MANY PEOPLE GO TO THEIR BARBER to have a little hair cut from the top.
But the majority of those who sit in front of Seth Jordan want something over the top.
Seth is not just a barber. According to him and many of his clients, he is an artist. Just as some of the world’s greatest painters like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh or Michelangelo used their painting instruments to create iconic pieces, Jordan, armed with his handy clippers, trimmers and combs, uses a person’s head as a canvas to create stunning works.
That’s why on many occasions his station at Jerry’s Barbershop on Swan Street is packed with people, who in some instances wait patiently, just to have him cut their hair.
His pieces are considered some of the trendiest, most extravagant, creative and clean cuts in the business. Intricate designs like the impression of entertainer Porgie that went viral, abstract art, lettering and the modern take on classic hairstyles have gained him much popularity.
Jordan started sculpting hair for fun at the tender age of 11. When his mum realised that flogging him for using a razor blade to carve designs into his grandmother’s cushions didn’t deter him, she decided to buy his first two machines.
“From there I told myself there is only one thing from here and that is for me to take the next step because if I don’t who will take it for me. That next step was to continue my dream to be an artist because I also do tattoos, custom designed shoes, anything along the art line, he told the DAILY NATION.
“This might sound funny but I also apply my girlfriend’s make-up for her; concealer, eyes, anything. I’m never afraid to go after, . . . to try. I’m always willing to explore.”
Thanks to “lab rats” Tremaine Hinds and Rommel Cummins, the St Matthias, Christ Church resident’s skills quickly became renowned in the neighbourhood and he began to gain more experience any time of the day, all day.
So into art was he that he risked suspension by taking his exploits to school. Laughing loudly, Jordan recounted that he was indeed sent home on a handful of occasions for being what he described as the “unofficial barber” at the Deighton Griffith Secondary.
“I would be under the staircase cutting hair and they would find me: ‘Seth, go home’. In the back of the woodwork class cutting hair: ‘Seth, go home’. It got so bad that even if I wasn’t cutting hair, my shirt wasn’t buttoned right up they would be like: ‘Seth, go home’,” he joked.
“From a very young age I was good in the arts. My father was a barber and now a graphic design artist. I believe I got my talent from him but my mother was the one pushing me. My little brothers, friends . . . they know what I am capable of and they were pushing me and they would ask: ‘Seth, what are you waiting on?’”
Right out of school Jordan landed his first job working on commission in a barbershop. Soon afterward in 2010, at the age of 17, he opened his own shop Swagga Cuts which lasted for two years.
Within that time, however, he went on to improve his skills and won a national barbering contest.
Among those who have benefited from his expertise are rap stars like Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Fabulous and Tyga.
To this day, though he has some 24 other machines, the young man still holds warmly to the two “lucky” ones his mum bought him that he used in the contest.
Jordan has many plans, including one day reopening his own shop and flying to the United States in January for training opportunities. He is expected to spend three months in Chicago and another three in New York.
“I don’t just see it as cutting hair. From a very young age I saw myself as an artist. Nowadays business is much slower than before but since I have picked up in the more artistic areas I have seen a great step up. Cutting hair now is way, way different. Before everybody was into flat hair and lines, now people are willing to try, to do, to explore and I love it. Before I was like ‘Let me try this one!’ and people were [sceptical] but then when they see someone with a style they want it.
“In the initial stages I was afraid to do some of the styles but then I told myself you don’t have a choice, you have the talent, you know it within yourself. If you worry about what people think you won’t get anywhere. I know what I’m about, I’m about the business. I love to cut hair, trust me . . . I would never step away from cutting hair. I will never give up.” (SDB Media)