Achieving Mastery: Proraso
After earning his Master Barber title from the Scapicchio family, placing him among a mere sixteen elite barbers globally, Stijn wasn’t ready to rest on his laurels. This year, he ventured to Florence to achieve another coveted title at Proraso, making him one of the few individuals worldwide to hold both distinctions. Talk about commitment to the craft.
The Rigorous Selection Process
Let’s start with some context: the selection process at Proraso is no joke. They pick only six barbers from a pool of international applicants. Just fifty master barbers worldwide have the authority to confer the Proraso Master Barber title, so this is some exclusive company.
In Florence, Stijn and five other chosen barbers embarked on an intensive 7-day training regimen. This wasn’t just about learning to shave—these were already top-tier professionals. The training covered everything from honing and restoring straight razors, perfecting shaving techniques, and towel handling to shop management, product knowledge, and advanced skincare. This was about refining the fine details that separate good barbers from the true masters.
The Barber is Back
The training kicked off in Pisa, where Stijn revisited BISB (The Barber is Back) in Lucca under the guidance of Master Barber Andrea Cottone. This phase was a deep dive into the art of the straight razor shave, focusing intensely on the craft’s finer points.
Barbers were encouraged not only to understand how techniques worked but also why they worked. They were constantly challenged to expand their knowledge. A highlight was a surprise visit to Scarpino, Tuscany’s renowned knife-making city, where they toured Fontani’s impressive forge and factory—one of the few places still producing new straight razors. Stijn found this experience so profound that he intends to share detailed insights in a separate blog post, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all artisanal crafts, akin to the passion and expertise of those who masterfully roast coffee beans.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
Next up was Florence for the second phase of training. This wasn’t about teaching basic shaving or beard trimming techniques—these guys already had that down. Instead, Proraso aimed to push these top barbers out of their comfort zones, questioning conventional practices and exploring innovative methodologies. The welcoming committee included Stefano Lippi, Proraso’s manager, and Anthony Berriola, Proraso’s second master barber based in Boston.
To assess Stijn’s shaving prowess, he was immediately tasked with shaving the owner of Blues Barber Shop in Florence using his straight razors. Known for his sensitive skin, Valerio Imperiale entrusted only professional barbers to shave him due to previous discomfort. Stijn succeeded in bringing a smile to Valerio’s face, inducing a sense of serene relaxation—a testament to his growing expertise.
The Hat of Johnny Depp
Each day started with theoretical lectures on the history, skin anatomy, towel utilization techniques, optimal shaving practices for sensitive skin, and maintaining ideal towel temperatures. This specialized and detailed approach left Stijn contemplating how to integrate this valuable knowledge into ROMAIN.
Proraso’s management had an unexpected treat in store—a workshop with Matteo Gioli from Superduper, renowned for crafting hats for celebrities like Johnny Depp. Learning the artisanal process of hat-making added another layer of passion and craftsmanship to the experience—a delightful homage to traditional artistry.
Under Examination
The final test day arrived, demanding barbers demonstrate their assimilation of knowledge through precise haircuts and shaves. Clients were invited to provide honest feedback, and Stijn was filmed to evaluate his elegance, efficiency, and practical knowledge. Every touch, gesture, and interaction with the client was scrutinized.
Following the intense practical assessment, a written exam of fifty questions within thirty minutes awaited. The suspense was palpable as this phase saw candidates being turned away based on performance.
Confidence in their craftsmanship bolstered their spirits, and whispers of excellence reinforced their belief. Stijn successfully clinched the coveted Proraso Master Barber title, armed with newfound insights to further elevate customer care standards at ROMAIN and compete on a global scale.
Sharing the Knowledge
Back at The Shave Studio, Stijn is eager to share his newfound knowledge and passion. His journey from apprentice to master has enriched not only his career but also the community of shaving enthusiasts who seek the refined artistry and timeless elegance of the Scapicchio and Proraso Methods.
Exploring the Scapicchio and Proraso Methods
For those curious about the Scapicchio and Proraso Methods and eager to delve deeper into these centuries-old traditions, we invite you to explore our website. Discover upcoming course dates and flexible learning options, whether you prefer in-person training or online education. Our courses are designed to accommodate your journey into the world of traditional Italian barbering, offering a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and cultural heritage that define these methods.
In the end…
Stijn’s journey with the Scapicchio family and Proraso exemplifies the dedication and passion required to achieve mastery in the art of barbering. His story is a testament to the enduring legacy of these methods, traditions that continue to inspire and elevate the standards of shaving and barbering worldwide.
Join us at The Shave Studio as we celebrate this remarkable achievement and continue to honor the timeless craft of barbering.
