Latest news with #barbering
France 24
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Japan's World Barber Classic tries to bring back business
A dozen Japanese and foreign contestants were taking part in the World Barber Classic, showing off their hairdressing skills surrounded by national flags and the blare of hip-hop tunes. The event is part of a bid by Japan's struggling barber industry to attract young male clients lost in recent years to hair salons, which are popular for their high-quality services. "In many countries, men getting their hair cut by barbers is an established culture," whereas in Japan young men favour salons, competition organiser Sho Yokota told AFP. "What we're trying to achieve is to elevate a men's cut, or barbering, as a culture for men." Popular culture in Japan driven by boy-band idols and young male actors steers men towards longer coiffures instead of the shaved, cropped or slicked-back styles usually associated with barbers. A TV trend at the turn of the century which made top hairdressers into fashion icons also increased the popularity of salons over traditional barber shops. There are around 110,000 barber shops currently open in Japan, but twice as many salons. Most Japanese barbers are elderly but a new generation has emerged, armed with social media savvy. Among them is contestant Shoma Sugimura, who made it to the final three on Monday. "Our haircuts are often manly," the 29-year-old, whose neck and shaved head were covered in tattoos, told AFP. The competing barbers were tested on their self-expression Monday, with each given a minute to woo the audience with a speech. Barbers in Japan are renowned for their skill, organiser Yokota said, but were often viewed as lacking showmanship. "I think hair is more than just hair," judge Giancarlo Burgos, from Los Angeles, told AFP. "It's a way of communicating yourself, but also connecting people. It's a language that anybody can understand." Another contestant Takumasa Suzuki, 32, told AFP he was trying to emulate American barber culture to bring business back and keep the barber trade alive. "In Japan, people just go for trendy haircuts," but in the racially diverse United States, "they want their haircuts to encapsulate their own culture and heritage," he said. "If barbershops in Japan can become a place where we can help customers express who they are, then I don't think we will vanish." © 2025 AFP
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Costa Rican barber came to Canada with a backpack, work permit and no family: ‘I never think about going back home'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians —born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Mauricio Montoya arrived in Canada with a work permit, his barber tools and a backpack full of dreams. Less than a year after immigrating from Costa Rica, the 26-year-old has established a name for himself at Empire Fadez, a popular barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya, who is admired for his contagious positivity and sharp haircuts, serves as proof that success does not always come easy—but it does come to those who are willing to work hard. Montoya's love for cutting hair began long before he stepped foot into a hair salon professionally. 'First, I've always liked it,' he says, reflecting on his childhood fascination with barbers at work. 'One Christmas [my mom] asked me what I wanted and I said 'Oh Mom, please give me machines to start cutting hair.' I started to do it and loved it after.' That moment sparked a passion that would carry him through the challenges of immigrating, language barriers, and the emotional cost of leaving home. In May 2024, Montoya arrived in Canada determined to make the most of what he described as a single opportunity. 'When I came here in May, [I] always [had] in my mind 'I have one opportunity' so I have to enjoy it,' he says. 'I never think about going back home, I never think about coming to Canada to waste my time… now this is my home.' He credits a loyal client back in Costa Rica for encouraging him to make the move Canada. 'One day he told me, 'Why don't you try in Canada?...If it's bad, come to me and I'll give you work in construction.' So I came, tried, and it worked.' The biggest challenge he faced? Language. 'When I come and I don't It's very hard for people to understand. But everyday I try to be better and learn,' Montoya says. Cultural differences also came as a shock. 'Canada is multicultural, and I come from a country that is one culture… but it's nice because you learn about different cultures and I always love learning.' Despite the difficulties, Montoya found an unexpected lifeline in the Newmarket barbershop community. An Instagram message he received by chance led him to Empire Fadez—though the connection might have been fate. 'I was in the back of the bus and saw a guy behind in a car… he looked like a barber,' Montoya remembers. 'Later the same guy messaged me on Instagram and said 'I like how you cut hair. If you want, come to Newmarket Empire Fadez and try it out.' Turns out he owned Empire Fadez. Shows you everything happens for a reason.' RELATED: Canadians share their perspectives, challenges and pride in Yahoo News' series For Montoya, Empire Fadez is more than a workplace. 'I love it. The first time I came here everyone hugged me. It's like a family here.' he says. Regardless of the language barriers, Montoya connects with clients using heart and intuition. 'I try to connect with everyone, first with my personality… Sometimes it's hard depending on the person… some have closed personalities but I still try to understand the haircut and ask for specifics.' His approach to barbering is remarkably humble and growth-minded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MB Cutzzz / Toronto (@mauriciobarber1_) While Canada has become home, Montoya still acknowledges his Costa Rican roots daily. 