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11.08.2022
Movember Top Artist Feature: Jared Scott
In support of Movember, Wella Top Artist Jared Scott shares his perspective on the Men’s Grooming and Barbering Industry. For those of you that are not aware, Movember is an annual event November involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from West Chester University, and working in corporate America for a few years, Jared chose to return to his roots in the barbershop and pursue his dream. Through his college years, and after, Jared studied under the tutelage of numerous Master Barbers, he set his sights on higher ground and took on the established and prominent men of Washington DC all of which has led to the greatest opportunity of ownership on historic Capitol Hill. In 2016, Jared was appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser to the District of Columbia Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and he joined the Wella Team in 2019.
Checkout Jareds take on the Men’s Grooming and Barbering Industry
Does Men’s Grooming differ from Barbering? Are the two the same or different sides of the same coin? Are there certain establishments that lend more to a men’s Grooming Concept vs. a Traditional Barbershop? Wait! What’s the definition of a Traditional Barbershop? These questions and many like them have been known to cause a division in the establishments where men typically get serviced for haircuts. Jared gives examples of what he believes the key variables are to help service providers of men’s services clearly understand the significant differences. Keep reading below to learn more about Jared Scott in his guest feature.
My name is Jared Scott. I have been in the Barbering/Grooming business for over 20 years. Why did I make the distinction between the two? In my career, I can firmly state that I have been a “Barber” and a “Grooming Expert.” At the beginning of my career, I would classify my experience as a barber. In this portion of my career, I relied heavily on clippers and trimmers. Most of the haircuts I did were under two inches long; essentially, the hair did not “move.” In addition to the types of haircuts I performed, the environment also helped define my classified style. Typically, in the “Barbershop” setting, it was jovial and had an environment where conversation was encouraged between patrons and service providers. We did not focus on services other than haircutting, beard trimming, and shaving. This kind of environment was less client-focused or even craft-heavy. Haircuts, shaves, and beard trim and performed with all clippers. This additionally neglects any wet service or a specific kind of consultation where the service provider and guest talk in-depth about their hair, skin, and scalp conditions and desires.
In contrast, my men’s Grooming experience was only possible with my barbering knowledge because it was the foundation of understanding men. And even because I am a man, it doesn’t necessarily mean I understand men. As a men’s grooming expert, I was taught to focus more on the technical aspect of haircutting. Men’s Grooming is more service centered while the haircut is essential, the experience, the environment, and the knowledge of the haircutter are also important. This allows the practitioner to have an infinite level of growth within their industry. Whether a fashion show, a hair show, educating a class, editorial work, television or movies, the well-rounded, skilled, and knowledgeable grooming expert doesn’t have limitations and can walk on to any scene and have the confidence to talk about and perform their craft with great detail.
We’re in a very tense moment, because of social media and our ability to harness the analytics of our customer pool. It places those entering the hair industry with a specific interest in men’s hair needs a pivotal choice to make. The traditional route, where the craft and continuous knowledge is being put forth, or the showman route, where entertainment and experience have just as much value as knowledge and technique.
The decision comes to the practitioner. There is no right or wrong. There is only a designated path, and it’s essential to choose what you want to do and what knowledge you pursue because based on what you know and can do, is how far and how wide you can go with your career. But one thing to always remember, especially in this beautiful industry, is that you are the captain of your ship.
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