Ryan Lawson

Level 3 Barber Certificate

From sweeping floors to a sweeping life change! Ryan Lawson knew what he wanted to do from a young age, using his family for inspiration.

“I grew up sweeping the floors in my mother’s salons, and thinking how cool it would be to completely change people’s looks and build friendships at the same time.”

Ryan had a passion and a dream, but wasn’t sure how to get there. After chatting to some former students, he knew Cut Above would be perfect for him. “The course taught me what to expect when I’d finished my studies and moved into a real salon or barber shop. The variety of trends/styles/techniques they had us practising seemed daunting at first, but when I got out to the real world, I was thankful. They gave me all the necessary tools and skills to be able to jump right into it without feeling like a fish out of water”.

He’s now a barber at the BarberShopCo in Takapuna, and he’s doing everything he dreamed of. From scissor and clipper work, to hot towel cut-throat shaving, styling and having a broad knowledge of products, he’s exactly where he wanted to be. His job gives him the scope to try new things, “I’m part of a company that offers so many exciting opportunities. I’ve worked with Red Bull, cut hair at Radio Hauraki, even been on a TV show. My favourite part of the job is doing crazy restyles, lopping off ponytails, and completely changing a guy’s image.”