Behind the chair - George
Wellington Barbers Series - Quick Intro
George has owned over a dozen barbershops and hair salons through his 60+ year career, won hair competitions, had his name on radio daily but today you can still find him behind a chair at Dukes Barbers.
How long have you been cutting hair, and where did you train?
I’ve been cutting hair for over 20 years. I originally trained in my home town of Grimsby
Back in the UK, and since then I’ve built a wealth of experience working with a wide range
of styles and techniques
So you started your career in hair salons and learned to cut both men’s and women’s hair?
Yes I began my career in a hair salon where I focused on Women’s haircuts and services
such as colouring. Over the 8 years I worked there, I also developed my skills in men’s
haircuts, something I grew to love more and more, which eventually led me to focus fully on
barbering.
What are some styles and trends you’ve seen make a comeback recently?
Mullets! I'm not sure if they ever really went away? They’ve definitely made a strong comeback lately.
Another trend I’ve noticed is the middle parting. That was a big look back in the '90s in the
UK, and I’ve seen a lot of guys recently styling their hair that way again. It’s interesting how
these styles resurface, often with a bit of a modern twist."
If you could cut anyone’s hair, dead or alive, who would it be?
I’ve always loved the rockabilly pompadour hairstyles, and I’m a big fan of Johnny Cash so
probably him. It would’ve been amazing to style that iconic look on such a legend.
What do you get up to outside of work?
I’ve got two boys, so when the weather’s good, we’re usually out exploring parks and going
for walks around Wellington. When it’s not so nice out, we’ll head to the cinema, check out a
museum, or go for a swim. When it’s just me and my wife, we like to eat out and occasionally
catch a movie. I also play tennis on Sundays, and when I’m feeling motivated, I’ll go for a
run.
Who is a style icon (past or present) whose hair you admire?
Elvis or Johnny Cash for sure, I’ve always admired those classic, iconic styles. But if I had
to pick someone from more modern times, it’d be David Beckham. He’s constantly evolving
his look and somehow pulls off every style effortlessly.
How have men’s grooming habits changed since you started cutting hair?
When I first started cutting hair, men’s grooming was a lot simpler, the focus was usually
just a haircut and maybe some gel or wax. Over the years, things have changed massively.
Beards have definitely made a comeback, and with them a whole range of products to keep
them looking sharp, from oils to balms and conditioners.
Men are also a lot more confident in taking pride in their appearance now. There’s a product
for every finish — whether it’s that natural “nothing in it” look, a slicked-back style, or a
textured matte finish. Grooming has become less about just maintenance and more about
style, self-expression, and detail.
Have you noticed a change in culture, with more women coming to barbershops for a haircut or feeling more comfortable there?
Yes, more women are definitely coming into barbershops these days. Many don’t want the
full salon experience of being washed, cut, and blow-dried by three different people, they prefer the simplicity and atmosphere of a barbershop. On top of that, a lot more women are
choosing shorter hairstyles now, so it makes sense to go to a barber who specialises in
those cuts and can achieve the look at a fraction of the salon price.
Would you give any advice to a woman who’s never been to a barbershop in Wellington for a haircut compared to going to a salon?
First of all, we don’t bite! My advice would be to do a little research online first, check
which barbershops in Wellington offer the services you’re after, because not all barbershops
will cater to women, especially if you’ve got long hair. Reviews are also a great way to see
other people’s experiences and get a feel for the atmosphere. If you’re going shorter, though,
a good barber can be the perfect choice.
If you could give just one piece of hair advice, what would it be?
Guys, tomorrow isn’t promised, and neither is your hair! If there’s a style you’ve always
wanted to try or a colour you’ve always thought about, just go for it. Don’t spend 30 years
sticking to the same cut only to watch your hair fall out before you’ve had the chance to
experiment. Go for the mullet, get the perm, dye it neon green — have some fun with your
hair while you’ve got it!