The Noble Barber

Why do so many talented barbers struggle when they become business owners?

Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban is joined by Tom Chapman (Diligents) and Michael Damiano to discuss the leadership skills that separate successful barbershops from those that fail.
They dive into building a strong team culture, earning respect as a leader instead of acting like a boss, managing self-employed barbers, handling staff who leave, growing through social media, hiring for personality over skill, and why communication is the most valuable tool any shop owner has.

Whether you're opening your first shop or managing a growing team, this episode is packed with honest advice from owners who have built successful businesses.

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Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

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Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

Are apprenticeships in barbering broken?

Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban is joined by Aaron Dorn and Adam Sloan from the Men's Hairdressing Federation (MHFed) to discuss the future of barbering education.
The panel explores why apprenticeships have declined, the financial support available to employers, the challenges facing salons and barbershops, online education, becoming a better educator, and what separates great apprentices from the rest.

Whether you're a salon owner, barber, educator or someone thinking about joining the industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest discussion.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

00:00 Intro
02:21 Why Print?
06:37 Creative Process
13:33 Future Talent
20:21 American Crew
28:19 Retail Reality
34:19 Education Matters
40:21 Final Thoughts

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Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

Do you need to own a salon to build a successful career in hairdressing?

Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban is joined by Desmond Murray and Stacey Wright to discuss the many career paths available within the hair industry. From editorial work and education to photography, Fashion Week and global brand roles, they share why success isn't limited to owning a salon.

The conversation explores creativity, mentorship, discipline, awards, imposter syndrome and why constantly learning is the key to building a long and fulfilling career.

Whether you're an apprentice, barber, hairdresser or salon owner, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to grow in the industry.

Follow our guests:

📲 Desmond Murray: @desmondmurray
📲 Stacey Wright: @staceywright_

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review. It really helps us continue bringing conversations like this to The Noble Barber.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

What separates a successful barber from a successful business owner?

Recorded live at HairCon 2026, Anthony Laban sits down with Joth Davies (Savills Barbers) and Charles Rose (Crate Collective) to discuss what it really takes to build a long-lasting barbering business. From growing teams and retaining staff to education, branding, academies and expanding beyond the chair, this episode is packed with practical advice for barbers looking to think bigger.

Whether you're opening your first shop or planning your next move, this conversation offers honest insight into building a business that lasts.

Follow our guests for more barbering and business insights:

Joth Davies & Savills Barbers: https://www.instagram.com/savillsbarbers/

Charles Rose & Crate Collective: https://www.instagram.com/cratecollective/

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review. It really helps us continue bringing conversations like this to The Noble Barber.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

In this special Haircon episode, we discuss, should barbers open a private studio, or are they making the move too early?
Recorded live at HairCon Manchester, Anthony Laban sits down with Dan Gregory and Pete Cranfield to discuss the realities of studio life, building a loyal clientele, social media, pricing, no-shows, client retention and what it really takes to make a studio successful.

From attracting customers and creating a premium experience to avoiding common mistakes and knowing when you're actually ready to go solo, this episode is packed with honest advice for barbers at every stage of their career.
Whether you're considering opening a studio or looking to grow your existing business, this conversation offers practical insights from two of the industry's most respected names.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

Josh Lamonaca (MENSPIRE) shares his full journey from cutting hair at 15 to building one of the most influential men’s hair brands in the world.

In this episode, we dive into how he went from self-taught barbering in his grandmother’s garage to performing on global stages, creating a new standard for men’s hairdressing, and building a worldwide education platform.

Josh opens up about ego, burnout, rejection, discipline, and the mindset shift that changed everything — from “showing” to truly “sharing.” This is a must-watch for barbers, creatives, and anyone building something from the ground up.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

This one’s different.

Sam from MENSPIRE isn’t the loudest guy in the room…but he’s built one of the biggest barber brands in the world.

From earning £500 a month and thinking he’d “made it”…to building a global business with shops across the world this episode breaks down what it actually takes.

We talk about staying in your lane, building the right team, why most barbers get it wrong early on, and the reality of starting from nothing.

If you’re a barber, creative, or building something of your own this one will hit.
Subscribe for more real conversations from inside the industry.