'I've learned values back home in my country and they stay with me for life… In Costa Rica, we value happiness, heart, mind, and family,' he says. Additionally, Montoya has grown to appreciate the structure and promise of Canadian life. 'Canada is a very good place for growth… If you work hard here, it's more accessible to get where you want.' The contrast between the two countries is something he reflects on often—not just in culture, but in career opportunities. 'Back in my country, you have a lot of opportunities too, but for my work you can grow bigger here… You go further being a barber in Canada than Costa Rica.' He notes that pricing plays a role too. In Canada, haircuts are generally more expensive, which allows barbers to invest in themselves and their tools—something that was more difficult back in Costa Rica. But for Montoya, it's not just about the money. 'The connections you make with clients in Canada help a lot,' he explains. Montoya has no intentions to slow down. His plans for the future are as grounded as they are ambitious. 'My goals are to have my own shop one day, and to teach other people how to cut hair.' Working his way to a Canadian citizenship, he hopes to establish a strong foundation in Canada to support his loved ones back in Costa Rica: 'I want to be good here, so I can be good back home too.' He's aware of the obstacles that remain ahead, including those who don't always have good intentions. 'Some people just want to take advantage of you, especially when you have talent… but in life there are bad people. If you keep pushing, you will find good people.' For anyone on a similar path, Montoya has a simple message: 'Never ever give up. Everything in this life has solutions… Just believe and grow… love yourself first and after others will come show you love.' For now, he continues to advance his skillset, by developing his brand and making sure every client leaves with a satisfied experience. In Montoya's chair, you're not just getting a haircut—you're getting a piece of his story and the resilience of a Costa Rican heart beating strong in a Canadian home.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Costa Rican barber came to Canada with a backpack, work permit and no family: ‘I never think about going back home'
Mauricio Montoya gives a cut to a client at Empire Fadez in Newmarket, Ontario. The barber came to Canada with a backpack full of dreams and credits the country for his early success. Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians —born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Mauricio Montoya arrived in Canada with a work permit, his barber tools and a backpack full of dreams. Less than a year after immigrating from Costa Rica, the 26-year-old has established a name for himself at Empire Fadez, a popular barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya, who is admired for his contagious positivity and sharp haircuts, serves as proof that success does not always come easy—but it does come to those who are willing to work hard. Montoya's love for cutting hair began long before he stepped foot into a hair salon professionally. Advertisement 'First, I've always liked it,' he says, reflecting on his childhood fascination with barbers at work. 'One Christmas [my mom] asked me what I wanted and I said 'Oh Mom, please give me machines to start cutting hair.' I started to do it and loved it after.' That moment sparked a passion that would carry him through the challenges of immigrating, language barriers, and the emotional cost of leaving home. Language issues and a little luck Mauricio Montoya, 26, works on a client at Empire Fades, a barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya came to Canada on a work permit from Costa Rica, and hopes to become a citizen. In May 2024, Montoya arrived in Canada determined to make the most of what he described as a single opportunity. 'When I came here in May, [I] always [had] in my mind 'I have one opportunity' so I have to enjoy it,' he says. 'I never think about going back home, I never think about coming to Canada to waste my time… now this is my home.' He credits a loyal client back in Costa Rica for encouraging him to make the move Canada. 'One day he told me, 'Why don't you try in Canada?...If it's bad, come to me and I'll give you work in construction.' So I came, tried, and it worked.' Advertisement The biggest challenge he faced? Language. 'When I come and I don't It's very hard for people to understand. But everyday I try to be better and learn,' Montoya says. Cultural differences also came as a shock. 'Canada is multicultural, and I come from a country that is one culture… but it's nice because you learn about different cultures and I always love learning.' Despite the difficulties, Montoya found an unexpected lifeline in the Newmarket barbershop community. An Instagram message he received by chance led him to Empire Fadez—though the connection might have been fate. Advertisement 'I was in the back of the bus and saw a guy behind in a car… he looked like a barber,' Montoya remembers. 'Later the same guy messaged me on Instagram and said 'I like how you cut hair. If you want, come to Newmarket Empire Fadez and try it out.' Turns out he owned Empire Fadez. Shows you everything happens for a reason.' RELATED: Canadians share their perspectives, challenges and pride in Yahoo News' My Canada series For Montoya, Empire Fadez is more than a workplace. 'I love it. The first time I came here everyone hugged me. It's like a family here.' he says. Regardless of the language barriers, Montoya connects with clients using heart and intuition. 'I try to connect with everyone, first with my personality… Sometimes it's hard depending on the person… some have closed personalities but I still try to understand the haircut and ask for specifics.' His approach to barbering is remarkably humble and growth-minded. For a barber, Canada offers the best cut While Canada has become home, Montoya still acknowledges his Costa Rican roots daily. 