Immerse into barber’s subculture with Barber Stories’ mini-series

Jun 11, 2017 | by Justine Vallée | Art, Event

About the author

Half-tourist and half-journalist, I am a full-time hot chocolate drinker who never leaves her camera. Always on the lookout, from classical music to rap, to the arts or good spots to visit, I could also feed myself with history and culture of all kinds.

When you’re passing by a barber shop, you look at the outside, sometimes come in, say hello, have a haircut and say goodbye. But do you realize a big part of a barber’s life is dedicated to his job? That it’s more than a job but a passion? That’s what Barber Stories mini-series is about: personal barbers’ life, to immerse into their subculture creating a real community.

They strive for perfection. They put their heart and soul into the craft.

It seems to be an old job. Who goes to the barber when you can use a razor? Still, Cut Throat is busy seven days a week, proving that it’s not dying. Arjun Chadha from Whatsgood told me that this barber was selected for the documentary as it’s special: “Cut Throat is Europe’s first “barber plus” concept: more than only being a barber – they’re also a bar, restaurant, coffee place and throw parties. This together with their global reputation of “being one of the best” barbers – has made Amsterdam the home to quality barbering in Holland.”

They’re passionate and love the craft. “They do their best to learn every small detail that they can. What makes the barbering career special to them? They strive for perfection. They put their heart and soul into the craft. They take it more seriously than most other people.”

There’s this whole world behind barbering that a lot of people don’t know. And that’s their subculture.

“It’s a universe by itself. People that get their hair cut don’t realize that all barbers have an international community online.” The documentary not only focuses on the ‘hype’ side of the job but also personal lives in the several steps of how to become the senior barber. This path is long until they learn enough, but fortunately, the community helps. “They help each other – they swap barbers for a week – they even help teach new ambitious barbers everything they know through lessons. There’s this whole world behind barbering that a lot of people don’t know. And that’s their subculture.”

The documentary will be available on June 14, and viewing it is free of charge. But a release party is thrown on the same day just for the occasion at Cut Throat, located next to Dam Square. Everyone that’s interested is more than welcome to drop by, so just relax, watch, learn, and have a drink.