Wales’ best wet-shave barber is bike-mad woman

A WOMAN from Gwynedd has been crowned Wales’ best wet shaving barber for the second year running.

Sophie Collins, left, owner of Soph’s Barbers in Llanbedr, Ardudwy, beat competition from scores of talented barbers at Britain’s Best Shave 2018 Welsh regional final.

The razor-sharp 26-year-old impressed judges at the competition in Griffithstown, Pontypool, for her shave prepara- tion, razor technique, post-shave routine, health and safety and overall efficiency.

As well as winning the coveted title, Sophie will now go on to compete in the national final against seven top barbers at this year’s Barber UK.

Sophie said she was delighted to retain the Welsh title, but was determined to go one step further this year and win the British crown.

“I got to the national final in 2017 but I was narrowly beaten, which I will never forget,” she said. “It was a great experience but this time I want to bring the title back to Wales. I’m very confident I can achieve this and it would be amazing to put both Wales and Gwynedd truly on the barbering map.”

Barbering is one of two passions for biker Sophie, who has been nicknamed “The Cut Throat Racer” because of her love for motorbike racing.

Trevor Studd, director of competition organisers the British Barbers’ Association, said: “Men are looking after themselves a lot more and have finally realised that the barber or a dedicated male grooming operation is the best place to go to get a decent haircut. There is also rising demand for hot towel shaves and beard trims, and barbers have fully tapped into offering these services.”