Por Vida Barbering

I met Lars a while ago. He works TATUATA and although I’ve always been friendly with the shop, I’m convinced it’s his Flemish heritage that connects us. I’m fairly certain my ancestry comes from that strange Dutch-Belgian corner of the world too.
Recently he tattooed me. I quite literally snored through most of it.
The tattoo itself fills a gap I’ve had since 2011. One of those spaces that never felt unfinished enough to rush, but never quite felt complete either.
Sometimes tattoos become more than the images we choose to wear. Sometimes they become stories.
This one says Hyvästi, a very Finnish word. A permanent goodbye.
I wanted it for reasons I couldn’t really explain at first. But if you asked me honestly, I think it was my way of saying goodbye to a lot of pain. Not forgetting it. Not pretending it never happened. Just finally letting it leave with a little more grace than it arrived.
Thanks, Lars. Some tattoos stay under the skin for reasons that have nothing to do with the ink.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: school is cool.
I’m glad I stepped away from the comfort of repetition and familiarity. There’s something special about putting yourself back in a position to learn, seeing things through someone else’s eyes, taking new ideas, mixing them with old tricks, and finding fresh ways to approach the craft.
The Old School Academy in Rotterdam will always be one of my favourite places. Rotterdam itself always feels like home. No nonsense, no inflated egos, just honest people, bitterballen, and a genuine love for the trade.
I spend plenty of time moaning about things, but every now and then I catch myself cutting hair on autopilot and realise that somewhere along the line, after literally 10000 haircuts, the hard lessons became natural skills.
Growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s just being willing to stay a student, even after all these years.
Never stop learning.

Texture is fun, but texture without movement can leave long hair feeling a little flat.
A little grease worked through textured hair helps separate, define and encourage movement while adding just enough weight to keep everything flowing naturally. The result is hair that feels alive rather than static.
Scissors all over for softness, with a little extra attention around the ear to create some silhouette nuance and keep things interesting from every angle.
Just good hair and good fun.

I love texture. Who doesn't?
A few sprays of Reuzel Surf Tonic for grit, volume and that lived-in feel, followed by Clay Matte Pomade for control without sacrificing movement. The result? Texture for days, natural finish, and hair that looks styled without looking like it tried too hard.
If it looks a little messy but somehow perfect, that's exactly the point.

'Don't forget you're here forever' - The Simpsons, 1995.
I’m not smiling much nowadays. I’m tired. Physically and emotionally drained, sick, and permanently carrying a sadness that’s difficult to explain.
Barbering means a lot to me because underneath the business, the long hours, and the conversations, I know what it feels like to hurt. Truly hurt.
And maybe that’s why I care so much about making people feel good about themselves when they sit in my chair. Even when I’m struggling, your confidence, your smile, your moment of feeling better about yourself — that matters to me more than anything.
I hurt. But I’m used to hurting.
Your joy is still what I aim for. Supporting you keeps me going and for that, I'm grateful to have you as clients.

It’s always a strange thing to meet someone you first know through social media. You get familiar with the online version of them before ever shaking hands in real life.
But when I met this moustached mister, we hit it off immediately.
Say hi to — psychobilly lovin’, haircut givin’, good-time bringin’ kinda guy. Thanks for hanging out, brother. I’ve got a feeling this won’t be the last time our paths cross 🍻

I met Paul back in ’22 during the Scumbassador teaching week I was invited to be part of. Four years later, we got the chance to catch up again — this time here in Finland, where he was invited to teach a room full of hungry barbers looking to learn from someone with a lot to offer.
It was fun, friendly, and a solid reminder that even though we’re all in the same business chasing those big bucks… or euros in this case… we’re also part of a community. And that’s the important part.
Thanks for the time Paul, to & for getting this fun chappy chap out. It was a blast.
Also, - i did say I'd heckle you; but asking 1000 questions was a greater way to feel inspired whilst annoying you simultaneously. You're a good sport.
Lastly, to the entire IG familiar crew of barbers I finally got to meet - thank you; you're all so pleasant. Tag yourself in the comments if you'd like.

Story time – Yoots of today, don't do what 'Uncle Ronnie Don't' does... Or did.
Back in 2006 I grew my first moustache to get into bars underage…
Now I grow it because it deserves a healthier revival.
Back then? Questionable decisions.
Now? Precision, control, and a tin of 'The Stache' Mustache Wax keeping everything locked in.
5/10 hold with a natural finish—no shine, just pure authority.
Orange peel & spearmint… smells fresher than my fake ID ever did.
From sneaking into bars… to styling handlebars. Swipe for the whiskers...

If it were any closer, Uncle Ronnie might just move in.
Ten doors down from Por Vida Barbering sits Cafe Bar No. 9—keeping Uncle Ronnie well-fed and firmly in his chunker era (yes, still vegan 🌱).
Big portions? Always, they're delicious.
Super size option? Of course, if you like.
Booze, no booze, coffee? Say less, they got you.
They’ve got everything covered, and somehow always hit the spot. The staff? Questionable… but friendly enough to keep you coming back. No, really; they're great.
Well recommended by Por Vida Barbering.

Feeling a little snake print, feeling a lot myself. 🐍
Flamboyant, unapologetic, and definitely having fun with it.
I genuinely have so much fun dressing up — playing with textures, prints, and pieces that feel loud, bold, and right. Some days you blend in — other days you shed skin, step out, and let the outfit do the talking. Dressing up isn’t serious… it’s joy.