The Ink Link: The Faded Barber

The Ink Link is an ongoing project at CN&CO that showcases the diversity of tattoos. One of the great things about a tattoo is that it goes against the commonly-held viewpoint that “what you see is what you get”. There’s a misguided belief in certain quarters that only “some” people get a tattoo. We are putting paid to that perception through the stories showcased in the Ink Link. And in this case we have a great cross over from the Company We Keep series. In this episode of The Ink Link series, Gianluca chats to The Faded Barber about his ink, passions and clean fades.

Gianluca: How many tattoos do you have?

The Faded Barber: Honestly I have no idea, I stopped counting when I reached the 30 mark.

When it comes to The Faded Barber, three things are certain:

1. His love for his beautiful daughter and family
2. His passion for tattoos
3. And the fact that when you sit down in his barber chair, you are guaranteed a world class fade.

Ash (aka The Faded Barber) is my barber and a visit to his barber shop is always welcomed with excitement. The kind of excitement that delivers a guarantee. A guarantee of a top notch fade and cut that leaves you feeling refreshed and sharp, every single time.

To say Ash knows how to fade and cut hair is an understatement. Trained by Wahl (leaders in mens grooming), Ash treats his trade with the sharpest detail and attention. In a world where our style carries through into all we do and portray, a proper cut and style is in high demand and value.

He also knows a thing or two about good music sneakers, with the tunes playing in the background whilst we chat during a cut.

Family and aspiration

What I enjoy most about Ash is that he is a gentleman with his family at his core. A guy who lives life with a constant passion, a goal-getter and always learning and applying his growing skills to his trade.

He has fast become one of the best and most popular barbers in Joburg.

So, I thought it was only fitting to chat to him about his diverse ink and story.

The Faded Barber

Gianluca: How did you become a barber?

The Faded Barber: I decided to leave school and taught myself. I haven’t looked back since and constantly push to always better my skills and to be the best that I possibly can when it comes to my profession.

Gianluca: Where does the The Faded Barber name come from? And what is your cut of choice at the moment?

The Faded Barber: This came about because of my speciality in clean fades. A while ago some of my clients gave me that name and it has just stuck.

In terms of my favourite cut at the moment, that would definitely be the textured crop with a fade. A precise style with an artistic flair and that delivers a sharp contrast with your skin fade.

The Ink Link

Gianluca: Tell us a bit more about your tattoo’s, what is the inspiration behind them?

The Faded Barber: I’d like to think that all my tattoos are unique to my life and consist of a wide variety all over my body. Almost every tattoo I have has a story behind it, relating to a specific time in my life. 

Gianluca: Which are your most meaningful and favourites? And when did you get your first tattoo?

The Faded Barber: In terms of sentimental value, my most meaningful tattoo would be my second face tattoo, where I have my daughter’s name. On the side of my face I also got her birthstone which is of a diamond with a cross hanging off of it .

In terms of favourites, to-date I have to say those on my neck. These represent my life’s passion and reflect on what I do for a living.

My mom (who isn’t a fan of tattoos) actually took me for my first tattoo and I was 18. 

Gianluca: Looking into the future, is there another tattoo in the works?

The Faded Barber: There is indeed. I want to get a full back piece. The vision is there, now to make it happen!

If you are looking out for a top quality cut and want to check out some of Ash’s clean fades, check him out on Instagram (@the_faded_barber).

For more CN&CO stories to help you grow your business and lead your best life, follow us on @cnandco.