A CUT ABOVE
3rd October 2018
In his first piece for ROX Man award winning stylist and co-owner of the undeniably suave Mr Blonde in Glasgow’s Merchant City, Grant Carr shares his experiences behind the razor and offers advice for what to expect from the season ahead.
Take a quick look through the glossy gents’ magazines of the season and one thing is clear, SS18 is the year you’ll mix up your look.
From the charming sweep, as donned by everyone’s favourite Son of Anarchy Charlie Hunnam to the soft parting as championed by all-round legend Tom Hardy, now is the time to wear your style not only on your sleeve but also on your head.
However, as refreshing as going for a fresh new do might seem there’s no escaping that it can be a daunting prospect – after all long hair might be making a comeback but let’s be honest no one needs to recreate the glam rock styles of the 1980s. And so the importance of finding a stylist you can trust has never been greater, something that stylist Grant Carr knows only too well.
Grant, who co-owns stylish Glasgow barbers Mr Blonde, first picked up a pair of scissors 12 years ago with little idea just how far his trade would take him. Initially making a name for himself on the Glasgow barber scene the forward thinking stylist soon found himself travelling the world, all thanks to the humble barber’s chair.
“I started my career in Glasgow 12 years ago and got valuable experience working in various salons and barbers shops across the city,” he says.
“However, the chance to guest spot at a salon in San Diego, California was unbelievable.
“It was just amazing to check out how other stylists work and I picked up so many amazing tips such as fading techniques used by American barbers. It’s been fantastic to bring these skills back to Scotland and share with my clients – it’s important to always do something fresh.
“This summer I’m heading to Nashville to guest spot too so I’m excited to get out there and continue to learn even more.”
It is this open minded approach that won Grant Best Male Barber of Scotland 2017 at the Scottish Hair and beauty Awards and scores of clients not only across the city but across the globe.
“The last 12 years have been about gaining knowledge and experience as a hairdresser and barber. When it comes to hair, I am a forward thinking stylist. The image and taste of my clients is my number one priority so no task is too big or too small,” he continues.
“I love my job and there is no better feeling than seeing my client over the moon with their hair.”
As for things to watch out for this season?
“For a while, colour was a taboo subject for men but now there are techniques that can exaggerate depth, texture, thickness and obviously reverse the signs of aging hair.”
For regular grooming tips from Grant, check out rox.co.uk/magazine and for more about Mr Blonde visit mr-blonde.co.uk
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