Meet the Ruffians #4: Barber Hayden Cassidy from our Covent Garden shop

Next up in the Meet the Ruffians series is barber Hayden Cassidy who cuts hair a few days a week in our Covent Garden shop. The rest of the time, she is jetting all over the world educating up-and-coming barbers, cutting hair on stage and generally being an all-round barber superstar (honestly, if you don’t believe us check out her Instagram!). When she’s not cutting hair at Ruffians, Hayden barely stands still for five minutes so we were lucky to grab her for a quick chat to find out what makes her tick.

You’ve been with us for a few months now and fast become an integral part of the team, how would you describe Ruffians in three words?

Easy going, vibrant and family. 

What’s the difference between a £18 and £58 haircut?

I think there is a big difference between haircuts priced at £18 vs £58, and a lot of factors play part to that. The consultation, the service, the knowledge you receive about your hair, the timing which allows your barber to execute the technicalities of your hair cut, meaning your hair should grow out much better and your haircut lasts a lot longer, and also the details in finishing your cut. It’s an investment. I ensure that when I cut hair, the shape of the haircut will last 4-6 weeks. £58 for 4-6 weeks of something you wear every day is actually not that much. 

Tell us about your proudest moment as a barber so far?

I have a lot of proud moments! I count every day and every journey in this industry a proud moment. I’ve visited over 15 countries in the last year and 4 already in 2019 so I think my travels make me proud. I never would’ve imagined I would visit some of the places I have, and barbering has given me that opportunity. I cherish meeting new people and having new experiences and this is the perfect job for that. 

What inspired you to get into barbering?

Actually, a friend inspired me. He began his career and I became fascinated by his haircuts and his journey. Before I had even started training I was already following a lot of barbers and hair stylists on social media and I found myself hooked on the whole industry. I started, as most barbers do, cutting hair in my kitchen with a pair of £10 clippers, and from then everything just spiralled.

Who is your all-time hair icon?

I have many icons, but if there was one man it would have to be Vidal Sassoon. He paved the way for modern cutting and most of our influences all stem from him.

Describe your personal style

Personal as in dress? I’ve been compared to a 12 year old skater before – haha – but I’m not sure how to describe it – I’d say quite street, but I can dress up when the occasion calls. My girlfriend is a fashion stylist so she’s constantly keeping me on trend – but I think fashion plays a massive role in our job. You have to be up-to-date with trends and I think that goes in self appearance too. 

What’s your idea of the perfect day off?

I don’t really do days off. I’m a very hyper person, I get bored quite easily and I get a lot more enjoyment from creating something or enjoying new experiences, rather than sitting on my couch watching Netflix. I think my perfect day off would most likely be exploring some part of London I’ve never been to. I really enjoy trying new restaurants too, so either a big brunch or a nice dinner would be included in my day. 

Who is the coolest person you’ve ever met?

I would probably have to say my girlfriend, she inspires me massively every day – and is the reason I find the energy to keep pushing myself. She is definitely one of the coolest people I know.

If you’d like to catch Hayden for an appointment at Ruffians Covent Garden, book online now.