Barbers of the Month: Croppers

Barbershop:
Croppers 1974

Location:
Norwich, UK

Instagram handle:
@croppers1974

How would you describe your shop’s vibe?
Welcoming, unpretentious, reliable.

What’s your most popular cut at the moment?
Still A lot of emphasis on the short back and sides/skin fades. However, a lot more people are looking for something different we are seeing more longer textured layers and a fair few old school mod cuts which are super fun to do 

Who is your favourite artist to spin in the shop?
LCD Soundsystem

What products do you use the most of?
It’s a close call between Featherweight and Matte Pomade. Six months ago it would’ve been pomade hands-down, but we are seeing less pompadours and more texture these days 

What’s the best tip for someone visiting your area?
If you can, come by train and stay in the city centre. It’s quite compact and it’s far easier to get around on foot than by car. Be sure to take in Norwich market place for some of the best lunchtime hangover food you will ever eat. And also get tattooed, Norwich is globally the third most tattooed city in the world (in 2017) And it’s down to an abundance of amazing artists and creatives. Be sure to visit the Norwich lanes for independent quirky shopping, in the evening Stay in the lanes or head to Saint Benedicts Street and Tombland for anything you need for a night out.

What the best advice for your client before walking in?
Be prepared for a wait if you are a non-appointment customer. Book well in advance if you are an appointment based customer, especially on Saturdays which can be booked as much as three months in advance. If you are unsure how to ask for a certain style, bring a picture - a good barber will be able to tell you whether what you want is applicable with your hair type. Google images saves lives!

Who is your biggest barbering influence?
Total cliché, but my dad. He trained as a barber in his early 20s in West London and came to Norwich to set up shop with very little in his pockets.  He had faith in his ability and he loved the city. 45 years later the shop Is busier than ever. I’m so proud to be part of the legacy. My dad was one of those barbers who made it look fairly effortless. He had such a charismatic way with the clients and was so well thought of in the community. He was an amazing barber, and just a good human being.

One of the most important lessons he taught me was little to do with the technical side of barbering. It was to appreciate whoever was sitting in your chair and leave your predisposed judgements at the door. Everyone who comes in is a valued client regardless of how they may appear.  A philosophy we still use to this day 

Why did you get into Barbering?
My dad - see above. Also being a bit of a show off. OK, mostly being a bit of a show off…