Josh Connolly, co-owner of Mātū Barber Company in Greater Manchester, is a skillful professional barber who manifests the entrepreneurial spirit, takes pride in his work and maintains a commitment to excellent service. With a successful barbershop in the United Kingdom, we spoke with Josh to get his unique take on everything from haircut trends to his start in the industry and what he loves about the business of cutting hair.
An Interview with Josh Connolly, A Talented Professional Barber
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get started in the industry?
When I left college, I started working in retail, where I spent the better part of six years. But when I turned 23, I felt it was time for a career change. I didn't want to hang clothes for the rest of my life and realized I needed and wanted more.
I always knew I wanted my own business, and at first, I thought about opening my own clothing shop. However, I foresaw online shopping becoming increasingly popular and changed my focus to men's hairdressing. My brother, who is now my business partner, already had one foot in the door as a Saturday boy in a barbershop in Glossop, so it felt right to go down that path together.
We got in touch with the very reputable barber/trainer Alan Beak a year before he opened Ruger. Luckily, we got in with him just before he really took off. After training with Alan for nine months, I landed a job at Barber Barber in Manchester, but felt the shop in Glossop was more suitable for me at the time.
After building a strong clientele for two years, my brother and I took the leap and opened our very own barbershop. The shop has gone from strength to strength, with stage shows, magazine features and training academies. We now stock our own clothing line, too, so my dream came true!
What were some challenges you had to overcome?
The big one was the pandemic. We didn't know what we would be going back to. Would clients try somewhere new once shops reopened? How do we all distance ourselves from each other to keep within the guidelines? Like any other obstacle, we worked hard to overcome it by offering excellent service.
What advice would you give new barbers starting in the business?
Focus on the client in your chair. Give them the best service you can. Make them want to come back for another haircut and not just “need” to come back. Everyone needs a haircut, but focus on making them want to come to you.
If you can give them the best service they've had, then that's when the recommendations and Google reviews come in. I try to book everyone back for their next appointment while they're still in my chair, guaranteeing a returning customer.
What's your favorite barbering tool (make/model) and why?
My Hail Your Hair hairdryer is powerful but quiet and light. Gamma+ Boosted Hair Clippers work well with the Braun Series 9 Electric Shaver to create sharp skin fades, offering a smooth, clean-cut look. The shaver also features a battery that will last all week.
What are your favorite hair styling products and why?
I like using a matte clay the most and believe it works well for most styles. But on finer hair, I apply a volumizing powder. We stock our own products, including sea salt spray, clay and powder.
What haircuts and styles are trending right now?
Mullets were popular in 2023 but the drop fade and burst fade are trending strong in 2024. I really like them, too.
What's your favorite style(s) to cut?
I like doing the mod cut with a short fringe and long sideburns. The personalization and finishing touches give this profession the feeling of freedom. Cool styles like the mod or mullet allow stylists to work on a blank canvas. We can put our own touches on these styles and that's what I love.
What do you love about barbering?
If the client trusts you, which they should, then it's the best job in the world. I'm creating art while talking about football, boxing, music, TV, etc. It's great and doesn't even feel like a job, but I still get paid for doing it.
I've also met so many amazing people thanks to this job. From clients and parents to other barbers, I'm lucky to call so many of them friends.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?
Nothing. Every decision I've made and every mistake along the way has made me the person I am today and that has made Mātū the shop it is with the reputation it has.
