New academy shows barbers how to do it Caterino-style

Fresh from a barbering exhibition in his native Italy, Luigi, also the official barber for his beloved Rangers Football Club, was in London for the launch of a national academy of barbering run by awards sponsor and trade produce manufacturer the Bluebeards Revenge.

Luigi said: “I will be the main man in the whole of Scotland running barbering courses in barbers shops, salons, and colleges.

“I look forward very much to passing on the skills I have learned from my father and grandfather.”

Barbers’ shops nationwide had been in decline over the last 20 years as men opted to visit salons, but there has been a dramatic resurgence of late in modern and traditional barbering styles and services, including wet shaves.

Fashion has restored barbering to its historic glory of late. Retro cuts from the 1920s and 1950s are held in great esteem and often remodelled for today’s clientele. As a result, the barbering business is booming.

However, the downturn in trade has meant that there is a gap in training, and that is where the Great British Barbering Academy comes in.

Supported by British Barbers’ Association co-founder Mike Taylor, the academy is dedicated to providing trained barbers and novices with the skills needed to reach new heights in an exciting and ever-changing industry.

Luigi has won several titles in the short time his shop at the corner of Channel Street in Galashiels has been open – including best master shaver in Scotland in 2014, 2015, 2016; best master shaver in UK last year; best barber in Scotland last year; and best barber’s shop this year – and he has also been in talks with Borders College to further share his skills.

Academy courses include shaving, using clippers, trimming beards and traditional barbering. They cost £150 for a one-day course. Email [email protected] for more information.