Barbering is more than a craft, it’s artistry. Each cut, fade, and line is purposeful. The Tease caught up with six barbers from across the country that you NEED to keep your eye on. We asked them everything from what inspired them to become a barber in the first place to the most overrated cuts and the tools they can’t live without.
Read on and get ready to follow.
Brittany Calzada
@brittanycalzada. Barbering for 11 years. Based in Irvine, CA
The Tease: What inspired you to become a barber?
Brittany Calzada: I have a passion for shaping and manipulating hair. It’s very interesting to me.
What’s your go-to clipper?
Brittany Calzada: My go-to clipper is the Wahl Magic Clip because of the staggered tooth blade.
Box shaver or razor blade?
Brittany Calzada: Box shaver all day.
Who is a barber you look up to?
Brittany Calzada: A barber I look up to is Aimar Ek (@aimar.ek), his passion and dedication is inspiring.
One tool or product you can’t live without?
Brittany Calzada: One tool I can’t live without would be my wide blade shear. I have an obsession with texturizing hair.
Carlos Estrella
@los_cut_it. Barbering for 26 years. Based in Chicago, IL
The Tease: What inspired you to become a barber?
Carlos Estrella: Growing up, my father took too long to get me to the barbershop. That survival mindset pushed me to start cutting my own hair. I never imagined it would turn into a life-changing journey.
What’s your go-to clipper?
Carlos Estrella: The BaBylissPRO x Tomb45 collab clipper – it’s powerful, precise, and feels solid in my hand.
Most Overrated Haircut?
Carlos Estrella: Honestly, none. Every haircut has its place and person – style is constantly evolving.
A Barber You Look Up To?
Carlos Estrella: There are many. My growth has come from learning bits and pieces from countless barbers along the way – it’s hard to name just one.
One tool or product you can’t live without?
Carlos Estrella: L3VEL3 products – they elevate every cut and bring my styles to life.
Chevé Freed
@barbergirlchevy. Barbering for 8 years. Based in Cleveland, Ohio
The Tease: What inspired you to become a barber?
Chevé Freed: In my city there was a lack of professionals who could execute a haircut that combines feminine and masculine elements. Most women love the precision of a masculine cut but they want it to still appear feminine and soft. There was a market of women (me included) who would see two pros to maintain their look.
What’s your go-to clipper?
Chevé Freed: The BaBylissPRO LimitedFX Pink Camo clipper. They have a super comfortable grip, they don’t need adjusting, works well with all hair types and, of course, because they’re pink.
Box shaver or razor blade?
Chevé Freed: Razor blades get the most use in my shop since I focus on softer, more feminine haircuts. I typically use a razor for lineups and design work.
Who is a barber you look up to?
Chevé Freed: Brandi Lashay (@theoriginalbarberdoll). She has so much grace and poise and she knows her craft. Her guidance has helped me a lot in this industry.
One tool or product you can’t live without?
Chevé Freed: I cannot live without Mousse Def by The Doux! I use it on every single client.
Eric Holmes
@holmes_eric. Barbering for 10 years. Based in Los Angeles, CA
The Tease: What inspired you to become a barber?
Eric Holmes: The first time I ever thought about becoming a barber was my senior year in high school. I just really enjoyed the shop vibe and thought it would be cool to do.
What’s your go-to clipper?
Eric Holmes: For the last few months my go-to has been the JRL Onyx 2020c. Best thing I’ve ever used, hands down. I just love the way they cut, love the two speeds, and love that I can use them with the Wahl guards.
Box shaver or razor blade?
Eric Holmes: Both! The shaver is a great tool, but nothing beats a blade for sharp edges and shaves.
Who is a barber that you look up to?
Eric Holmes: My co-workers. Everyone who took time out of their day to pull up to the shop or offer advice when I was just opening up the business. Barbers who wanna help and build up others.
One tool or product that you can’t live without?
Eric Holmes: I’d like to think I can cut hair in whatever circumstances with what I have available, but for me a cut doesn’t feel finished without the blade. So probably that!
Mari Ramirez
@mar___92. Barbering for 12 years. Based in Fontana, CA
The Tease: What inspired you to become a barber?
Mari Ramirez: Nothing inspired me, I learned to cut hair to survive but fell in love with the craft in the process.
What’s your go-to clipper?
Mari Ramirez: The Wahl vapor is my go-to clipper because of its power and versatility.
Box shaver or razor blade?
Mari Ramirez: Razor blade.
Who is a barber you look up to?
Mari Ramirez: David Escamilla (@david____escamilla).
Most difficult haircut?
Mari Ramirez: I don’t think there’s really a difficult cut but there is a difficult type of hair: extremely thick and extremely fine.
Miguel Angel Santiago
@miggyhair. Barbering for 16 years. Based in Tampa, Florida
The Tease: What inspired you to become a barber?
Miguel Angel Santiago: ART, fashion, rebellion… My teenage mind wanted to form art and make money. That’s what I saw at first.
What’s your go-to clipper?
Miguel Angel Santiago: BaBylissPRO and Suprent Pro as far as quality and what I’ve been used to. Suprent Pro has sent me a lot of their clippers, and they are a start-up company, but I’ve really been using their clippers recently not only in support but just diversifying.
Most overrated cut?
Miguel Angel Santiago: The mullet.
Who is a barber you look up to?
Miguel Angel Santiago: I look up to my circle. The people around me inspire me the most like @missle_cuts, @kevcuts365 and @esbebe_, who happens to also be on the Blonde Solutions education team with me. But, yes the people I see in the room inspire me the most.
One tool or product you can’t live without?
Miguel Angel Santiago: Product would be Blonde Solutions. I not only love to cut hair but I LOVE COLOR. Without this company’s support and technology… I would not be able to achieve the colors I create.
