10-Week NVQ Level 2 in Barbering

George’s journey with TotalBarber Academy stretches back many years. Like the rest of the teaching team, his roots are firmly planted within the academy, but his path has also taken him far beyond its walls. After developing his foundations, George spent years working behind the chair in a number of respected barbershops across London, building a wealth of experience and broadening his understanding of the craft. His time at Ruffians was particularly influential, exposing him to a high standard of cutting, client care, and professionalism that continues to shape the way he works and teaches today. Those experiences have given George a well-rounded perspective on barbering. He understands the importance of strong fundamentals, but also appreciates how different environments, techniques, and approaches can help a barber grow throughout their career. It’s this balance that makes him such a valuable educator. Known for his calm yet cheeky nature, attention to detail, and ability to explain techniques clearly, George plays a huge role in helping students navigate the challenges that come with learning the craft. Whether he’s breaking down a technical haircut, refining a student’s cutting approach, or helping them understand the finer details that elevate their work, his focus is always on building confidence through understanding. George continues to develop his own skills whilst helping students establish the foundations that will support them for years to come. His combination of academy roots, real-world experience, and passion for education makes him an integral part of the TotalBarber Academy team and a mentor that students learn a tremendous amount from throughout their journey.

As the second longest-serving member of the TotalBarber Academy team, H has played a huge role in shaping the culture and atmosphere that students experience today. Over the years, he has become not only an exceptional educator, but also a trusted mentor to countless students who have walked through our doors. One of H’s greatest strengths is his ability to remain calm in any situation. Learning barbering can be overwhelming at times, and it’s often during those moments of frustration or self-doubt that students benefit most from his presence. He has a natural ability to put people at ease, helping them slow down, refocus, and work through challenges with confidence. Alongside his extensive experience behind the chair, H has a genuine gift for communication. He has a way with words that allows him to explain complex ideas simply, making technical concepts easier to understand and apply. Whether he’s demonstrating a technique, offering advice, or helping a student work through a difficult haircut, his guidance is always thoughtful, measured, and encouraging. Students quickly come to appreciate that H’s role extends beyond simply teaching barbering. He helps people develop confidence in their decision-making, trust in their abilities, and a deeper understanding of the craft itself. His patience, knowledge, and approachable nature make him an invaluable part of the academy and a huge reason why so many students leave with not only stronger skills, but greater belief in themselves. For many students, H becomes one of the people they remember most from their time at TotalBarber Academy — not just because of what he teaches, but because of how he makes them feel while learning it.

Joe represents something that has always been at the heart of TotalBarber Academy. Like every tutor who teaches here, he started exactly where our students start today — on a TotalBarber course, learning the foundations of the craft and beginning his own journey into barbering. While Joe may be one of the younger members of the teaching team, that’s never been what matters. What matters is experience, passion, and understanding the process of becoming a barber. Having lived that journey himself through TotalBarber, Joe brings a perspective that students find incredibly relatable. He knows the challenges, frustrations, and breakthroughs that come with learning the craft because he’s experienced every step of it firsthand. Over the years, Joe has become an integral part of the academy. He knows the place like the back of his hand, understands the standards we teach to, and embodies the values that have shaped TotalBarber from the beginning. His enthusiasm, work ethic, and genuine care for students make a huge impact on the atmosphere of the academy, and it simply doesn’t feel quite the same when he’s not around. Alongside continuing to develop his own skills behind the chair, Joe is passionate about helping students build strong foundations from day one. He understands that confidence comes from understanding the basics properly, and he’s committed to helping each student develop the skills, habits, and mindset that will support them throughout their barbering career. Joe’s journey is proof of what TotalBarber has always stood for — creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and helping people build lasting careers in the industry they love.

Shaun Crisp is a barber, educator, and co-owner of Total Barber Academy, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping both the academy and the teaching philosophy that sits at the heart of it. Having spent many years working behind the chair and mentoring the next generation of barbers, Shaun has built a reputation for his calm, measured approach and his ability to simplify even the most challenging aspects of the craft. His experience as both an educator and barber allows him to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and practical application, helping students understand not only how to perform a technique, but when and why it should be used. Shaun is passionate about helping students build genuine understanding, giving them the tools to make informed decisions rather than simply following a set of instructions. Shaun believes that confidence is built through understanding. Rather than encouraging students to memorise steps, he focuses on helping them develop the problem-solving skills needed to approach any haircut with clarity and purpose. His lessons are centred around strong foundations, attention to detail, and creating adaptable barbers who can think for themselves rather than relying on rigid systems or formulas. Known for his patient and approachable teaching style, Shaun creates an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning at their own pace. He understands that every student arrives with different strengths, challenges, and goals, and takes pride in helping each individual find their own path within the industry. As both an educator and business owner, Shaun remains passionate about preserving the values that Total Barber Academy was built upon: honest education, high standards, and a genuine love for the craft. His goal is to ensure that every student leaves with the confidence, knowledge, and practical ability needed to build a successful and rewarding career in barbering.

Tommy is a barber, educator, and co-owner of Total Barber Academy, where he plays a leading role in shaping the student experience both in the classroom and beyond. Having spent more than a decade immersed in the craft, Tommy has developed a deep appreciation for both the technical and creative sides of barbering, along with a genuine passion for helping others discover the industry for themselves. Alongside his work at the academy, Tommy is also the founder of Winding Creative, an independent barbershop based within a restored 1973 Airstream trailer in Canterbury. Building and operating a business outside of the academy gives him a unique perspective on the realities of modern barbering and allows him to bring real-world experience into the classroom. He believes that great education should go beyond simply teaching techniques and instead focus on helping students understand why they are doing something, not just how to do it. Known for his relaxed and approachable teaching style, Tommy encourages students to think critically, ask questions, and develop their own understanding of the craft. His lessons focus heavily on building strong foundations, giving students the confidence to adapt their skills to any client, haircut, or challenge they may face throughout their careers. As both an educator and business owner, Tommy is passionate about creating an environment that feels welcoming, inspiring, and authentic. His goal is to ensure that every student leaves Total Barber Academy not only as a more capable barber, but with a genuine love and appreciation for the craft that can support them throughout their career.