The Andis Barber Battle has become a staple of the Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show and the 70th anniversary competition didn’t disappoint. The art of barbering was on full display as some of the nation’s most talented barbers blended fresh fades with themed presentations that included everything from political movements to jazz-era inspiration.
The challenge required barbers to use the following tools: Andis ProAlloy Clipper, Andis GTX Trimmer, Andis clipper comb, Andis tapered barber comb, Andis clipper guards, Andis Cool Care, Andis Clipper Oil, blade brush and towel. Each barber was given 30 minutes to cut and add designs into the hair. While color had to be added to the hair prior to the competition, all cutting, shaving, and lining had to be completed within the allotted time.
Johnnie Akons of Chicago’s Legacy Cutz took the first place $500 prize and Andis products in the competition. Akons’ final look was a red and yellow cut with a gold blazer and saxophone to complete the look. “I want to thank Andis for the chance to flaunt my creative ability at the Total Look Competition,” says Akons. “This honor is no doubt a step in the right direction toward a bright future.”
“The Andis Total Look Competition challenges some of the best barbers in the industry to tap into their creativity and pull together not just an innovative and well-executed haircut, but also a total fashion look,” says Andis educator and past winner Eric Cheek. “Akons’ jazz-inspired look hit high marks with the judges, and creatively it was the most original concept.”
Second place honors went to Jason Chapman of Above Average Barber Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Chapman walked away with $250 in cash and Andis products. Third place went to Samuel Simpson of Strictly Skillz Barbershop in Hollis, New York. Simpson received $150 in cash and Andis products for his efforts.
Following the show, winning barber Johnnie Atkins chatted with Andis brand ambassador and platform artist Tone McGill, who asked a question I’m sure he hadn’t considered, which was “How are you going to get that big trophy home?”
Check out some of the cool cuts that came out of the competition.
Photos credit: Sikira T Photography
