Exclusive Feature Interview With The Nomad Barber Miguel Gutierrez

Exclusive Feature Interview With The Nomad Barber

This June 12th superstar barber Miguel Gutierrez will set out on a barbering adventure across five continents, armed with only a backpack, his trusty shears, and a cameraman. His goal: survive by his mere trade alone for a year, traveling wherever the road and his scissors may take him. He will be studying and expanding his understanding of his craft with all the barbers he meets along the way. We were very lucky to catch up with Miguel only weeks before he sets out! 

HTGAM: Please Miguel, for our readers who may not know your fascinating story, could you give us a little breakdown on who you are in the world of Barber Super Stardom and how you got there?

Miguel: Hey, I’m Miguel Gutierrez, I’m a 26 year old barber hailing from Liverpool, England.

I started cutting hair 10 years ago at the age of 16 in a traditional barbershop. I’ve gone on to travel to Australia, and then move to London to work with top of the top barbers and hairdressers in the industry, recently winning American Crew Face Off for the UK.

Exclusive Feature Interview With The Nomad Barber

HTGAM: We are so excited for you here at How to Grow a Moustache! How did you get the idea for this venture you are about to trek out upon?

Miguel: I basically wanted to travel, film, and keep cutting hair. So the 3 things balanced beautifully for this trip to happen. It snowballed into what it has become quite quickly, and as I’ve had a better response, I’ve worked hard to make it better for everyone to enjoy

HTGAM: I was recently watching a video of Stephen Faragher getting a shave in a Turkish Barbershop, this was my first time seeing the singe technique, can you explain the process to our readers?

Miguel: From what I gather, it’s a piece of metal wrapped in cotton a fair bit. It’s then dunked into a flammable spirit and lit. The barber then taps this, well not tap, it barely hits you, onto your face and ears, covering your head hair etc. It singes all the loose hairs away. Obviously better than shaving it off.

Exclusive Feature Interview With The Nomad Barber

HTGAM: How much are you packing for this trip? Will you be bringing your own bag of barber “tools”?

Miguel: I’ll be traveling light. I have a 45L Day Hiking bag. My list includes several sets of clippers, scissors, and cameras. I have 2 of everything in terms of clothes, and my laptop.

HTGAM: There really seems to be a revival in the classic, old time barbershop. How instrumental do you feel you were and are in it? What do you personally think brought on this return to the cut joints of yesteryear?

Miguel: I personally see that trends repeat themselves. It really is an art form, and its had a massive influence on the world since it began. I plan to help it get going full force, and bring it back to the world for good.

HTGAM: What is the story behind the winding barber pole? Is it universal?

Miguel: I think in some countries they add blue into the pole but it’s globally recognized I’d say.

It stands for the the bandages and blood from when barbers used to preform surgery years ago. We have been looking after people for thousands of years. If you pay me enough I’ll extract a tooth for you (not really)!

Exclusive Feature Interview With The Nomad Barber

HTGAM: It almost seems like being a barber now a days is much like it was being a tattoo artist ten years ago, do you also see this similarity?

Miguel: I think it’s because being a barber is well respected, and people have realized it’s an unbeatable job. You get to talk to guys all day, hang out, and just generally chill. It’s the best job in the world.

HTGAM: You are obviously going to come back with a boat load of grooming knowledge spanning the globe, what is to come of it? Is a book to be expected?

Miguel: I think you’ll have to look out for the nomad barber brand to see what I do with it.

HTGAM: Can you tell us a little more about Baba, “The Cosmic Barber”?

Miguel: He’s an Indian barber who performs this ‘cosmic’ massage on people.  Everyone seems to love the video because it really is super relaxing. He’s a living legend in my eyes just for bringing a theatrical element to the barbershop.

Exclusive Feature Interview With The Nomad Barber

HTGAM: As wet shaving enthusiasts here, we always love to have a barber in the hot seat. What are your favorite razor(s), blades, and soap pucks?

Miguel: I’ve gotten used to using 2 razors now, the Daune Shavette, and the Bluebeards Revenge Shavette. I prefer the Daune for bulk work and the Bluebeards for detailing.

I also use the disposable Wilkinson Sword, as it is cheap and consistent. I like to try all different types of shaving creams etc., so I hardly ever use one more than twice, Edwin Jagger and Bluebeards are nice though.

 HTGAM: How will you be communicating during this trip with the people following you?

Miguel: Mostly instagram, twitter, and facebook, I’ll also have a number people can reach me on publicly.

HTGAM: Besides learning from masters around the world, will there be any photo op spectacle clip sessions to be expected? The Ganges, Cappadocia, gypsy caravans, etc?

Miguel: This is exactly what I want to do, extreme barbering. I’m going to try and cut hair in the most visually stunning places, watch this space!

HTGAM: Can folks make an appointment ahead of time?

Miguel: Not really, I want it to be unplanned. I’ll only plan to meet barbers, not clients, they make up the adventure part.

Exclusive Feature Interview With The Nomad Barber

HTGAM: It is now Moustache May here in the USA, and we have many men growing staches for the first time, any grooming or styling advice you can give them?

Miguel: Be patient. Don’t start shaping or trimming until you see what you can grow, then ask your barber for advice, and use a good moustache wax.

HTGAM: Can we count on you for an interview a year from now for a recap of your adventures? If you can’t tell, we will be living vicariously through you every “clip” of the way.

Miguel: 100%, I’ll look forward to seeing what’s changed!

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How to Grow a Moustache wishes Miguel much luck in his travels and sincerely appreciate him taking time out from preparing for his trek to talk with us. Those wishing to find out more about Miguels project should visit his official site: thenomadbarber.com     Interview by Douglas Smythe

UPDATE VIDEO July 7,2013

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