Great British Barber Bash @ The Voodoo Lounge in Liverpool with Sid Sottung & Josh O'Callagh

My name is Tom Bailey and I am an aspiring barber. At 19 years old, I am the 6th generation of barbers in my family. This Christmas, I won the Barber Banter 12 Days of Christmas competition; winning many fantastic prizes, including equipment, products and tickets to Barbering Observations and Events, giving me amazing opportunities to kick-start my career with a BANG! Today, 31st January 2016, I set off on my journey from my Hometown, Newton Aycliffe, to Liverpool for an Observation at Voodou’s Barber Shop with, the one and only, Sid Sottung and his Assistant Creative Director, Josh O’Callaghan. This was my first experience of a Barbering Observation and, I must say, it absolutely blew me away. These observations are led by Garry Spencer, of The Great British Barber Bash, who made sure that today’s observation was a great day for everyone who attended; the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. In my opinion, everyone felt welcomed and as if we were all part of one big barbering family. The observation began with Sid giving an introduction to himself, what he does and the background he came from. Then a brief, yet in-depth, talk about different head shapes, how they can affect the client suiting a particular hair and beard style, and how the styles can be adapted. This was shown with a PowerPoint presentation, showing diagrams and notes of what Sid was explaining. This was followed by Josh, again, giving an introduction to himself, how he progressed through the Sid Sottung Academy and how he became Assistant Creative Director. Two models were introduced as ‘Bob 1’, having a very long hairstyle with a beard, and ‘Bob 2’, having a fairly short to mid-length hairstyle. Sid focused on ‘Bob 1’; completing a full re-style to give a swept back, texturized cut. Josh focused on ‘Bob 2’; completing a Skin Faded back and sides with a texturized top. Both barbers, throughout the cuts, explained everything they were doing, and why, to give a greater understanding of the two cuts they were doing. Josh focused on Guard Skipping techniques, using a Texture Razor and cross cutting sections to give the cut a different, more texturized feel. Whereas, Sid focused on how cutting the hair at different angles can create differences in how the hair lies and falls, point cutting and positioning of the body whilst cutting the hair to give either a squared, rounded or triangular look. This was all done whilst answering questions from myself and the other people who attended. As a whole, I personally feel, this demonstration was a total game changer to my training. Giving a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of techniques and how the slightest changes can make all the difference. During the demo Garry was giving out ‘on the spot’ prizes for people who were really getting involved by asking questions and being engaged; I think this was an amazing idea, as it completely boosted the energy in the room and definitely motivated people to get involved. I was handed a Neocape Gown and a Great British Barber Bash T-Shirt, which I absolutely love! Following the observation, as it was coming to a close, Garry pointed out that there was a wide variety of equipment and products on sale, including Aprons, Scissors, Clippers, YS Park combs and so much more. As I was preparing to leave, saying “Goodbye” to everyone and getting pictures, I was stopped and handed a Certificate to show that I had completed the One Day Contemporary Barbering Course signed by Sid Sottung, which really gave an authentic feel to the day. It gives me something to hold onto forever and, of course, show off as much as possible. I would like to thank Garry, Sid, Josh, Voodou, everyone who attended and, most importantly, the Barber Banter Group for making this absolute dream become a reality for myself. I, certainly, do not know of many 19 year olds who have been given the same opportunities as me and, for that, I will be eternally grateful.