An Aberdeen male grooming expert has launched an ambitious bid to be named the world’s best barber.
Kyle Ross, owner of Huntsman, narrowly missed out on glory at the International Barber Awards in Nuremberg last year, despite being selected the best in the UK.
However, the 28-year-old is now just one step away from another crack at the coveted global prize after making the UK shortlist for the second consecutive year.
The former Ellon Academy pupil will jet to London later this month for a live cutting showdown against Britain’s barbering elite – with the last remaining place in Germany on the line for the winner.
“Vintage barbering services such as fades and hot towel shaving have been reborn, bringing a huge wave of new talent to the industry.
“As a consequence, competition for this title is massive and making the final shortlist for the UK again is an honour in itself.
“But having come so close to winning last year, it would be great to make that final step and become the first Brit to take home the title.”
Kyle, who grew up in Methlick but now lives in Newburgh, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the industry since launching Huntsman in 2016.
As well as being named Best Barber UK in 2017, he was also crowned Scottish Men’s Hairstylist of the Year last September.
So far in 2018 he has styled at London Fashion Week and been named a UK ambassador for Hanz De Fuko, the cult Los Angeles haircare line which counts David Beckham, Bruno Mars, James McAvoy and Scots superstar DJ Calvin Harris among its celebrity fans.
Huntsman has also been shortlisted in six categories for the forthcoming the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards, due to held in Glasgow in September.
As well as being up for both Best Barber Shop and Best Salon Design, Kyle and three members of the team – Laura Cowie, Megan Stockford and Bruce Baillie – are all up for individual awards.
Kyle hopes further success will act as a springboard as he finalises plans to expand Huntsman – which blends hair cutting, hair care and hair education – as a national high street brand.
“The Huntsman way goes far beyond just a haircut,” he said. “We advise, cut and teach all of our clients to maintain their style at home.
“Our patrons are our walking, talking brand ambassadors – and we want them to leave the mirror every morning feeling the same way they did when they stepped out of our salon.
“The British male grooming sector is booming and we strongly believe there is a national demand for what we offer.”