Sam Palmer is the co-founder of MENSPIRE, one of the most recognised men’s grooming brands in the world. From cutting hair in his parents’ front room to building a global business with locations across the UK, Dubai, New York and beyond. Sam has been at the core of scaling the brand from day one.
Known for focusing on culture, team and long-term growth, Sam has played a key role in building MENSPIRE into more than just a barbershop but a global brand shaping the future of modern men’s grooming.

Follow Sam here:
Instagram: @sam_menspire
MENSPIRE: @menspireacademy

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

In this exclusive Deep Dive, Anthony Laban travels to the Wahl UK Headquarters to sit down with a true industry titan: Simon Shaw. Recently appointed as the Director of Education, Simon oversees training and artistic standards across 62 countries.

With 26 years at the world’s biggest clipper corporation, Simon pulls back the curtain on the "Hard Graft" that people don't see - from the 20-week lead-up to global exhibitions to the ruthless precision required to select and retain a "Creme de la Creme" artistic team.

This episode is a masterclass in professional mindset, business longevity and cultural leadership. Simon cuts through the social media hype to explain why "knowing how to fade" is just the entry point and why the real masters are those who never stop investing in their education.
Simon challenges the ego of the modern stylist and provides a blueprint for those who actually want to scale their business and leave a legacy.
Follow Simon!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonshaw_ss

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOBLE BARBERS CAREERS & ADVICE APP! 👇

Website: https://www.thenoblebarber.co.uk

FOLLOW US 🐂 ✂️
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thenoblebarberpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoblebarberpodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thenoblebarber

Credits:
Filmed & Edited by HAMLIN STUDIOS: https://www.instagram.com/hamlinstudios/?hl=en-gb

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST 

Hosted by industry professional and award-winning barber Anthony Laban. Joined weekly by industry professionals to talk about barbering, becoming and maintaining a barber shop, hiring, employment, money and cutting through the crap of the industry.

Description: In this second "Best of" Compilation, Anthony Laban brings together the most critical voices in the industry to tackle a subject that is keeping shop owners awake at night: The Education Crisis. The barbering landscape has shifted. We have seen a surge in 12-week fast-track courses and high-street saturation, but are we actually producing "shop-ready" barbers? This episode cuts through the crap to investigate the rising cost of training, the failure of traditional college models, and the "fire in the belly" required to actually make it in this craft.
In this Compilation, we explore:
The Death of the Old Way: Michael Kontos (LSB) and Anthony discuss why the 2-year apprenticeship is no longer viable for a 30-year-old career-changer and the rise of the "Private Academy" model.
The Standards Gap: A deep dive into why "doing a great fade" doesn't make you a great barber. We discuss the loss of fundamental skills like scissor-over-comb and the dangerous lack of endpoint assessments in private training.
The Mentorship Deficit: Why shop owners are struggling to find people who actually want to immerse themselves in the craft rather than just chasing a "lifestyle".
The Belfast Hybrid Solution: Justine Higgins breaks down a revolutionary model where funded, full-time college training creates "real barbers" who are ready to make money from day one.
The Hard Truth of Affordability: Why skyrocketing minimum wages and lack of government support are forcing even the most passionate owners to turn away apprentices.
Questions raised in this episode:
Is the 12-week NVQ enough to survive a high-street with 20+ competitors?
Why is the government funding paperwork but not physical training?
How can a self-employed shop model effectively bring through new talent?
Episode Chapters
00:00:00 | The Apprenticeship Crisis
00:04:15 | The Standards Gap: Fades vs. Fundamental Skills
00:08:45 | Regulation and the Private Course Trap
00:11:45 | The Affordability Crisis for Shop Owners
00:16:30 | Home-Grown Talent vs. Fast-Track NVQs
00:20:15 | The Belfast Hybrid Solution
00:26:00 | Training in a Self-Employed Model
00:29:45 | The Future of Professional Investment

Whether you are a student looking for the right path or a shop owner struggling to build a team, this episode is a roadmap for the future of barbering education.
#TheNobleBarber #BarberEducation #Apprenticeships #BarberTraining #IndustryStandards #BarberBusiness #DeepDive #TheTrainingCrisis