INTERVIEW WITH QUILIS

From a disastrous haircut in his teens to becoming one of the most authentic barbers in Valencia. That's Víctor Quilis, the rebellious soul of Quilis Barber in Carcaixent (Valencia), a barbershop where haircuts have attitude, hair dye knows no limits, and old school style sounds like good rock music. In this interview, he opens the doors to his world:

1. How did your passion for barbering come about?

From a very young age, I was mesmerized watching the barber in my town wielding his scissors. It was incredible how, with just a few snips, he could completely transform anyone.

When I was 14, I got such a disastrous haircut that I refused to go to school with that hairstyle. So I locked myself in the bathroom, grabbed a pair of sewing scissors, and set about fixing the mess. My family was outside waiting for the disaster, but against all odds, it didn't turn out too bad. And that's how I started my journey as a barber.

2. What do you like most about being a barber?

In general, I like everything about barbering, but hanging out with my clients as if they were friends in the park, while they trust me to manipulate their hair as if it were my own, is something that makes this profession very enjoyable.

3. What do your barbershop customers value most?

I would say that the old-school style, accompanied by good rock ‘n’ roll, is what sets me apart the most. And maintaining that essence in the barbershop, regardless of the fads that come and go.

4. How do you see the world of barbering today?

I think we are at a very advanced point where, every day, men are taking better care of themselves. Now people dare to try colors, designs, extravagant styles, and a thousand other crazy things, without anyone looking at them strangely on the street. We have to take advantage of this moment and always stay up to date, because the challenge is going to become more and more demanding.

5. What is the best advice you have ever received, and what would you say to a barber who is just starting out?

“Don't let anyone guide you, and show your style just as you are.”

Keep learning, show everyone that you are confident in what you do, be friendly and provide quality service to your customers, and you will already have 50% of your work done.

6. What is the most challenging thing about working with bleaching and dyeing?

I like challenges and I'm always willing to take them on. I never say no to a color. But when you have long, coal-black hair and you have to turn it white, it can be a big challenge to make sure the client isn't disappointed and that it doesn't turn yellow.

7. What's the craziest thing you've done with dyes?

I couldn't say which was the craziest, but I've done leopard prints, multicolored stripes, Martians, various crazy designs for the Tomorrowland festival using almost every color in the rainbow, a fuchsia red mohawk over a foot long, etc.

I hope they keep sending me crazy requests like that because I always enjoy them so much.

8. Favorite Beardburys product and why

Hover volumizing powder, because it's what I've used the most and it gives the best results and finish. And everyone loves it!

9. What encouraged you to take part in the #EscapeFromRules challenge?

Its innovation in getting professionals and customers involved on social media, changing the concept of being the perfect guy to bring out the more roguish side.

10. And finally, what is your goal for this year?

I have many goals in life, but this year I would be more than happy to expand the team a little more.