BARBERING
Styling the Stars
With scissors in hand and stars in his chair, Javed Sheikh Abbassi has shaped some iconic looks. In conversation with Vidhi Arya, he talks about his journey in the world of barbering.
ollowng in his father’s footsteps, Javed Sheikh Abbassi discovered his passion for barbering. Making the bold move of choosing barbering as a career, instead of pursuing it as a family-led profession, today Abbassi stands with over a decade of experience behind him and a slew of celebrity clients to his name, including rappers Badshah, King, Raftaar and more. In this exclusive interview, he speaks about his love for this art and the shifting landscape of the barbering industry that keep him inspired.
What made you choose barbering as a craft, and how has your relationship with the scissors evolved over the years?
It’s all because of my father! He was a barber, and his work inspired me to step into this profession. I started at a very young age, so scissors, combs and hair dryers were my first toys.
For me, my scissors and trimmers are tools of craftsmanship, as they represent my work. I put my heart into the details and into the customisation of the looks that I create for my clients and in the makeovers that I give them.
How is the Indian male grooming space evolving, and what excites you most about where it’s headed?
The Indian male grooming space is undergoing a major transformation, and it’s really exciting to watch. Indians are now more focused on customised haircuts and beard shapes instead of just a basic shave and cut.
Indian men are definitely embracing beard care and grooming with much more seriousness than ever before. It’s becoming an important part of their overall grooming routines. They are actively investing in beard oils, shampoos, balms and specialised beard tools to stay sharp and presentable.
What are the underrated barbering techniques that you swear by but which aren’t talked about enough?
Clipper-over-comb and razor texturising. Firstly, clipper-over-comb is particularly effective for creating seamless blends, precise tapers and removing bulk without creating harsh lines. Mastering this technique allows barbers to achieve polished haircuts.
Secondly, razor texturising enhances the natural movement of the hair, making it appear more dynamic and removes excess weight from thick or coarse hair without sacrificing length.
Why do you feel that participating in various awards is important for barbers today? Is there a tip you’d like to give the rising stars?
It’s very important for attaining recognition and credibility. It is a great tool to create trust with clients. So, definitely, everyone must try and participate.
My tip for all the rising stars is: invest your time in refining your technique and learning new styles. Focus on building a strong relationship with clients through your craft and innovation.