Miguel Gutierrez, aka the award winning Nomad Barber has become synonymous for his worldwide influenced barbering techniques and loyal fan-base from Singapore to South America. A YouTube sensation with over 69,000 subscribers to his fascinating web series, along with 71,000 followers on Instagram and trusted spokesman for men’s grooming needs, Miguel is fast gaining a solid reputation amongst his clients in the heart of East London and beyond as a respected barber and creative.
Hailing from Liverpool with Chilean roots, Miguel started barbering as a teenager and quickly fell in love with the social, community feel of the trade. Recently embarking on a year-long trip to immerse himself in barbering culture from India to Turkey, Miguel has now opened his first barbershop on Hanbury Street, London.
We sat down with Miguel to find out all about his grooming essentials, tips and get a glimpse of what he’s learnt from his recent travels.
CS: What’s your daily grooming routine?
Miguel: I’m pretty low maintenance to be honest, a good cleanse and moisturise and i’m good to go. I usually clean shave once or twice a week, only when I really have the time to enjoy it a bit more.
CS: What’s the number one grooming product you couldn’t live without?
Miguel: I can’t go without moisturiser but my all-time favourite hair product is American Crew Forming Cream. It’s an all-rounder.
CS: What are you predicting will be a big trend in male grooming this Autumn/Winter season?
Miguel: Men’s grooming and hair has becoming almost unpredictable these days. We are seeing a lot more guys trimming their big beards right down or off completely. I think we’ll see a lot more short beards and slightly longer haircuts, although I don’t see the smarter haircuts going away just yet.
CS: Are there any overarching big trends/patterns that you’re seeing in men’s grooming in general? Do you think men have changed their attitudes towards grooming in the last few years, and if so, how?
Miguel: The trends all derive from social media. Trends travel a lot faster now with hashtags and reposts so a lot of guys are heading back to the barbershop for clean classic cuts. Lots of guys have become a little obsessed with new products like beard oils and pomades but as with everything, it all goes in circles.
CS: So we know you’re an avid traveller and document the places you’ve travelled on your Instagram (@TheNomadBarber) but where’s the coolest place you’ve ever shaved someone?
Miguel: I’ve never really shaved anyone in a crazy place, but I’ve given haircuts in some really awesome places, including Cappadocia at sunrise, surrounded by hot air balloons.
CS: Are there any similarities and differences in men’s grooming and shaving throughout the different cultures and countries you’ve visited?
Miguel: The similarities are the foundation of barbering that runs across the board, techniques vary slightly but the foundations stay the same. I’d say the differences are the amount of grooming and how much different cultures stay on top of it. Indian and Turkish men visit the barbershops lot more often for a good clean shave and face massage.