St Albans: Street Barber hopes to create safe space for men

During his 22-year career with Royal Mail, Colin Shipton, 48, began balancing posting parcels and cutting hair in Shoreditch, attempting to become a full-time barber.

Since his training, Colin decided to leave his post and has taken his barbering on the road through company Street Barber.

Colin poses with his barbering van. (Image: Street Barber) “At the start of this year, I purchased a full-furnished hairdresser’s van from former company TRIM-IT and began cutting on the move around Hertfordshire,” he said,

Using TRIM-IT’s initiative and lockdown haircuts as inspiration, he began trimming on the move around Kings Langley, Apsley Abbots Langley, Chipperfield and the surrounding villages.

Now covering St Albans three days a week, Colin wishes to become a barbering hub for people to speak their mind.

“It would be nice to create a community feel, it’s a small and cosy safe space for people to talk, especially men who don’t talk enough.”

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Colin also highlighted how beneficial the service can be for the elderly and people with autism.

He added: “For elderly people who can’t get out its a godsend as I can turn up to their doorstep. 

“In the past, it has been great for autistic children too, as they aren’t always happy to go into a barbershops surrounded by lots of people.”

The van is equipped with all of Colin’s barbering needs. (Image: Street Barber) The barber assured that the van is all kitted out, including two lithium batteries, a fully heated interior, full electrical work and air conditioning.

It is not always plain sailing for the 48-year-old though, as he described the “slow process” of picking up clients and finding regular work.

“It’s not easy,” he said. “You have to build from the ground up. Most of the time it’s word of mouth or aided by posting on social media like Facebook.”

And by going to everyone’s door Colin assured not every experience is a good one.

He said: “I’ve had a few weird situations, once I was held hostage by a dog at the end of a track on the way to a farmhouse, it was barking forever and wouldn’t let me through to my client!

“Safe to say there was pressure on that hair cut, as it eventually let me through but didn’t take its eyes off me.”

Street Barber cuts under 16s and over 65’s for £18. Adults pay £22.50 and skin fades are offered for £25.

For those thinking of having a mobile cut, Colin said: “You don’t have to go anywhere, I can come straight to your house, in parking places or in offices at any time of the day. 

“My service is perfect for anyone that’s time-deprived and needs ease and convenience.”

To book Street Barber contact 07907013655 and the opening times are below:

• Monday: 10.30am -7.30pm
• Wednesday: 10.30am-7.30pm
• Friday: 10am -5.30pm