Meet Jordan Tabakman, the lead educator for Andis in Australia and find out about his journey in the barbering industry.
Why and how did you decide to be in this profession?
When I got out of school I tried working in a gym as a trainer but did not enjoy it much. So I started looking out for inspiration and I thought of my father. He owns three barber shops in Melbourne and hence tried my hand at barbering. I got myself enrolled in a school and was there for 13 to 14 hours a day. And now finally I’m here. I believe it is the best decision I have ever made.
Where did you get your training?
I went to a hairdressing school in Melbourne called BIBA Academy. My father went to the same school as well, and it just felt it was the right place to go to.
How has the journey been so far for you?
It’s been an incredible journey so far. Here in India I have met 600 to 700 people and have interacted with some of the best hairstylists. From start to finish it’s been amazing.
What are you doing presently?
A month ago I actually took the decision of getting into education full-time. I was not happy just working in a barber shop cutting hair. I followed my passion of helping others get
better at their craft and here I am. I’m much happier now than I was before.
How was it being a finalist in the American Crew All Star Challenge for 2 years in a row?
When they called and told me I was in the top 4, it was surreal. It was a fantastic feeling. For the first year I worked on textured hair of a Caucasian model and the next year I worked on
Afro hair, which actually stood out. I believe it is important to stay one step ahead of the trend.
Your views on the importance of education?
The foundation to everything is education. Fashion and hairstyles keep changing around the world and if we are one step behind in our knowledge then we are one step behind in
the industry. The way we develop ourselves is through education.
What is the most challenging aspect of your career?
Being away from family. It’s not easy.
What elements in the job do you enjoy the most?
Educating and helping people grow and get better is what i enjoy most. In my classes I try and teach something that hasn’t been seen or taught before. And when I see my students getting excited and trying the same on their models/clients, it just inspires me to keep going.
What is your suggestion for new make-up artists and hairdressers?
Do what makes you happy, be it beauty or hair. Get yourself enrolled in a class or academy. Initially you might find it tough, but once you get through the first few weeks, everything just clicks.
Which brands do you use?
I use Andis professional clippers for all my haircuts. One of my personal favourite is the Andis Master Cordless Clipper, one of the most iconic and powerful clipper. In hairstyling
products, I am mostly open to trying new and different products. A few brand preferences are Evo haircare products, Redken Brews, American Crew and Upper Cut.
How difficult/easy is to deal with stars?
I have worked with a lot of Australian sport stars – footballers, NBA players like Dante Exum and Aron Baynes and tennis stars like Nick Kyrgios. I get along really well with all of them because I treat them like any other human being and not like superstars, and they really like that.
Any advice for our readers who are also salon professionals?
Look around for inspiration through social media and magazines. Constantly keep practicing to get better and attend as many seminars and educational workshops as you can.
What is your USP?
Everything I do is 100 percent real. I am genuinely here to share knowledge and help people in my industry.
