Salman Malik - (C)hair Science

True intelligence starts with figuring out what youre suited for, and growing in that area. Continuous learning, and seeking knowledge is important to master and specialise in your craft. Einstein once quoted:

Everyone is a genius.

But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

Albert Einstein

This quotation alludes to a long-standing allegorical framework. It is inappropriate and inaccurate to judge an animal by giving attention to a skill it does not have. A fish is specialised to swim superbly, and its ability to climb a tree is non-existent or rudimentary. In the domain of education, this allegory has been employed repeatedly for more than one hundred years. Hence, this quotation is built on ideas that have been in circulation among educators for several decades.

It has now become very apparent that the barbering industry is rapidly growing. The sector has been described alongside high-profile reports, as the fastest-growing profession worldwide. It is projected to be worth up to $30 billion in 2022. There are many well established services and consumer-facing industries that have rarely witnessed the same level of growth that the barbering industry has done over the past decade.

This unparalleled growth has meant barbers are demanding more for their cuts, and due to the development of new techniques, trends and styles, customers are requesting more from their barber in addition to demonstrating their know-how; which ranges from hairstyles to knowledge of the equipment they operate (i.e., clipper hardware and shaving software), and their know-how of hair science and a basic understanding of trichology (the medical and cosmetic study of the hair and scalp). Ultimately this maturity in knowledge has led to growth in skill, pricing and quality, subsequently leading to unmatched market growth in an industry that is currently thriving.

This is undoubtedly one trade where educators and those who take the extra step to gain know-how are profiting from the economies of scale available, which once upon a time would have been considered difficult to access. But now with unlimited resources, barbers have opportunities to grow not only in skill and business but also with knowledge. As a popular proverb states, scientia potentia est, a Latin aphorism more commonly translated to English as knowledge is power. This simply means that knowledge is more powerful than physical strength, and no great work can be done without knowledge. Knowledge is a powerful vector of life that empowers people to achieve great results. The more knowledge a person gains, the more powerful they become.

It is important to note that although the industry has witnessed organic growth, this growth is due to a combination of new trends, products, strong branding, proper execution, strong teams (and founding directors) and merely hard work.

For those entering the trade, it is not only possible to ride the wave off the hard work that others have put in but barbers must now take additional steps to differentiate themselves with skill and knowledge. Still, there are economies of scale to benefit from the standards and efforts of the current generation of barbers, which makes it a prime opportunity to enter the industry. This includes more opportunities to stand out at barber trade shows, conferences, exhibitions, barber battles, using social media to convert leads into customers, working with influencers, celebrities and most importantly the skills bar that has been raised in the industry.

However, gaining knowledge around the science behind hair in the barbershop is one area that has been commonly overlooked and that sets the premise behind this book, providing a simple but quick and easy-to-follow guide of the basics of hair science and what every barber should know when they take on this profession. An understanding of hair science and trichology is not only meant for those that study the science but also the practitioners (i.e., barbers) that apply and profit from it. By the same token, those who research business, and develop business tools are not the practitioners. The true application comes through entrepreneurs and business owners/founders who will use those models to commercialise ideas and grow their business.