Welcome to our Barber of the Month series, where we highlight talented barbers from different areas and stages in their career. This week we’re highlighting Josh Levy, a professional at Halftime Cuts in Los Angeles. He is a graduate of Paul Mitchell Barber School and has been honing his craft ever since graduating. Stay tuned for more interviews with the barber community and enjoy!
CM:
Tell us about yourself: (education/training, years of experience, specialty, etc.)
JL:
I enrolled in Paul Mitchell’s barber school in 2020, then I started to apprentice at Halftime Cuts in between classes. After graduation I did a couple shadows at Fades N Blades Barbershop. I picked up “shear over comb” from my mentor George at Halftime Cuts, it’s been in my arsenal ever since. Something about big, sharp blades excites me and makes the barber experience a little more artistic. I like fading, I like tapering, but my favorite cut is the mullet. I think everyone should have a mullet and a mustache.
CM:
What made you want to become a barber?
JL:
I just think it’s the coolest job in the world. I used to get in trouble for talking in school, now they pay me for it. Being a barber allows me to hang out with my friends all day, make my own schedule, learn a new skill, and I get to contribute. They say it’s hard to find happiness in life but then why do I see it on my client’s faces after the cut? The best conversations of my life have been in a barbershop and a tattoo shop. One time a barber explained the pension system in America to me. It’s always been a place of learning, laughs, and safety to me. It’s hard to get in trouble doing 16 haircuts a day.
CM:
What is a moment in your career that you are most proud of?
JL:
I cut Ed Crasnick’s hair! He played a comedian in The Sopranos. My mom is from Jersey, so this is big for us.
CM:
What inspires your work (hometown, music, sports, art, etc)?
JL:
I want to put my family in a better position, we got to this country two generations ago from Hungary and I feel it’s my responsibility to push forward. I take inspiration from music and my friends. One time my friend Bravo (another barber) showed me this Atmosphere lyric that says “Embellished with talent and the wisdom not to abuse it” Inspiration comes from meeeeee!!
CM:
What's the best barber tip you’ve ever discovered?
JL:
They didn’t put you on and they can’t take you off.
CM:
Any advice for aspiring barbers?
JL:
Don’t be afraid to fail and get busy.
CM:
Favorite men's grooming trend right now?
JL:
Clubman Pinaud Whiskey Woods Aftershave.
CM:
What song is essential for your shop's playlist?
JL:
Sabotage - Beastie Boys
CM:
Favorite thing to do after a long day at the shop?
JL:
I’m getting a torta.
CM:
What's the most essential item in your grooming kit (other than Clubman products, of course)?
JL:
Hair tonic or foil shaver.
CM:
When/how did you discover Clubman?
JL:
My grandpa used to wear Clubman and I would ask him about it. He showed me the bottle in his bathroom and told me that’s how you smell like a man.
CM:
What are your top three Clubman products?
JL:
1. Whiskey woods aftershave
2. The powder
3. The CAPE!
CM:
Anything else you would like people to know about you? (I.E. What would someone never guess about you? etc.)
JL:
I was in the Navy
Know a talented barber that inspires you and your community? Or happen to be one yourself?
