By Simmie Harper
How did the concept of an eighties horror-themed barber shop come about, and what inspired its creation in North Shields? Can you tell us a bit about the person behind Artful Barber?
I set up Artful Barber in 2013. I’ve always wanted a shop that stands out and catches the eye of passers by as I see it as an opportunity to get really creative. I’ve loved horror movies since I was kid and I started collecting merch and memorabilia around 2020. My collection got quite big quite quickly and so I brought a few things in from home to my shop (which was at the time in Cullercoats). My customers really liked the masks and posters that I brought in and they were a great conversation starter. Which got me thinking maybe I could plan a whole horror themed shop. My favourite horror movies are from the 80’s and 90’s and being born in the 80’s it seemed fitting to go with that theme. I really needed a shop that was accessible and so I started to look for a ground floor shop with no stairs. That’s when I heard about the regeneration plans for North Shields so I thought it would be great time to relocate there. I grew up around North Shields and went to school here so I knew the area fairly well. Then I found the perfect spot on Bedford Terrace. I am part of the lgbtq+ community and as such I saw a need for a safe welcoming space for people to come and get a haircut with no awkward questions, or worse being turned away, because of their assumed gender (which has happened to me and many of my clients). I have worked hard to ensure my shop is safe and accessible for anyone and everyone.
Could you share some examples of the unique memorabilia and decorations found within the Artful Barber, and is there a story behind this?
My favourite pieces in the shop are probably my Chucky dolls. They get the most attention and people either love them or hate them.
I also have some signed memorabilia such as noodle boxes signed by the Lost Boys and a ghost face mask signed by Skeet and Matt from the first Scream movie. They’re also some of my favourite items.
How does the Artful Barber distinguish itself from other barber shops , both in terms of its services and price?
Artful Barber is different from other barbers as we pride ourselves on serving the LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse communities. We have a wheelchair accessible cutting station. We offer quiet appointments for those who find the experience overwhelming and dogs are more than welcome since a lot of my clients feel having their best friends with them help keep them calm. We regularly take part in community events offering “pay as you feel”, haircuts and our shop price-list is gender neutral so customers pay for the service provided regardless of gender. We don’t offer men’s or women’s haircuts. We just do haircuts.
What has been your most memorable experience or interaction at the shop, and why did it stand out to you?
I couldn’t chose one stand alone experience as we always get such amazing feedback from our clients. We are praised on making them feel safe and accepted and free to ask for the haircut they really want, not the haircut the barber thinks they should have based on gender stereotypes. It’s truly heartwarming to see a clients face light up when they see their new haircut, and being part of someone’s journey is not something I take lightly. I am so grateful people put their trust in me each time, although it does make me sad that this is not easily found in other barber shops or salons.
Why do you love North Shields?
I love the community vibe of North Shields. I have met some of the most genuinely friendly and helpful people I’ve ever known since being in North Shields.
Suppose the Artful Barber shop started offering haircuts inspired by famous horror movie characters. Which character’s hairstyle would you offer?
We love mullets at Artful Barber so that’s an easy one it would have been David’s classic bleached mullet off The Lost Boys.
Do you have any upcoming events you would like to share with us?
I will be cutting hair at Sheffield Horrorcon in May and Luna Horror Market (in costume) in June in Newcastle.
Instagram @artful_barber
4 Bedford Terrace, North Shields
Appointments via artfulbarber.booksy.com