'I've learned values back home in my country and they stay with me for life… In Costa Rica, we value happiness, heart, mind, and family,' he says. Advertisement Additionally, Montoya has grown to appreciate the structure and promise of Canadian life. 'Canada is a very good place for growth… If you work hard here, it's more accessible to get where you want.' The contrast between the two countries is something he reflects on often—not just in culture, but in career opportunities. 'Back in my country, you have a lot of opportunities too, but for my work you can grow bigger here… You go further being a barber in Canada than Costa Rica.' He notes that pricing plays a role too. In Canada, haircuts are generally more expensive, which allows barbers to invest in themselves and their tools—something that was more difficult back in Costa Rica. But for Montoya, it's not just about the money. 'The connections you make with clients in Canada help a lot,' he explains. Dreams of a shop of his own, Canadian citizenship Montoya has no intentions to slow down. His plans for the future are as grounded as they are ambitious. 'My goals are to have my own shop one day, and to teach other people how to cut hair.' Advertisement Working his way to a Canadian citizenship, he hopes to establish a strong foundation in Canada to support his loved ones back in Costa Rica: 'I want to be good here, so I can be good back home too.' He's aware of the obstacles that remain ahead, including those who don't always have good intentions. 'Some people just want to take advantage of you, especially when you have talent… but in life there are bad people. If you keep pushing, you will find good people.' For anyone on a similar path, Montoya has a simple message: 'Never ever give up. Everything in this life has solutions… Just believe and grow… love yourself first and after others will come show you love.' For now, he continues to advance his skillset, by developing his brand and making sure every client leaves with a satisfied experience. In Montoya's chair, you're not just getting a haircut—you're getting a piece of his story and the resilience of a Costa Rican heart beating strong in a Canadian home.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Costa Rican barber came to Canada with a backpack, work permit and no family: ‘I never think about going back home'
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians —born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders. Mauricio Montoya arrived in Canada with a work permit, his barber tools and a backpack full of dreams. Less than a year after immigrating from Costa Rica, the 26-year-old has established a name for himself at Empire Fadez, a popular barber shop in Newmarket, Ont. Montoya, who is admired for his contagious positivity and sharp haircuts, serves as proof that success does not always come easy—but it does come to those who are willing to work hard. Montoya's love for cutting hair began long before he stepped foot into a hair salon professionally. 'First, I've always liked it,' he says, reflecting on his childhood fascination with barbers at work. 'One Christmas [my mom] asked me what I wanted and I said 'Oh Mom, please give me machines to start cutting hair.' I started to do it and loved it after.' That moment sparked a passion that would carry him through the challenges of immigrating, language barriers, and the emotional cost of leaving home. In May 2024, Montoya arrived in Canada determined to make the most of what he described as a single opportunity. 'When I came here in May, [I] always [had] in my mind 'I have one opportunity' so I have to enjoy it,' he says. 'I never think about going back home, I never think about coming to Canada to waste my time… now this is my home.' He credits a loyal client back in Costa Rica for encouraging him to make the move Canada. 'One day he told me, 'Why don't you try in Canada?...If it's bad, come to me and I'll give you work in construction.' So I came, tried, and it worked.' The biggest challenge he faced? Language. 'When I come and I don't It's very hard for people to understand. But everyday I try to be better and learn,' Montoya says. Cultural differences also came as a shock. 'Canada is multicultural, and I come from a country that is one culture… but it's nice because you learn about different cultures and I always love learning.' Despite the difficulties, Montoya found an unexpected lifeline in the Newmarket barbershop community. An Instagram message he received by chance led him to Empire Fadez—though the connection might have been fate. 'I was in the back of the bus and saw a guy behind in a car… he looked like a barber,' Montoya remembers. 'Later the same guy messaged me on Instagram and said 'I like how you cut hair. If you want, come to Newmarket Empire Fadez and try it out.' Turns out he owned Empire Fadez. Shows you everything happens for a reason.' RELATED: Canadians share their perspectives, challenges and pride in Yahoo News' series For Montoya, Empire Fadez is more than a workplace. 'I love it. The first time I came here everyone hugged me. It's like a family here.' he says. Regardless of the language barriers, Montoya connects with clients using heart and intuition. 'I try to connect with everyone, first with my personality… Sometimes it's hard depending on the person… some have closed personalities but I still try to understand the haircut and ask for specifics.' His approach to barbering is remarkably humble and growth-minded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MB Cutzzz / Toronto (@mauriciobarber1_) While Canada has become home, Montoya still acknowledges his Costa Rican roots daily. 'I've learned values back home in my country and they stay with me for life… In Costa Rica, we value happiness, heart, mind, and family,' he says. Additionally, Montoya has grown to appreciate the structure and promise of Canadian life. 