The ever-so-stylish Craig Meggs has been QT Hotel’s resident barber since the doors opened in March last year. Now very much a Canberran, we asked Craig about his training, his life in Canberra and his new challenge working on some of the male models for Fashfest.
It’s less than two weeks until Fashfest. Tell us about your involvement in Canberra’s biggest fashion event.
I’ll be cutting a some of the male model’s hair for the shows. Some of the designers are looking for a real ‘barbershop’ look for their collections – particularly Braddon Tailors – so I’ll be working under the Director of Hair and the Creative Director of Hair to deliver their vision with the rest of the stylists and make up artists.
We’ll cut the hair here in this fantastic little barber’s shop, and the final styling will be done over at The National Convention Centre
Where did you learn your trade to be a barber?
I’m from the UK, so I trained over there. Most of it was done in Essex, but I finished off at Kennady’s, a salon in Ingatestone – a beautiful little historic town also in Essex.
Why did you choose to be a barber, rather than a hairdresser, per se?
I just like the simplicity of cutting men’s hair. It’s very personal – you tend not to have an apprentice wash your hair, then a cutter, and then someone else doing colour. Here, I get my customer into the chair and they’re all mine until we’re finished. It’s an easy relationship between the barber and the client.
I also really like the shaving side of things as well. That’s been great over the last few years with the rise of well-maintained beards, so its another aspect to service that you obviously don’t get when looking after the ladies.
Did you discover your love of barbering during your training, or afterwards?
It was actually before training. I always cut my mate’s hair, even though I had no qualifications. All the way through my apprenticeship I knew what I wanted to do. But even before that, I loved going to the barbershop as a kid. I loved the old chairs and the whole atmosphere of the barber’s shop.
You’re always very stylishly dressed while working.
Thanks! This three-piece suit is from MJ Bale (upstairs in Canberra Centre). They make really comfortable suits. If I can wear a vest all day while working around my clients, you know that they’re comfortable to wear.
What about out-of-hours? What’s your personal style?
(laughs) Well, it’s much more relaxed. I tend to kick around in skinny jeans, a tall t-shirt and a baseball cap. You’ll barely recognise me on the street… it’s like my alter-ego is out there.
Out where? Where do you like to hang out?
Well, I’ve just moved to Braddon, so anywhere along Lonsdale Street is a safe bet. … The Hamlet, EightySix, Roasters. That’s pretty much outside my front door.
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Craig Meggs is just one part of the talented team getting ready for Fashfest from Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 May at the National Convention Centre. Click here to buy tickets.
