Erskine Reeves is a barber to the stars, a business owner, and is currently a director of the Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools. Reeves’ skill and professional approach have afforded him the ability to achieve notoriety and be looked at as a leader in his industry. He is currently demonstrating his man-weave technique to the world. We spoke to Reeves about his new technique and he provided some valuable pointers for the well-groomed man.
What is your background?
I am a master barber, educator and have been cutting hair since the age of 12. I am also referred to as a celebrity barber/ stylist because I have been blessed to have a diverse roster of clients in the entertainment business, athletes and business and community leaders. In 2012, I opened my first barber school in addition to Erskine Reeves Salon & Erskine Reeves Barbers in the Chicagoland area.
What does it mean to you to be a barber?
To be a barber means several things, to me, it is important to recognize we are a professional service provider with the chance to impact our communities in a positive way. I strongly believe that Barbering is a prime networking opportunity that can be a springboard for many different avenues of success. I could go on and on about the profession but last it is important to remember barbering is one of the oldest professions in the world. It holds a strong legacy of leadership and significance, especially in the African American community as well as abroad.
How often should a man go to the barber?
A man should always want to be well groomed, if not for his wife, girlfriend or significant other but for himself. In many professions, it’s important to be groomed and neat. You know what they say when you look good, you feel good. I see a difference in my clients after they get their hair cut. Clients are different — some men want to keep a fresh lining and other’s hair may grow faster. Overall, I recommend a man should go to his barber once every two weeks.
What would you say are the top three most popular styles now?
Men’s hair trends are evolving like women’s hairstyles. A lot of what we see today are more modern versions of men’s haircuts and styles of the past. The most popular styles now would be the tapered Afro, worth the spine twist, the south of France (originated by Usher) and the burst fade. The man unit is helping men who can’t grow the style achieve it.
Talk about what led you to become involved with this man weave movement.
The man unit or man weave was something that I saw and instantly knew I had the skill set to do it for clients and teach other barbers and stylists the technique. I strive to be a salon that can provide multiple services. I had and have some clients who were searching for options to solve their issues with thinning and or losing their hair. As an educator, it was important to me to learn the skill and all of the effects it could have on a client. I researched everything I could about the man-unit. When I came across an opportunity to learn the skill I jumped at the chance immediately. I knew from the beginning it would be a popular alternative to toupees and sprays. I have been able to build up a solid clientele for the man-unit many of my peers and students asked me to teach the technique, from there we began offering classes to teach other barbers and stylists how to install the man-unit.
What do you think the availability of this man weave will do for men’s self-esteem?
I have seen firsthand how the man weave can be an extreme confidence booster. It happens with my own clients. They sit in the chair feeling skeptical and doubting the whole process, but once they get up they are an entirely new person with a lot of more swag!
Talk about how this product has been received around the world.
The demand for the man weave is definitely growing in the market. For years women have worn weaves, wigs and extensions and today they discuss what type of hair or technique. I receive email requests daily from people around the country and internationally who want to receive the service or industry professionals who want to learn the skill. It’s amazing how a service that men wouldn’t dare think about getting just a few years ago has made such an impact so quickly. The more stylists and barbers who learn the skill will make it more available for men to receive the man weave. It is another service to offer that ultimately increases their bottom line.
Talk about why a man’s hair and grooming should be important to him.
A man’s hair and grooming should be important to him. No matter what career field they are in, you represent your own personal brand. From a young boy, I was taught that it’s always best to make a first good impression because you never know what opportunity will be presented to you. You always want to be deal ready!
Name three of the top grooming products a man should always have.
The top three products that a man should always have are a good astringent/ after shave, beard oil, and bump therapy solution.
What have been some of the reactions you have received based on this product?
The response has far exceeded my expectations. I am constantly getting calls and emails about the unit. Most importantly, I have been able to share this skill set with stylists across the country as well as Canada instructing through teaching custom hair unit classes and there is still much more to come.
What is next for you?
Fortunately, I have been involved in pretty much every aspect of the beauty industry. I want to continue to give my clients top service and continue to help educate professional barbers giving students opportunities to develop a strong career. I am beginning to develop my own line of products and tools. Being able to service the public as a barber/stylist and a business/school owner, I am blessed with a lot of positive and tough life experiences that I can [use to] inspire other people. With that being said, I am honing the art of telling my story and sharing those experiences to plant seeds of hope, faith and optimism in the lives of other aspiring entrepreneurs.