'Canada is a very good place for growth… If you work hard here, it's more accessible to get where you want.' The contrast between the two countries is something he reflects on often—not just in culture, but in career opportunities. 'Back in my country, you have a lot of opportunities too, but for my work you can grow bigger here… You go further being a barber in Canada than Costa Rica.' He notes that pricing plays a role too. In Canada, haircuts are generally more expensive, which allows barbers to invest in themselves and their tools—something that was more difficult back in Costa Rica. But for Montoya, it's not just about the money. 'The connections you make with clients in Canada help a lot,' he explains. Montoya has no intentions to slow down. His plans for the future are as grounded as they are ambitious. 'My goals are to have my own shop one day, and to teach other people how to cut hair.' Working his way to a Canadian citizenship, he hopes to establish a strong foundation in Canada to support his loved ones back in Costa Rica: 'I want to be good here, so I can be good back home too.' He's aware of the obstacles that remain ahead, including those who don't always have good intentions. 'Some people just want to take advantage of you, especially when you have talent… but in life there are bad people. If you keep pushing, you will find good people.' For anyone on a similar path, Montoya has a simple message: 'Never ever give up. Everything in this life has solutions… Just believe and grow… love yourself first and after others will come show you love.' For now, he continues to advance his skillset, by developing his brand and making sure every client leaves with a satisfied experience. In Montoya's chair, you're not just getting a haircut—you're getting a piece of his story and the resilience of a Costa Rican heart beating strong in a Canadian home.
RNZ News
23-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Free cuts a 'win-win' at Mr Barber
Whether you are after a fade, slick back, perm or a buzz cut look no further - a barber training centre in the Auckland CBD is offering free trims. If you do not mind yours being the first hair the apprentice barber has ever cut, that is. Mr Barber, an NZQA approved and registered training centre, is the only barber-specific training centre in Aotearoa. Barbers-in-training are chucked straight into the deep end, practising on real people from day one. At 10am on Thursday outside Mr Barber in the Auckland CBD, the place was already buzzing. For 25 years, Aucklanders have been going to the training school for a free trim, while apprentices snip their way towards a level four certificate in commercial barbering. Danelle Higgins did her barber training at Mr Barber in 2019. Now, alongside her brother Brodie, she is running the course. "We come up from a small town called Murupara. It's all poverty and all of that stuff. I wanted to do something different, help people, get them a qual. I had it hard growing up, so I touch base with a lot of these boys." Would-be barbers complete a 12-week course covering both theory and practical skills. They are then put on placements in barbershops, where they must work 780 hours to complete the qualification. Although the job market has slowed, especially during winter, she said there is no shortage of people applying to join their crew. "We get barber shops calling us up all the time for barber students. We have a barber job page as well, [if] they have job vacancies." Clarence Morrison has just graduated from the three-month programme and is soon heading into a placement. "It was something for like an investment for me. Came from drugs, alcohol, prison sort of background, brought up in foster homes and kind of cheated my way through life. "Those things don't really last, so it's starting from scratch again and this is a good place." Morrison has cut the hair of homeless people, university students, tourists and people popping in for a short back-and-sides during their work lunch break. "It gives some hope, people that are going for a job interview and if they're unsure, you're able to give them some confidence, to be able to step into their day. "It's like [being] little ambassadors for the community." Alex Burnett completed the course with one of his mates and is now a tutor on the course. "I was sort of at a loose end a little bit after school, just doing odd jobs and stuff and I just sort of thought of it as something that would suit me and I gave it a try and never looked back." Burnett said he can have 20 conversations a day with different customers. "We've had a lot of people that have been coming through since the start, and it helps with getting people something that they need and they can get it for free. "It's a win-win, really, because these guys get to get to learn, get to practise on them." When he is not working at a barbershop up on Karangahape Road, Alex works as a part-time a tutor at the school, where he's able to give tips from his own experience. "It gets the nerves out of the way and gets them used to having real people in the chair and having proper conversations, cause it's more than just cutting. "If you've just got a mannequin, all you're doing is cutting, whereas in here, you can talk to your customers [and] you can learn about yourself." Mr Barber was the brainchild of Jacqui Spence and her barber husband Neville, who, when they moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, saw the need for a barber-specific course. Jacqui said 90 percent of barbers walk into jobs when they complete it. "They've come through and done something that they've been passionate about and learned a trade and gone forward. "A lot of them have gone on to open their own businesses ultimately and they've raised their family and been able to live a really good life because of it." The school operates from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday, with free haircuts on offer from 10 - 12pm and 1 - 3pm.
