Barber backchat – wahl's barber of the year james beaumont
Published
08th May 2019
by charlottegw
In our exclusive interview Wahl’s Barber of the Year James Beaumont tells us where you’ll find him at a party and who he would trade lives with for a day...
How would you describe yourself in three words? Kind, creative, professional but fun. Sorry, that’s five words.
What’s the biggest achievement in your career so far?
It’s a toss-up between opening my first shop and being crowned Wahl British Barber of the Year 2018.What hair product can’t you live without?
Most of my gents want a matte, dry and natural look so 1922 by J.M Keune Premium Clay and Keune Blend Salt Mousse are my go-to products. I always love to use a blow-dry aid to add volume and make my styles last longer.What would you be doing if you weren’t a barber?
I think I would have gone into photography. I've always been a creative person. I tried plumbing once, but that didn't work out!What hair image makes you most proud?
It would have to be my winning images in the Male Fashion Collection (professional photography) category for the NHF Photographic Stylist of the Year competition. I’m very proud of that haircut.What’s your favourite piece of art?
I think all barbering and hairdressing photography is art. I always look forward to seeing the work of the British Hairdressing Awards finalists. The research, preparation, passion, creativity and thought that goes into the individual projects can be mind-blowing. If that’s not art, I don’t know what is.Where would we find you at a party?
Everywhere if I had a drink or two in me!What’s your biggest achievement so far?
The whole of 2018 – from making the cover of Modern Salon with the Keune USA team to presenting at the Keune True Beauty show.What’s on your bucket list?
I love traveling. I used to be a massive backpacker, there are still a few places I would love to tick off, like the Amazon in Brazil. [image: great images of James backpacking image]What’s the last gift you received?
A bespoke patterned dicky bow tie. My sister Laura is a fashion designer and she made this vintage-inspired bow tie especially for me.If your office was on fire, what’s the one thing you’d save?
I have so many important things in my office, but as long as everyone was safe I can always rebuild or rebuy what’s important to me.Who is your biggest inspiration?
My father Richard Beaumont (pictured left). He's 75 and he still cuts hair. His journey from being a decorator to being inspired by Vidal Sassoon and going on to own four salons really inspires me.
