A Cut Above

The BBA supports barbers, male grooming salons and men’s hairdressers across the world. This time, it’s India’s turn.

The British Barbering Association (BBA) specialises in delivering high quality training to professionals around the world, and now they have their sights set on India. BBA Style Director Chris Foster and Master Barber Erik Lander have over half a century’s worth of combined experience at their disposal to make a difference. caught up with Chris and Erik for a chat…

Q When did you first know you wanted to be a hairstylist?

Chris Foster: My first inspiration for becoming a hairstylist came from watching the creativity of barbering in the ’90s. The interaction and the culture inspired me.

Erik Lander: I come from a family of hairdressers and barbers. I was always in the salon as a child, and I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be in the industry. I started to work in the salon after school and in the holidays—I loved interacting with diverse people as well as getting a thrill out of changing their looks to make them feel great.

Q What is the biggest hindrance when it comes to working in and managing creative teams?

Chris: I guess the biggest hindrance in working with creative teams is generally ensuring that everyone in the team has the same creative passion and commitment.

Erik: Ego. It’s a major part of our industry. When you are part of a team it’s never about the individual, it should always be about the team.

Q What are you most excited about in 2017?