Popular masked barber, well known as ‘’Unknown Barber’’, has been shaving for seven years and has recently gained popularity owing to his style of work.
While at work, the barber puts on a black mask which has since become his signature look. In a past interview with the Nation, the barber, who currently works at Empire Barbershop in Mombasa town, disclosed that his style of work started like a joke during the covid 19 pandemic.
“The idea of wearing the mask came at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. I knew people would not pay so much attention to it because the government had directed compulsory wearing of face masks,”
“It started as a joke. I never knew it would be serious to a point that I would one day withhold my official name from people,” he said.
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The barber never takes off his mask in public, and he commutes to work by private means. He also does not go to public places to avoid being arrested. While at work, he only takes juice only.
The barber, whose real name remains unknown, further told the Nation that he never went to school to take a beauty-related course, but his clients describe him as pure talent.
In a recent interview with Oga Obinna, he said he was introduced to shaving by his brother when they were both students at the Nairobi Technical Training Institute.
They would shave during the day and study during the night to avoid being idle. With time people started to love his work thanks to his talent in art.
His service also warmed the heart of his employer, who offered him a job at the Empire Barbershop in Mombasa.
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“I was working in Nairobi as a barber before I came to Mombasa for greener pastures. My current employer, Mintos, was a frequent visitor to my former workplace. Although he was not my client or friend, he one day approached me and asked if I could be his barber at a new shop he was opening,” he said.
In Mombasa, the unknown barber disclosed that he shaved a local businessman who offered Ksh 100,000 for his services. He currently charges Sh 100,000 to offer home services within Mombasa. For home services outside Mombasa, he charges at least Ksh 300,000.
“This will take care of transport services among other miscellaneous. I also have a huge team behind me, including my personal manager,” he explained.
