therockingbarber

In two years behind the chair I've heard a lot of these stories. Let me be honest about what causes them - because understanding the problem is the first step to making sure it never happens to you again.

Every barber develops the habit of reading people. Not to judge them, but to understand them. By the time you've walked across the shop and sat in my chair, I've already picked up a dozen little clues that will help me recommend a haircut that fits your life.

There's a moment in every unexpected journey where you look up and think - how did I get here? This week I had one of those moments. On Monday 13th July 2026 The Guardian - one of the world's most widely read newspapers - published my story. In their online edition and in their daily print newspaper. A piece written by journalist Paula Cocozza about leaving a 20-year marketing career at 60 to become a barber. About rockabilly music, pompadours, and starting over with a pair of scissors.