#barbering

The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day by Raúl the Third. Colors by Elaine Bay. Little, Brown, and Company, 2025. 9780316528689. 126pp.

Raúl the Third's dedication is really all you need to know about this graphic novel:

"I drew this book pretending I was the Fleischer brothers, UB Iwerks, Bernie Wrightson, and Osamu Tezuka. Thanks for the inspiration!"

(The most amazing thing about The Snips is that the influence of each of the above artists is clear in one way or another.)

Scissors City is where the five barbers known as The Snips tackle hairtastrophes. They have their own museum, a world-famous H.Q., and celebrities come from all over the world to get their signature hairdos. Each has a particular set of skills, and they're going to need them all to face the family of G. Paw Buzzington, inventor of the Buzzitron 2000, and the man who once held the world record at 524 haircuts in a day. The Snips took that record, but with the original Buzzitron 2000 in hand and the Unruly Hairthing to set loose in the city, Buzzington's heirs are sure they can get the world record back.

This story's energy is insane. This superhero-ish haircutting adventure is non-stop, the art feels both new and nostalgic, and I just could not put the book down. Bonus: I even learned a bit of Spanish.

𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚓𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜

𝙼𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚊𝚕

The Cutting Edge: A Glimpse into the Future of Barbering in 2050

The barbering industry has evolved significantly over the years, and with technological advancements in the beauty industry, it is likely that barbering will continue to evolve, bringing forth new trends and innovations in the coming decades.

In the year 2050, we can expect barbering to become a highly personalised experience, with barbers employing advanced technologies to create bespoke looks for each individual client. Barbers may utilise advanced AI algorithms that take into account factors such as facial structure, hair texture, and skin tone to provide highly tailored haircuts and grooming services.

In addition, we may see the use of augmented reality technology, where clients can see a virtual representation of themselves with different haircuts and styles. This technology would allow clients to experiment with different looks before committing to a particular style, ensuring that they are satisfied with the final result.

Another trend that we might see in the future of barbering is the rise of eco-friendly and sustainable practices. With increasing concerns about climate change, more and more consumers are seeking out sustainable and environmentally conscious products and services. In response to this, barbershops may begin to adopt sustainable practices such as using natural and organic hair care products, reducing waste, and incorporating renewable energy sources.

The future of barbering may also include the use of robotics and automation. Automated haircutting machines and robotic arms that can trim hair with precision and accuracy may become more prevalent in the industry. This technology could help barbers to work more efficiently, allowing them to serve more clients in a shorter amount of time.

Finally, we may see a shift towards barbershops becoming more community-oriented spaces. In the past, barbershops have served as important community hubs, providing a place for people to gather, socialise, and share stories. In the future, barbershops may become even more integral to the fabric of our communities, with barbers playing a more significant role in supporting local businesses, promoting social justice, and fostering connections among people from all walks of life.

Thanks, friend!--it's absolutely true. I used to think this passion of mine was weird. I'm getting used to the fact that it's an unusual gift that lots of us possess. and am glad we can connect on that level.