life with a sense of ease and confidence.

let’s chat about your hair!