On the road with the nomad barber
Published
07th Mar 2013
by rachael
Barber Miguel Gutierrez has just embarked on the trip of a lifetime; visiting five continents in twelve months with the aim of discovering the secrets and history of barbering worldwide.A former UK winner of American Crew's Face|Off competition, Miguel has also worked backstage at London Fashion Week and on shoots for brands, bands and leading men's magazines.
Having departed the UK on 12 June, Miguel will spent the next year travelling the globe to visit barbers in every continent in a unique journey under the name of The Nomad Barber.
We caught up with Miguel to find out more about this once-in-a-lifetime trip...
Tell us more about the Nomad Barber project...
The Nomad Barber started out as an idea of me doing haircuts in cool locations and has snowballed into the project it is today. I set off in June 2013 with a cameraman to film a web series discovering more about the history of barbering worldwide, as well as using the social aspect of the barbershop to speak to people. I'll be trying to trade haircuts for things along the way too.
What inspired you to do this?
I think I'm combining my three loves in one project; barbering, travel and film. I also want to take every single barber and stylist who can't just get up and leave their salon on the journey with me.
Why do you want to meet other barbers from around the world?
Not only do I want to hear some of their funny stories, but I also want to see if a trade which dates back thousands of years is really all that different around the world. The foundations of a haircut and shave will probably remain the same, but I want to see what's changed and if we're missing out on anything.
What will be the biggest challenge for you during your travels?
Keeping the momentum going. It's going to be a tiring project with long days looking for barbers. I also know that I'm going to be rejected for a lot for haircuts along the way so it's not going to be easy. But who wants to see me have an easy ride? No-one will watch!
What will you miss most about the UK?
My family and friends mostly - we hit summer pretty much the whole time along the way, so I doubt I'll be missing anything else!
What plans do you have for when you return?
I want to work more on stage and eventually start my own barbershop chain, product line and barber school - so keep an eye out if you're an aspiring young barber. I also want to pitch the series to TV...
Find out more about the Nomad Barber and pledge a donation here!