Paul Lesnik of Headcase Barbers 1 Dec 2021
#SpotlightOn Paul Lesnik of Headcase Barbers
There’s never a bad hair day at top-notch barbers Headcase on Holywell Hill.
Bringing the traditional barber image into the 21st century, Headcase offers more than just an ordinary barbershop experience. Owner Paul Lesnik opened the doors of this cool brand 7 years ago and to celebrate its birthday on 1st December, we caught up with him to find out the secret to his success!
Why did you choose St Albans to open your barbers?
I love this town. I grew up here and think it is one of the best places to live. Everyone who works here was also born in St Albans and we want to play our part in making the high street an attractive, vibrant place with an array of great quality products and services on offer.
Tell me more about the Headcase brand?
I worked in salons for 11 years and had been looking for an opportunity to start my own business. The Headcase brand started in 2000 and as I was keen to focus on haircuts for men Headcase was perfect for me. We were the ninth shop to open in the franchise and I especially liked the fact that the franchise model still allows me to run my shop as an independent business. Everything we do from opening times to products and pricing are my decision so although we are part of a large international brand, I can put my own stamp on everything we do.
Who would I find in the barber’s seat on a Saturday afternoon?
Anyone from 2 years old to 70! We also cut women’s hair as we were all trained hairdressers before becoming barbers and understand length, shape and softer styles – it’s not just clippers here! Saying that, our typical customers are males aged 25-45 years who work in London and live local.
Tell us more about living in St Albans
I am passionate about St Albans and enjoy being an active member of the community. I maintain strong links with my old school, Verulam Boys School, and offer work experience to boys thinking of becoming a barber. Plus, for those who decide it’s the vocation for them, we have an apprenticeship scheme and can train them to become a professional barber. I want this town to be the best it can be, and my friends tell me I should become a councillor. Maybe I will one day – I just don’t have the time right now!
What sets Headcase apart from the rest?
Our customer service for sure. We are very client focussed and many have been coming back to us for years. We enjoy catching up on their news and talking sport and music, but if they want to relax, they are very welcome enjoy a beer in one of our comfy barber chairs and listen to tunes on the sound system. Making our clients feel welcome is our priority as well as offering a quality haircut. Our team is friendly, professional and passionate about barbering and we simply want our customers to enjoy their experience with us.
What services do you offer?
We offer all the traditional barber services for hair from short back and sides using clippers to bespoke scissor work. If you want a complete restyle, I guarantee you’ll walk out of here with a sharp new style which exceeds expectations. When it comes to beards, we can trim to suit your face shape and will make sure minimal upkeep is required.
How will you be celebrating your 7-year birthday on 1st December?
I’m planning a birthday and Christmas combined celebration with a mix of cocktails, beers and music. No date yet but watch this space, it will be a fun night!
What products are hot right now?
We stock all the latest products, including Fudge, a long-standing favourite of our clients, and Upper Cut, an Australian brand which has great products in cool packaging for hair and beards. We also have salt sprays, pastes, blow dry sprays, powders and beard foams. It’s worth stopping by to browse our shelves as they make great stocking fillers.
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
Christmas is fast approaching and hopefully there will be events, parties and family gatherings once again so the team will be busy cutting and styling the heads and beards of locals! Headcase always comes first for me, but when I get time off over Christmas I will spend it with family, eating delicious festive food and sitting down for a change. I’ve got lots of ideas for 2021 and look forward to working with the team to grow our client base and continue to make an active contribution to daily life in St Albans.
To book an appointment visit: www.headcase-barbers.com/st-albans
Address: 12 Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1BZ