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Barbering isn’t just a craft for Tyler Kelbert, it’s a culture, and that culture started long before he picked up his first set of shears. Growing up, he watched his own barber not only cut hair, but build community by knowing everyone. He showed up for every local event, and turned a chair into more than a haircut. That sense of belonging stayed with Kelbert and became a defining part of his journey to success.
Kelbert’s creativity goes beyond the chair. From his time spent in Japan, he was exposed to messy and gritty, textured styles that shaped his aesthetic. He also earned his barber license in 2013 and a Digital Media degree from Weber State, blending craft and content creation making him a unicorn for today’s hair industry.
His work reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. Travel, and exposure to global styles, helped him appreciate texture, color, and movement which are all elements he loves to teach and showcase.
Education Comes First, Then the Cut
Kelbert believes that once you are a student, you are always a student. He founded A Cut Above The Rest Academy, an education platform designed to give new stylists the tools and skills beyond barber school basics. He also co-founded the Salt Lake Beauty & Barber Expo, creating a space where professionals can connect, learn, and grow together.
“130 hours isn’t enough to really hone your craft,” Kelbert claims. The more practice, the better you are going to be; ongoing learning is what shapes true professionals.
Tools Matter, But So Does Comfort
For Kelbert, tools are more than instruments. They’re an extension of your style and longevity.
“You’ve got to have a good pair of sheers,” he says. “Pick ones that fit YOU, like Harry Potter picking the right wand. Longevity in this industry comes from comfort with your tools.”
He also champions Denman brushes as the greatest, joking that if you don’t own two, you’re missing out. His social content, stemming from unboxing every single one of Denman’s brushes, helped broaden his reach online and ultimately led to Denman collaborations rooted in education and authenticity.
How Content Creation Helps your Work
In today’s space, stylists must wear many hats. On top of perfecting your hairstyling skills, Kelbert encourages his students to create content, understand trends, and be intentional with social platforms. Nowadays you are expected to be able to educate, connect, and adapt with the industry’s fast‑changing landscape. Learning to capture attention in the first three seconds has become a cornerstone of his social media strategy.
What drives Kelbert more than awards or accolades is seeing others succeed. From free classes to mentorship, his mission has always been to uplift others because helping someone be better than you are is the most rewarding part of the work.
